Honey-Baked Apples with Cranberry Walnut Crumble instantly takes me back to chilly autumn evenings as a child. I remember the oven door creaking open, steam curling into the air, and that unmistakable scent of cinnamon wrapping around the kitchen like a warm hug. My grandmother would serve them fresh out of the oven—tender apples, honey-glazed and overflowing with her cranberry walnut crumble.
This recipe is my tribute to those sweet moments. Though I’ve added a few modern touches over the years (yes, even blue cheese for the adventurous!), the soul of the dish remains unchanged—warm, simple, and made to be shared.
There’s a reason it’s requested year after year: the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Think juicy Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, golden honey, toasted walnuts, tart cranberries, and a hint of spice in every bite. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and always feels like home.
Want more cozy, seasonal bakes like this one? Subscribe here to get my latest recipes right to your inbox.
Why This Recipe is Special
What sets this Honey-Baked Apples with Cranberry Walnut Crumble apart isn’t just the delicious blend of flavors—it’s how effortlessly it turns humble ingredients into something memorable. There’s beauty in simplicity, especially when it delivers such deep satisfaction.
These apples bake into melt-in-your-mouth softness, their juices bubbling up and mixing with honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The golden topping of walnuts, dried cranberries, and brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, adding the perfect crunch with every spoonful. That contrast of warm, spiced fruit and sweet crumble feels indulgent without being heavy.
But what truly makes this dish special is its versatility. Serve it as a weeknight dessert, or dress it up for a holiday table with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a touch of creamy blue cheese. It’s a cozy, nostalgic recipe that welcomes you home, no matter the season.
If this recipe speaks to your love of rustic, feel-good baking, you’ll also enjoy the golden baked brie with caramelized apples and thyme—a warm appetizer that echoes similar fall flavors. And if you’re craving a deeper dive into seasonal desserts, don’t miss the maple roasted sweet potatoes with blue cheese and candied pecans for another comforting, oven-roasted favorite.
Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment by yourself, this baked apple dish offers that cozy, from-scratch magic we all crave.
Ingredients & Preparation
The Ingredient Breakdown
When it comes to Honey-Baked Apples with Cranberry Walnut Crumble, freshness and balance are key. Every element contributes to the overall flavor and texture—from the tart bite of dried cranberries to the smooth drizzle of honey. Let’s walk through what you’ll need to bring this cozy dessert to life:
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large baking apples | 4 | Honeycrisp or Fuji preferred |
| Honey | 3 tbsp | Local or raw if available |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 2 tbsp | For binding the crumble |
| Chopped walnuts | 1/2 cup | Toasted for extra flavor |
| Dried cranberries | 1/3 cup | Sweetened or unsweetened |
| Brown sugar | 1/3 cup | Light or dark, both work |
| Breadcrumbs or graham crackers | 1/2 cup | Graham crackers add sweetness |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 tsp | Warm, cozy spice |
| Nutmeg | Pinch | Freshly grated if possible |
| Sea salt | 1/4 tsp | Balances the sweetness |
| Blue cheese (optional) | 2 oz | Crumbled, adds savory contrast |
| Fresh thyme or mint | Garnish | Brightens the final dish |
Tools & Smart Substitutions
No need for fancy gadgets here—just a few basics:
-
Baking dish or sheet: A ceramic baking dish works best to hold the apples upright and catch those bubbling juices.
-
Melon baller or spoon: For coring the apples cleanly.
-
Mixing bowl: To bring the crumble ingredients together.
If you’re missing something, don’t worry—there are plenty of easy swaps. No graham crackers? Go with oats or crushed digestive biscuits. Prefer pecans to walnuts? That works beautifully too. You can even swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly richer taste.
This flexibility makes it a great recipe to adapt, especially if you’re also experimenting with flavors found in dishes like cranberry and spinach stuffed chicken breasts with brie or cranberry brie and thyme puff pastry twists—both of which share that festive, fruity richness.
Whether you’re making this on a crisp fall afternoon or serving it up as a holiday treat, these ingredients come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s both simple and stunning.
Print
Honey-Baked Apples with Cranberry Walnut Crumble
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey-Baked Apples with Cranberry Walnut Crumble is a warm, cozy dessert made with baked Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, sweet honey, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and a spiced brown sugar topping. It’s the perfect fall-inspired treat that’s easy to make and always comforting.
Ingredients
• 4 large baking apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 2 oz crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• Fresh thyme or mint, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash and core apples, leaving about 1/2 inch at the bottom to hold the filling.
3. In a bowl, mix melted butter, honey, walnuts, cranberries, brown sugar, breadcrumbs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Stuff each apple cavity with the crumble mixture, pressing it down gently.
5. Place apples upright in a greased baking dish and add 1/4 cup water or apple juice to the bottom.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the topping is golden and apples are tender.
