Cranberry Apple Pie Parfaits with Shortbread Crumble Recipe

I’m excited to share this delightful Cranberry Apple Pie Parfaits with Shortbread Crumble Recipe because it’s my go-to when I want all the cozy flavors of apple pie but in a faster, fuss-free way. These parfaits are the perfect balance of tart cranberries, sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, and a buttery shortbread crumble that adds just the right crunch. It’s like having dessert and breakfast in one, and honestly, they’re impressive enough to serve to guests but simple enough for a weeknight treat.

What makes this Cranberry Apple Pie Parfaits with Shortbread Crumble Recipe especially worth trying is how versatile and forgiving it is. Even if you’re short on time or new to layering parfaits, you’ll find the steps straightforward, and the ingredient list accessible. Plus, they hold up really well refrigerated, so you can prep in advance and enjoy a fresh, festive bite anytime!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create layers of flavor and texture. When shopping, I recommend picking apples that hold their shape when cooked, like Fuji or Granny Smith, and fresh cranberries if you can find them for the best tartness.

• Apples: Choose a firm variety to keep your chunks nice and distinct in the parfait.
• Butter: Adds richness to the cooked apples and helps caramelize the sugars deliciously.
• Brown sugar: I love how it gives the apples a deep, molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that brings the whole apple pie vibe.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash intensifies the sweetness and adds a lovely aroma.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries: Tartness is essential here for balance, and frozen works great if fresh aren’t available.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cranberry sauce without overpowering their natural tang.
• Water: Helps the cranberries cook down smoothly into a nice sauce.
• Orange juice (optional): Adds a subtle citrus note that livens up the cranberry sauce if you want that extra zing.
• Vanilla Greek yogurt or whipped cream: Creaminess is key — I like Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast, and whipped cream if I want to treat myself.
• Shortbread cookies: Crushing these gives you that buttery, crumbly texture to mimic the pie crust layer.
• Mini cinnamon sticks or leaf-shaped sprinkles: Fun garnishes that make these parfaits feel festive and charming.

Variations

I often tweak this Cranberry Apple Pie Parfaits with Shortbread Crumble Recipe depending on the season or who I’m serving. Feel free to personalize it – that’s part of the fun with parfaits!

• Dairy-Free Variation: Swap vanilla coconut yogurt for Greek yogurt and use dairy-free whipped topping. I tried this for a friend and no one missed the dairy at all.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple mixture for extra warmth — I do this around the holidays, and it’s always a hit.
• Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled in the crumble layer add a lovely texture and nutty flavor.
• Make it Boozy: Splash a little bourbon or spiced rum into the apple filling for an adult-friendly twist I made last Thanksgiving — highly recommend!

How to Make Cranberry Apple Pie Parfaits with Shortbread Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Apples Until Tender and Flavorful

Start by peeling and chopping your apples into uniform ½-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir occasionally, cooking until the apples are fork-tender and the sugar has become a nice caramel glaze, about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye so the mixture doesn’t burn and stir often enough – a little patience here makes all the difference for that perfect softness without mushiness.

Step 2: Simmer the Cranberry Sauce

In a separate small saucepan, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and optional orange juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the cranberries have popped and thickened into a sauce, about 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This fresh cranberry sauce adds that delicious tart contrast that plays beautifully with the apples and crumble.

Step 3: Crush the Shortbread Cookies

Place the shortbread cookies in a sealed bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or use a food processor for finer crumble. I like mine with a mix of larger crumbs and tiny bits for texture that really mimics pie crust. No special equipment needed here – anyone can do it!

Step 4: Assemble Your Parfaits

Grab your serving cups or mason jars and layer starting with a spoonful of shortbread crumble, followed by a layer of the warm apple mixture, then a layer of creamy vanilla Greek yogurt (or whipped cream), and finally a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Repeat the layering until the container is full, finishing with a crumble or cranberry topping. Layering while the apples are still warm helps meld the flavors beautifully, but don’t pour cranberry sauce on top until serving if you want it to keep a fresh look.

How to Serve Cranberry Apple Pie Parfaits with Shortbread Crumble Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish these parfaits with mini cinnamon sticks for a rustic, charming touch, especially during the holidays. Leaf-shaped sprinkles add a cute seasonal vibe and a pop of color that makes the parfaits irresistible on any table. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top works wonders.

Side Dishes

These parfaits are pretty satisfying on their own, but I’ve found they pair wonderfully with a simple cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee for breakfast or brunch. For a holiday brunch, serving alongside scrambled eggs or cinnamon rolls turns it into a full feast.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I layered these parfaits in clear mini mason jars and tied a little twine bow around each for a festive party favor that guests loved taking home. You could also serve them in small trifle bowls or dessert glasses with long spoons for elegant entertaining. For kids’ parties, try bright colored sprinkles and fun fruit shapes on top to make snack time extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover parfaits covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 2 days. The layers hold up nicely, though the crumble can lose some crunch, which I usually revive by adding a little extra crumble before serving again. They’re a great grab-and-go snack or dessert after a long day.

Freezing

While I haven’t personally frozen these parfaits because I prefer them fresh, you can freeze the apple and cranberry components separately for up to a month. Then just thaw them fully before assembling with fresh yogurt and crushed shortbread. This way, you can prep key parts ahead without sacrificing texture.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these parfaits warm, gently heat the apple mixture alone on the stove or microwave, then reassemble with cold yogurt and fresh crumble just before serving. Heating the yogurt isn’t recommended as it changes the texture. This method keeps the layers distinct and fresh-tasting.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Apple Pie Parfaits with Shortbread Crumble Recipe holds a special place for me because it combines nostalgia with practicality—a perfect way to enjoy comforting pie flavors without the fuss. I hope you’ll love layering these parfaits as much as I do and find joy in sharing them with family and friends. Give it a try next time you need a dessert that feels homemade and looks stunning without hours in the kitchen!

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