Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Cranberry-Apple Crisp with Nut Crumble

Cranberry-Apple Crisp with Nut Crumble

Autumn’s most popular fruits make this a festive dessert

Apples and cranberries are both autumn icons. So why not set them up for a date?

They get along beautifully in this dish: Cranberry ting enlivens apple mellowness. And baking concentrates their flavors, bringing out the best in both.

With Thanksgiving coming up soon, you’ll want to add this dish to the menu. Your guests will gobble it up.


Cranberry-Apple Crisp with Nut Crumble


Recipe: Cranberry-Apple Crisp with Nut Crumble

Crisps (called crumbles in the UK and Australia) are similar to cobblers. But instead of using a biscuit topping, a crisp typically is topped with streusel – a crumbly mixture of butter, flour, and sugar.

This crisp recipe is adapted from one that appeared in the November 2001 issue of Bon Appétit. The original recipe called for adding uncooked oats to the streusel topping. But Mrs. Kitchen Riffs – the dessert maven in our household – prefers to use walnuts instead (an idea she also used in our recipe for Walnut Apple Crisp). We think nuts provide better texture, and richer flavor.

Prep time for this recipe is about 30 minutes. Baking adds another hour or so. You may also want to let the crisp stand for at least 30 minutes before cutting, so it has time to firm up.

This dish serves 8 to 10. Leftovers keep well for a few days if refrigerated in an airtight container (you can also freeze them, in which case they will keep for at least a month or two).

Ingredients

For the nut crumble:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups walnuts or pecans, chopped
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into pieces
For the cranberry-apple base:
  • 3 to 4 pounds apples (see Notes)
  • 1½ to 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • zest and juice of one large orange 
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
For the (optional) garnish:
  • Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and/or cooked cranberries
Cranberry-Apple Crisp with Nut Crumble

Notes
  • Peel the apples or not? We usually don’t. The peels add extra flavor and texture, which we like. But peel away if you wish.
  • What type of apple to use? Whatever you have on hand. If you have a choice, though, it’s best to use apples that retain their shape and texture when baked. We used a mixture of Gala and Golden Delicious.
  • BTW, Golden Delicious apples are very different from their similarly named red counterparts. Goldens have much more flavor and savor. The red variety? Kinda blah, in our opinion.
  • A traditional streusel topping contains only flour, butter, and sugar (plus maybe some spice). It’s tasty stuff, but doesn’t have enough structure to hold its shape on top of the apples as they soften during baking. That’s why many recipes for crisps call for adding oats – they add texture to the streusel.
  • But they don’t add much flavor. So we prefer chopped nuts, especially walnuts or pecans (either goes well with apples). They’re tasty and attractive, and retain their shape when baked.
  • Baking powder loses its potency over time, so check the expiration date. We replace ours once a year, buying fresh baking powder when the time changes in the autumn (this helps us remember to do it).
  • We always use kosher salt for cooking/baking. Because kosher salt is more coarse than regular table salt, it’s less salty by volume. If you’re using regular table salt, start with about half as much as we specify.
  • We often serve this dish neat, without garnish. But whipped cream and vanilla ice cream both make dandy additions. Or you can add a few cooked cranberries: Heat the cranberries in a small saucepan, adding some sugar to glaze them (and sweeten them – cranberries are pretty tart on their own).
Cranberry-Apple Crisp with Nut Crumble

Far from the Tree

“So we did Spiced Hot Apple Cider with Rum last week, and now this week we’re doing Cranberry-Apple Crisp with Nut Crumble,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “Maybe we should change our name to The Blog Apple.”

“Well, you can’t have too many apples this time of year,” I said. “And the cranberries add a nice touch.”

“Notice I included an orange in the recipe?” said Mrs K R. “Proving that you can in fact mix apples and oranges.”

“You’re a berry good baker,” I said.

“And you’re an apple polisher,” said Mrs K R.

“Of course,” I said. “I’m hoping that flattery will get me another helping of this crisp.”

“Why not?” said Mrs K R. “I wouldn’t mind a second bite of the apple.”

You may also enjoy reading about:
Walnut Apple Crisp
Walnut Roll Cake
Sweet Potato Pie with Walnut Crust
No-Churn Pumpkin SPice Ice Cream
Peach Cobbler
Rum-Frosted Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Or check out the index for more

76 comments:

Mae Travels said...