8. Optional: top with crumbled blue cheese while hot and garnish with thyme or mint before serving.
Notes
– Fuji and Honeycrisp apples work best as they hold their shape.
– Graham crackers can be swapped for oats or crushed digestive biscuits.
– Add orange zest for a citrusy note.
– For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil and skip cheese.
– Best served warm but stores well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 35
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cooking Instructions & Tips
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Making Honey-Baked Apples with Cranberry Walnut Crumble is a calm, satisfying kitchen task. Each step fills your space with comforting aromas, and before you know it, dessert is ready.
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Wash and core the apples, removing the center without cutting all the way through. Leave about 1/2 inch at the base to hold the filling. If the apples won’t sit flat, slice a thin layer off the bottom for stability.
Step 2: Mix the Crumble
In a bowl, combine melted butter, honey, walnuts, cranberries, brown sugar, breadcrumbs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Mix until it clumps slightly. This buttery mixture becomes golden and crisp in the oven.
Consider using local honey or spice it up with a hint of orange zest, just like in the apple walnut cranberry salad with maple dressing—a refreshing counterpart to this warm dish.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples
Spoon the crumble generously into the hollowed apples. Press slightly to compact the mixture without cracking the fruit.
Step 4: Bake Until Tender
Place the apples in a greased baking dish. Pour a splash of water or apple juice into the base to prevent sticking and add moisture. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until the tops are golden and the apples tender.
For similar oven-roasted goodness, you’ll love the sweet potato rounds with whipped goat cheese—another crowd-pleasing holiday side.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let the apples cool for a few minutes. Optional but amazing—top with crumbled blue cheese and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or mint. Serve warm.
Tips and Tricks to Perfect It
-
Keep the peel: It helps the apples hold their shape while baking.
-
Toast the nuts: Even a few minutes in a dry pan brings out amazing flavor.
-
Don’t overbake: You want the apples soft but not mushy.
-
Add cheese just before serving: So it doesn’t melt into the crumble.
For best results, choose apples that are firm and sweet-tart, like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Softer varieties may collapse in the oven.
Serving, Storing & Pairing
How to Serve Honey-Baked Apples with Cranberry Walnut Crumble
There’s no wrong way to serve Honey-Baked Apples with Cranberry Walnut Crumble, but there are a few that will absolutely delight your guests. Right out of the oven, these apples are best enjoyed warm—when the crumble is golden and the honey is still glossy.
Place each apple in a shallow bowl and drizzle with a little extra honey or warm apple cider for added comfort. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over the warm crumble is just divine. For a savory contrast, sprinkle on some blue cheese while the apples are still hot—the salty bite pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
This dish also makes a beautiful addition to fall dinner parties or holiday spreads. I often serve them alongside lighter fare, like the apple walnut cranberry salad with maple dressing, which echoes the flavors in a crisp and refreshing way.
For a more dramatic dessert table, serve your baked apples with golden baked brie with caramelized apples and thyme. It’s elegant, seasonal, and shares that cozy apple-and-thyme combination guests always love.
Storing and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare!), these baked apples store well. Simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the texture of the crumble topping. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping soggy.
You can even prep the apples and crumble separately ahead of time. Store both components in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you’re ready for dessert.
FAQ: Honey-Baked Apples with Cranberry Walnut Crumble
1. Can I make Honey-Baked Apples with Cranberry Walnut Crumble ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the crumble and core the apples up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and assemble just before baking for the best texture.
2. Which apples are best for baking this recipe?
Honeycrisp and Fuji are ideal—they’re firm enough to hold their shape but bake down into a soft, juicy center. Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious, which can collapse during baking.
3. Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Absolutely. Maple syrup offers a deeper, earthy sweetness that works wonderfully with the cranberries and walnuts. It’s also a great vegan-friendly option.
4. Is the blue cheese really necessary?
Not at all—it’s optional. But if you enjoy a little savory balance, the tangy flavor of crumbled blue cheese adds a gourmet twist to the honey-baked apples.
5. How should I store leftovers?
Place any leftover apples in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep the crumble crisp.
Conclusion
Honey-Baked Apples with Cranberry Walnut Crumble is more than just a dessert—it’s a hug in a bowl. It brings together cozy flavors, natural sweetness, and that irresistible crunch we all crave in a fall treat. Whether you serve it at a holiday dinner or enjoy it on a quiet evening, it never fails to warm hearts and spark smiles.
For another comforting dish that echoes these flavors, check out my caramelized baked apples with brie, pecans and maple thyme glaze. Or try the baked pears with cranberries, honey & walnuts for a twist on the same delicious concept.
And if you’re looking for the perfect fresh pairing, this beautiful apple cranberry walnut salad from Le Creme de la Crumb is crisp, light, and makes a lovely contrast to the warm apples.