Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie Recipe

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need for this delightful pie:

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie:

1. For the Filling: Combine the cranberries, ½ cup granulated sugar, and the water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the cranberries burst and thicken, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. For the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work in the butter until large clumps form. Refrigerate to chill.
3. Continue with the Filling: Toss together the apples, remaining ¾ cup granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, salt, and flour in a large bowl. Add the cooled cranberry mixture and stir to combine.
4. For the Crust: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Roll out the pie dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. Ease the dough into a 9-inch pie plate, fold the overhanging edges under, and crimp as desired. Pour in the apple mixture and sprinkle with the crumb topping. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes to firm.
5. Bake the Pie: Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking until the pie is golden brown and bubbling, about 50 more minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Perfect Pie

Here are a few tips to ensure your pie turns out perfectly:

• Choose the Right Apples: Mixing apple varieties like Granny Smith and sweet apples will provide a nice balance of flavors.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the filling ingredients, avoid overmixing to prevent apples from becoming mushy.
• Crumb Topping Strategy: Chill the crumb topping to help it maintain its texture during baking.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients for unique variations:

• Spice Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for extra depth.
• Swap Crust: Use a homemade pie crust or other types of pastry dough for a different texture.
• Try Different Fruits: Substitute some of the apples with pears or other fruits for a twist in flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries if they are hard to find?

A: Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably. Frozen cranberries are often easier to find year-round.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from burning during baking?

A: To prevent the crust from burning, cover the edges with foil during the last 30 minutes of baking.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the filling and topping ahead of time, but assembling and baking should be done just before serving for the best results.

Conclusion

The Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie is a delightful dessert perfect for the holiday season. With its combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and a crunchy crumb topping, it is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy experimenting with the recipe to make it your own!