Deep Dish Cranberry Apple Pie with Crumble Topping (So Good!)

Cranberry Apple Pie is a unique Thanksgiving dessert your whole family will love! This post will explain everything you need to know about making this delicious apple and cranberry pie, make ahead tips, how to store it, and what to serve with this Deep Dish Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie.

Creating This Deep Dish Pie Recipe

Confession: I have a weakness for eating pie for breakfast. Any time there is leftover pie in the fridge, I convince myself that there’s fruit in it so it’s not so bad for me.

A completely acceptable start to the day. That, really, it’s probably not a whole ton worse than eating a plate full of waffles smothered in butter and apple cider syrup.

For this Deep Dish Apple Cranberry Pie, I experimented with an Oatmeal Pecan Crumb Topping. Oatmeal is healthy too, right?

I used freshly ground flour for added whole grains and old-fashioned rolled oats in the topping. Bonus points again. And we’ll just pretend that the pile of whipped cream is yogurt.

Regardless of whether or not it is “healthy” or “acceptable” to eat pie for breakfast, this Deep Dish Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie gets two thumbs up all around.

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Kitchen Tools Used to Prepare this Apple Cranberry Pie

The following is my list of recommended kitchen tools that I use when preparing this homemade pie recipe:

• Vegetable Peeler and Apple Corer – to peel and core the apples.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – to cut the apple slices.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – to accurately measure the pie ingredients.
• Large Bowl – to combine the filling ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon – for stirring the apple cranberry mixture.
• Food Processor – to prepare the flaky pie crust dough and the oatmeal pecan crumble topping.
• Silicone Pastry Mat – dust with flour and use to roll out the pie crust.
• Rolling Pin – to roll out the pie shell for the bottom crust.
• Deep Dish Pie Plate – to bake the apple cranberry pie.
• Pie Crust Shield – to shield the buttery crust edges if they start to brown to quickly.
• Wire Rack – to cool the pan after the pie bakes.

Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Ingredients

For this cranberry apple pie with oatmeal topping, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Cranberry Apple Pie Filling Ingredients

• Apples
• Fresh Cranberries
• Brown Sugar
• Maple Syrup
• All-Purpose Flour
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Fresh Lemon Juice
• Butter

Ingredients in the Crust for Apple Cranberry Pie

You’ll use a traditional pie crust dough for the bottom crust of this apple pie with cranberries. I prefer to use an all butter pie dough recipe that uses the following ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour
• Cold Butter
• Salt
• Granulated Sugar
• Ice Water

For the Cranberry Apple Pie Crumble Topping

Rather than a top crust like in a classic apple pie, this cranberry apple pie uses an oatmeal pecan crumble topping. However, if you prefer, you can always make extra pie dough and prepare a lattice crust for the top. Here’s what you need for the crumble topping:

• White Whole Wheat Flour
• Old-Fashioned Oats
• Brown Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cardamom
• Cold Butter
• Pecans

What are the Best Type of Apples for this Homemade Pie?

For a traditional apple pie recipe, I usually recommend using apples with a tart flavor, such as Granny Smith Apples.

Because this pie also has tart cranberries in the apple filling, you can get away with using apples that are sweeter and still having a balanced taste. In this recipe I like to use Gala Apples or Honey Crisp Apples. Feel free to use whatever you prefer, or even a combination of different apple types.

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie

This deep dish pie is easy to make and doesn’t call for any extra steps. Here’s an overview of how it’s made:

1. Make the crust: I used my favorite butter pie crust recipe. Since this is a deep dish pie recipe, you’ll need about 3/4 of the total amount of pie dough it makes.
2. Press the pie dough into the deep dish pie plate and crimp the edges.
3. Make the filling: It’s a simple mixture of sliced apples and fresh cranberries, spices, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
4. Pour or spoon mixture for the filling into the prepared crust.
5. Make the crumble topping: I like to use my food processor for this. Set aside for now.
6. Bake the pie: Dot the top of the pie with butter, then bake at 425F for 35 minutes.
7. Sprinkle the crumble topping on top of the apple cranberry pie filling and return to the oven. Bake until done.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

How to Make the Best Cranberry Apple Pie

Want to make the best ever apple and cranberry pie and wow everyone at the Thanksgiving dessert table? Here are my tips for success:

Tips for Making the Pie Filling

• You can slices the apples or chop them, whatever you prefer. I have done both and both ways work fine.
• I like to stir the apples, sugar, and spices together to make sure the apples are fully coated before stirring in the cranberries.
• If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the apple pie filling.

