Spiced Apple & Sweet Potato Crumble Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of baked apples and sweet potatoes wafting through the kitchen on a crisp autumn day. Spiced Apple & Sweet Potato Crumble captures the essence of cozy evenings, festive family gatherings, and slow weekends spent savoring warm flavors that feel like a hug in a bowl. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of tender roasted sweet potatoes with the bright, tart flavor of fresh apples, all enhanced by warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Inspired by traditional fall desserts, this crumble is a modern twist on classic apple desserts, adding the vibrant color and creamy texture of sweet potatoes for a richer experience. It’s perfect as a holiday dessert, a Thanksgiving side with a sweet twist, or even a comforting treat for a quiet evening at home. Once you bake it, the crispy, buttery topping paired with the soft, spiced filling is guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite that family and friends will request year after year.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for added crunch)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes and apples. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything gently to coat the fruit evenly.

3. Transfer the filling to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

4. Make the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.

5. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the sweet potato and apple filling. Make sure to cover all areas for a consistent crunchy layer.

6. Bake the crumble in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

7. Cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This crumble is delicious warm on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Why This Recipe Works

Spiced Apple & Sweet Potato Crumble balances flavors and textures beautifully. Sweet potatoes add a creamy, earthy sweetness that complements the natural tartness of apples. Warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg deepen the flavor profile, making the dessert feel luxurious yet homey. The crumble topping adds a buttery crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender filling beneath.

This recipe is also highly adaptable. You can swap apple varieties depending on your preference for sweetness or tartness, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top for extra color and aroma. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity while still being easy enough for beginner bakers to succeed on their first attempt.

Tips for the Perfect Crumble

1. Uniform Cutting: Ensure the apples and sweet potatoes are cut into even pieces so they cook evenly.

2. Don’t Overmix the Topping: When combining butter with flour and oats, aim for a coarse, crumbly texture rather than a dough-like consistency. Overmixing can lead to a dense topping.

3. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the apple variety, you may need to tweak the amount of sugar or maple syrup. Taste your filling mixture before baking.

4. Spice Balance: If you love warm spices, feel free to add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg. For a subtler flavor, reduce cloves slightly, as they can be quite strong.

5. Serving Suggestions: This crumble pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like tea, coffee, or apple cider, making it perfect for seasonal celebrations.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: This dessert freezes well. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, or until warmed through.

• Reheating Tips: For best results, reheat individual portions in a microwave for 30–60 seconds, or bake the entire dish in the oven until the topping is crisp again.

Variations to Try

1. Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the topping for extra crunch.

2. Citrus Zest: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the filling for a bright, refreshing note.

3. Spice Mix Variations: Experiment with cardamom or allspice to give the dessert a slightly different warm flavor.

4. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute rolled oats and all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for a naturally nutty flavor.

5. Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine to make this crumble vegan-friendly.

Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes and Apples

While this dessert is an indulgence, it also packs nutritional value:

• Sweet Potatoes: Rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, sweet potatoes support immune health and provide sustained energy.

• Apples: High in fiber and vitamin C, apples can aid digestion and add natural sweetness without relying on excessive sugar.

• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are not only flavorful but also offer anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

This combination of ingredients makes the crumble not just delicious, but a dessert that feels wholesome and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Making This Crumble

This dessert is a celebration of fall flavors and the perfect comfort food for any occasion. The combination of tender sweet potatoes, slightly tart apples, warming spices, and a golden, buttery topping hits all the right notes for a crowd-pleasing dish. It’s versatile enough to adapt to personal tastes, yet straightforward enough to make any day feel special.

Whether you’re serving it as a holiday dessert, a weekend treat, or a sweet ending to a cozy dinner, this Spiced Apple & Sweet Potato Crumble is sure to become a staple recipe in your seasonal repertoire. Its vibrant colors, inviting aroma, and irresistible texture create a sensory experience that brings warmth and joy with every bite.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.

• Pair with a cup of spiced tea, coffee, or hot apple cider for a perfect autumn treat.

• Make individual servings in ramekins for a personal touch at holiday dinners or gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! Spiced Apple & Sweet Potato Crumble is very forgiving when it comes to prep, making it ideal for busy days or holiday gatherings. You can prepare the filling and crumble topping separately up to a day in advance. For the filling, mix the sweet potatoes, apples, sugar, spices, and other ingredients, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the crumble topping, combine the oats, flour, sugar, and butter and keep it covered in a separate container at room temperature or in the fridge.

When you’re ready to bake, simply spread the filling in your baking dish, sprinkle the topping evenly over it, and bake as directed. Preparing the components ahead of time allows you to serve a fresh, warm dessert without rushing in the kitchen, and it makes entertaining stress-free. For best results, allow the filling to come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Can I substitute other fruits for apples?

Yes! While apples provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, this crumble is versatile enough to incorporate other fruits. Pears work beautifully, adding a softer, buttery texture and mild sweetness. Peaches or nectarines give a summery twist with juicy, fragrant flesh. For a mixed-fruit option, berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries can add bright color and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Keep in mind that fruits with higher water content, like peaches or berries, may release more liquid while baking. To avoid a soggy crumble, consider lightly tossing them with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch before combining with the filling. This helps thicken the juices and ensures your topping stays crisp and golden.

How do I get a crispier topping?

If you love a crunchy, golden-brown crumble, there are several tricks to achieve it. First, make sure your butter is cold when cutting it into the topping mixture; this creates a more crumbly, textured layer. Second, sprinkle a small amount of raw sugar or coarse sugar on top of the crumble before baking. The sugar caramelizes as it bakes, adding extra crunch and a lovely golden sheen.

Another tip is to slightly broil the crumble for the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it, as the sugars can burn quickly. This simple step creates an irresistible, crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced filling.

Can I make this dessert healthier?

Definitely! This crumble can be easily adapted for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. You can reduce the sugar in both the filling and topping or substitute natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. Adding more rolled oats and nuts boosts fiber and healthy fats, which increases satiety and adds extra texture.

For a lower-calorie option, you can use a smaller amount of butter in the crumble topping and replace the rest with coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce. You could also increase the ratio of sweet potatoes to apples, as sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, nutrients, and a creamy texture that keeps the crumble indulgent yet slightly healthier.

These tips make it simple to enjoy a delicious, spiced dessert that feels indulgent while being more mindful of sugar and fat content.

Spiced Apple & Sweet Potato Crumble Recipe

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x

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Description

A warm and comforting dessert perfect for crisp autumn evenings or festive holiday gatherings. This crumble combines tender sweet potatoes and juicy apples with a buttery, spiced topping for a cozy treat the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Filling:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• In a large bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes and apples. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to coat evenly.

• Transfer the filling to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

• In a medium bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.

• Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling, covering all areas.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

• Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm alone or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• For a more caramelized topping, broil for the last 2–3 minutes while watching carefully.

• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

• Adjust spices according to preference for a milder or stronger flavor profile.

• This dessert can be made ahead by preparing the filling and topping separately and combining them just before baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes

Michelle Davis