Shawn Marie Graybeal-Sellers

As the temperatures start dropping, I start wanting something warm from the oven. Fall baking makes the kitchen feel cozy, and a dish of cranberry apple crumble is a delicious way to welcome the season. Tender apples, tart cranberries, and a buttery topping—just add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Some desserts feel right at home on a ranch kitchen table. This cranberry apple crumble is one I can imagine Carrie Donovan pulling from the oven as everyone gathers for dinner. With tender apples, tart cranberries, and a buttery topping, it needs little more than a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I rediscovered this recipe while browsing my old blog, where I shared it in 2012. I no longer remember its original source, but it seemed like a lovely one to bring back for fall—and to give a home in Carrie’s fictional kitchen.

Serves: 6–8
Oven temperature: 375°F
Baking time: About 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the crumble topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup cold butter, cut into small pieces

For the fruit filling:

• 6 cups peeled apples, sliced about ½ inch thick
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for the topping. Work in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture forms small, roughly pea-sized crumbs. You can also use a food processor, pulsing briefly until crumbly.
3. Place the sliced apples and cranberries in a large bowl.
4. In a small bowl, stir together the orange juice, remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, and cornstarch. Pour over the fruit and toss to coat.
5. Transfer the fruit mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the fruit.
6. Bake for about 40 minutes, until the filling bubbles and the topping is golden brown. Check that the apples are tender before removing it from the oven.
7. Let cool slightly, then serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

A little sweet, a little tart, and especially good when the ice cream starts melting into the warm fruit.