Tips for Baking this Cranberry Apple Pie

• Place a baking sheet under the pie plate as it bakes to catch any drips.
• Use a crust shield or lightly cover the top or edges with foil to prevent over browning.
• Cool on a wire rack before cutting into the cranberry apple pie – you’ll get neater slices this way.

Can This Recipe for Cranberry Apple Pie Be Made in Advance?

Yes! Here are a few time saving tips that you can use when preparing this homemade pie recipe:

Prepare the pie crust ahead of time, place it in the pie plate and shape it as desired, then store the entire pie plate with the prepared crust in a large ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

If you want to freezer your pie crust until you plan to bake the pie you can do that, too. It does not need to be thawed before baking. See this post for everything you need to know about How to Freeze Pie Dough.

The cranberry apple pie filling can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Bring it to room temperature before adding to the pie and baking.

You can prepare the oatmeal pecan crumble topping ahead of time. It can be kept and stored in the refrigerator for a couple days or in the freezer in a ziplock bag. It does not need to be thawed before adding to the top of the pie.

Bake the pie the day before you plan to serve it. The entire cranberry apple pie can be baked the day before you plan on serving it, if desired. Reheat slices in the microwave or enjoy at room temperature.

How to Serve this Cranberry Apple Pie

This pie tastes delicious as is! However, if you really want to take it over the top, I recommend serving it with homemade whipped cream or à la mode (with vanilla ice cream!)

If you’re like me and like having leftover pie for a breakfast treat, try serving it with a dollop of Greek yogurt!

Does Apple Cranberry Pie Need to Be Refrigerated?

No, it will last up to three days on your countertop. Cover with plastic wrap, foil, or a tea towel.

Try this Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe!

Next time you’re looking for a refreshing summertime drink, give this apple pie with cranberries a try!

Did you think combination of cranberries and apples was perfect for the holiday season? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this family favorite apple pie.

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More Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas:

If you’re looking for additional inspiration for your Thanksgiving Menu this year along with this Deep Dish Apple Cranberry Pie with Oatmeal Pecan Crumb Topping, here are a few other favorite recipes.

Be sure to check out the whole Thanksgiving Recipes Archive right here if you need help building the rest of your menu.

If you prefer a roasted turkey, don’t pass up this recipe for Apple Cider Sage Turkey Brine for Roasted Turkey. The brine keeps the meat so moist, and gives it classic Thanksgiving flavors.

Brining a turkey in this Rosemary Beer Brine will tenderize the meat and infuse it with a TON of flavor for Turkey Day! Cook it on a smoker for even more incredible flavor!

Learn How to Make Turkey Gravy with No Lumps for your Thanksgiving table.

If you like cranberry sauce better than gravy, try my recipe for  Cranberry Orange Walnut Relish or Red Wine Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce.

For stuffing, try this Butternut Squash and Kale Quinoa Stuffing (which is great for the health-conscious or gluten-free crowd!) or a more traditional bread based stuffing with Leek + Bacon Stuffing.

Classic buttery russet potato mashed potatoes are elevated thanks to the addition of plenty of browned butter and fresh grated parmesan in this Browned Butter Parmesan Mashed Potatoes.

If you’re looking for the perfect kid-friendly Thanksgiving treat, check out this Easy Pumpkin Pudding; it combines a few pantry ingredients for a perfect autumn treat and is simple enough for younger helpers to assist in preparing.

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For the step-by-step version of this recipe, check out the How to Make Deep Dish Cranberry Apple Pie with Crumble Topping Story.