Great idea -- crumble/crisp/cobbler/buckle/slump/pandowny..... Whatever you call these fruit things they are marvelous! I've made very similar ones to this, with either oats or nuts. I like to mix apples that stay firm with the ones that mush up, for a contrast in textures. ALL GOOD!

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, don't you love all the different names for baked fruit desserts? I can't decide if slump or grunt is my favorite. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

Love that it only takes 30 minutes to prep and those beautiful cranberries on top!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, take less time than that to eat, though. :D Thanks for the comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

I often put both nuts and oats in my crumbles for lots of texture. Apples and cranberries are such a great combo and this recipe has me craving a comforting warm dessert ... with ice cream on top :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, hard to go wrong with an ice cream hat on any dessert. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen said...

I can't get enough of the apple cranberry combo! This looks SOOOO good!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelise, it's a great combo of flavors, isn't it? Love it! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Judy@SavoringToday said...

This is just the right flavors for fall and a simple dessert anytime. I love using the leftovers for yogurt or oatmeal topping too. Mmm.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judy, great idea for how to use the leftovers! Thanks for the comment.

Vicki Bensinger said...

Isn’t this a nice changed from Apple or blue wet crisps. I’m sure my family would love this.

Savor the Best-Pat said...

Great recipe, John...I am always looking for new ideas to include cranberries other than the typical sauce served with the turkey. Thanks :)

Unknown said...

I love a good crisp (crumble) and wish I could get my hands on fresh cranberries. We only have dried cranberries at the moment which are delicious nonetheless. It's a great idea to add walnuts instead of the oats. Have a lovely day!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, bet they would! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, it's for exactly that reason we decided to do this recipe! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcellina, fresh (or frozen) cranberries are SO good! Although dried ones can be nice, too. Thanks for the comment.

Dahn @savorthebest said...

Oh this is a dangerous thing to have around me. I can never have just one serving!! I love a good apple crisp. One with cranberries is even better. I don't usually peel the apples either, I like the peel just fine!!

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

I can relate to the term 'crumble' since I live in Ozland most of the year. Good idea to add apples and a bit of orange juice to the recipe since cranberries can be quite tart. This is one of those dishes I can't stop eating once i get started!

Deb|EastofEdenCooking said...

I've made a double crust apple cranberry pie and although it quickly disappeared, I like the idea of a sweet and crunchy topping instead of that second crust. Cranberries are very tangy and would benefit from the streusel topping. And nuts in desserts are always a good thing. A wonderful autumn dessert!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dahn, apple crisp IS awfully dangerous, isn't it? :D Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, we can't stop eating it, either. Don't tell anyone, but apple crisp also makes a great breakfast. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, the nuts really work well in this! Although I'd never say no to a double crust pie. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Hotly Spiced said...

As soon as I saw the image I immediately thought this would be a terrific dish to serve on Thanksgiving (not that I have ever been to a Thanksgiving dinner!) The colours are gorgeous and I think the cranberries with the apples is a wonderful combination xx

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Charlie, you'd like a Thanksgiving dinner! Actually, much like a Christmas dinner, at least at our house. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

Nothing like a good crumble and this one looks very likeable! The crumble is always my favorite part. And that's the way the cookie crumbles!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, :-) The crumble is always my favorite part, too! Thanks for the comment.

Angie's Recipes said...

Anything with crumble and nuts is a WINNER in my book, John. This looks so tempting!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, nuts are wonderful in a crumble topping! Great flavor, nice texture. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Denise Browning said...

Oh, my! I am a fan of crumbles and this is perfect for the upcoming holiday. Easy and delish!!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, easy and delish speaks to us. :-) Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

THIS LOOKS LIKE A TOTAL HOLIDAY STAPLEEEEEEE!! I'm thinking I need to "borrow" this recipe.... For Thanksgiving this year!

Lydia from Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen said...

What a nice touch with the orange juice and zest! Cranberries are hard to find where I live, but I will definitely give your version of crisp a try. It looks wonderful!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

And it's so pretty! I like all kinds of apple desserts, but the humble crumble is one of my all-time faves.

