Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Cranberry Apple Crumble?
It is a seasonal dessert featuring tart cranberries and sweet cooking apples topped with a spiced oat crumble, perfect for fall and holiday gatherings.
What temperature should the oven be for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
What are the primary fruit ingredients?
The recipe uses 3 cups of sliced and peeled cooking apples and 2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, if fresh or frozen cranberries are unavailable, you can substitute them with 1 cup of dried cranberries for a chewier texture.
What spices are used in the fruit filling?
The fruit is tossed with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
What size dish should I use for the crumble?
An ungreased 1.5-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
How long do the apples and cranberries bake initially?
The fruit mixture should be covered and baked for an initial 25 minutes.
Should the casserole be covered during the first stage of baking?
Yes, you should cover the casserole with aluminum foil or a lid for the first 25 minutes of baking.
What ingredients make up the crumble topping?
The topping consists of quick or rolled oats, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, nutmeg or ginger, and chilled butter.
What kind of oats are best for the topping?
You can use either quick oats or rolled oats for the crumble topping.
How is the butter added to the crumble mixture?
The chilled butter should be cut into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Can I add extra texture to the topping?
Yes, you can optionally stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
When do I add the crumble topping to the fruit?
After the initial 25 minutes of baking, remove the fruit from the oven and sprinkle the topping evenly over the partially cooked fruit.
How long is the second baking period?
After adding the topping, bake the dish uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
Should the dish be covered once the topping is added?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered once the topping is applied so that it can turn golden brown.
How do I know when the dessert is finished cooking?
The crumble is ready when the fruit is tender and the oat topping is golden brown.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 3.3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the Festive Cranberry Apple Crumble?
One serving provides 36.7 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this dessert?
There is 1.7 grams of protein per serving.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
It is best served warm with fat-free vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, or a drizzle of fat-free half-and-half.
Does the recipe require greasing the casserole dish?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased casserole dish.
What type of apples work best?
The recipe calls for 'cooking apples,' which are varieties that hold their shape well during baking.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, this is described as a wonderfully simple recipe to prepare and is tagged as quick and easy.
Can I use nutmeg or ginger in the topping?
Yes, you can use either 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or 1/4 teaspoon of ginger depending on your preference.
What is the total estimated baking time?
The total baking time is between 40 and 45 minutes.
Should the butter be melted for the topping?
No, the butter should be chilled so it can be cut into the flour and oats to create crumbs.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients listed, including optional items.
Is this dessert considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as warm and inviting for fall.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It falls under the dessert category, specifically fruit crumbles or crisps.