Christmas is a time for indulging in delectable desserts that bring joy and warmth to the season. If you’re searching for the perfect holiday treat, look no further than our mouthwatering 30-Minute Christmas Crumble Recipe. This easy-to-make dessert is the ultimate combination of juicy, festive fruit and a heavenly crumbly topping that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Imagine the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through your kitchen as the crumble bakes to golden perfection. The vibrant, jewel-toned fruit filling bubbles beneath a crunchy, buttery crown – a true feast for the senses. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply craving a comforting treat, this 30-Minute Christmas Crumble is sure to become a cherished holiday tradition.
Indulging in this delightful dessert is like taking a sip of warm mulled wine or biting into a freshly baked gingerbread cookie – it’s a taste of the season that will transport you to a winter wonderland. So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s embark on a culinary adventure that will make your Christmas truly magical.
What Makes This Recipe Truly Special?
Our 30-Minute Christmas Crumble is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of the festive flavors that make the holiday season so enchanting. The combination of tart, juicy berries, warm spices, and a buttery, crumbly topping is a symphony of textures and tastes that will delight your senses.
What sets this recipe apart is the careful balance of sweet and tart, achieved through the perfect blend of ingredients. The tartness of the cranberries and raspberries is perfectly complemented by the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, while the crumbly topping provides a satisfying contrast to the soft, jammy fruit filling. Plus, the quick baking time means you can enjoy this decadent treat in a fraction of the time it takes to make a traditional crumble.
Ingredients
• 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
The combination of tart cranberries and sweet raspberries in this recipe creates a vibrant, festive filling that’s bursting with flavor. The cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth, while the cornstarch helps to thicken the fruit filling to the perfect, jammy consistency. As for the topping, the blend of all-purpose flour, brown sugar, butter, rolled oats, and sliced almonds (if desired) results in a delightfully crisp and crumbly texture that complements the fruit filling beautifully.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Fruit Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cranberries, raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gently toss the ingredients together until the fruit is evenly coated. Pour the fruit filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cubed butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the rolled oats and sliced almonds (if using) until well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the crumble topping evenly over the fruit filling. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the Christmas crumble from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. The fruit filling will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve the crumble warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy the festive flavors of the season!
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 8 servings.
• Protein: 4 g
• Sodium: 117 mg
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Fiber: 6 g
Fun Alternatives to Try
• To Make it Vegan: Replace the butter in the crumble topping with cold, cubed vegan butter or coconut oil. For the fruit filling, substitute the granulated sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the fruit filling for a delightful touch of heat that complements the sweet and tart flavors.
How to Serve This Dish Like a Pro ?
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the crumble with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts for an extra touch of elegance.
• Beverage Pairing: This festive dessert pairs beautifully with a glass of mulled wine, a steaming mug of hot apple cider, or a cozy cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
How to Sidestep Common Cooking Pitfalls ?
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure that all of the ingredients, especially the butter for the crumble topping, are at room temperature. This will help the butter blend seamlessly into the dry ingredients, resulting in a tender, flaky topping.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Properly preheating the oven is crucial for achieving the perfect golden-brown crumble topping and ensuring the fruit filling cooks through evenly. Don’t skip this step!
Smart Storage for Maximum Flavor
• Freezing: The crumble can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat the chilled or thawed crumble in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries and raspberries work beautifully in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand – just toss the frozen fruit directly into the filling. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so keep an eye on the crumble as it bakes.
Can I make the crumble topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping in advance. Simply make the topping as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to assemble and bake the crumble, simply sprinkle the chilled topping over the fruit filling and bake as usual.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this Christmas crumble dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter in the crumble topping with an equal amount of cold, cubed vegan butter or coconut oil. For the fruit filling, you can use a plant-based milk or dairy-free yogurt instead of regular dairy products.
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Absolutely! While the combination of cranberries and raspberries is divine, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as apples, pears, or even a mix of berries. Just be sure to adjust the sugar and spice levels to complement the new fruit selection.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Christmas crumble gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crumble topping with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the liquid ratio slightly to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!
Embrace the magic of the holiday season with our 30-Minute Christmas Crumble Recipe. This delightful dessert is a true celebration of the flavors that make this time of year so special. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a cozy, comforting treat, this crumble is sure to delight your taste buds and fill your heart with joy.
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that will have your loved ones reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, the vibrant burst of berries, and the satisfying crunch of the topping – it’s a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a winter wonderland with every bite. Savor the moment, make memories, and indulge in the true spirit of the season with our 30-Minute Christmas Crumble Recipe.
Merry Christmas, and happy baking!
🎄 30-Minute Christmas Crumble Recipe
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the cranberries, raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gently toss the ingredients together until the fruit is evenly coated. Pour the fruit filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cubed butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the rolled oats and sliced almonds (if using) until well combined.
- Spread the crumble topping evenly over the fruit filling. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove the Christmas crumble from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. The fruit filling will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve the crumble warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy the festive flavors of the season!