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

I've had mixed results using uncooked oats. Sometimes they're ok - sometimes they don't blend and are dry. Love the walnut substitution. Thanks for sharing this one. Pinning.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gigi, you DO need to borrow this. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lydia the OJ adds some nice flavor. As do the cranberries. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jean, humble desserts are often the best, aren't they? Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, it was partially those problems that inspired Mrs KR to use nuts. Plus, they taste tons better! Thanks for the comment.

Gerlinde said...

Hi John, love these kind of dessert and I can't get enough of apple desserts, especially when they are made with cranberries.

mjskit said...

Well, this looks DElicious! Have always loved the combination of apples and cranberries, but I normally use the dried cranberries. Just love the look of the fresh ones. And that bit of orange is a great touch! Red delicous apples...I agree - why bother. :) Great dish Joh!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, love apple desserts, particularly at this time of the year. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, we really need to try this with dried cranberries -- bet it'd be pretty good. Although the stores are full of fresh ones at this time of the year! Thanks for the comment.

Shashi at SavorySpin said...

Am no good at tarts and pies, but I do so love crisps and this sounds delicious! Loving the citrus notes in there - the orange zest and juice makes this even more delectable! Here's hoping y'all enjoy many many helpings of this this weekend! Cheers!

amira said...

This is indeed a very festive dish, love to have it any time of the year. Thanks John.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shashi, the citrus in this is really nice -- a fun touch. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, this tastes just wonderful -- we should definitely enjoy it throughout the year, not just during the holidays. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

What a fantastic, homey, fall dessert. It could stand in for my usual, go-to apple crisp any time.

Unknown said...

Apples and cranberries are a match made in heaven and this crisp looks quite heavenly!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, homey desserts are the best! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Chris, it is indeed heavenly. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eva Taylor said...

The cranberries do add a certain festive colour to this beautiful recipe. I just love the tartness that cranberries add too. Great tip about the salt.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, I do like the color (and flavor!) the cranberries add. Good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Tricia Buice said...

You know I LOVE this recipe John. Apple and cranberries are perfect together and especially in a crisp. Outstanding :)

Pam said...

It looks perfect for the holidays... I love fruit crumbles.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, don't those two pair so well? Love them! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, agree fruit crumbles are terrific -- especially at this time of the year! Thanks for the comment.

Anne@ASaladForAllSeasons said...

Beautiful crisp, John. Such a classic fall fruit combo. And I like Mrs. KR's idea for adding walnuts instead of oatmeal to the crumble. That little bit if oatmeal is never very memorable. This crisp, however, I'm not likely to forget! :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anne, you'll really like the walnuts -- tons of flavor and crunch. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

I'd eat that for dessert -- or breakfast! Looks addictive.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, it's wonderful for breakfast. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

I could eat crisp and enjoy it thoroughly in comparison to pies. Adding a touch of zest would be such a good fresh additions. Looking so good.
Happy new week.
xo

Sippity Sup said...

Why not add dates too and make that date an apple, cranberry, date date? GREG (Sorry, I'm in a silly mood)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Asha, crisps are really good! Hard to beat pie, but crisps do it. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, silly mood? You'd fit right in at our place! :D Thanks for the comment.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

Looks delicious!! Great minds think alike as I just posted a cranberry apple crisp this morning! We love it and I like your addition of nuts.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, it's a great dish, isn't it? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Raymund said...

Nice recipe! look amazing, cranberries and apple would be really good on this

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, this is a wonderful combo of flavors! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Emma - Bake Then Eat said...

I love a bowl of hot apple crumble on a winters night and it only gets better when cranberries are added to the mix. Stunning dish, I love it.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Emma, we love this hot, warm, or cold! Cold leftovers for breakfast. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jamie said...

Perfect in every way! I love cranberries and they do add so much to just apples. And I love crisp - and it is also so much easier than pie!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jamie, love pie, but agree crisp is SO much easier. And just as good -- better, really, with this nut crumble! Thanks for the comment.

honeywhatscooking said...

This looks sensational... love the cranberry apple combo.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nisha, isn't this great looking? And tastes even better! Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

"Ting" is the perfect word to describe the flavor of cranberry, so thank you for that. I adore both apple crisp and cranberry, so this is for me.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, sounds like this dish is indeed for you. :-) Thanks for the comment.