Sweet Potato & Nut Crumble Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, sweet dish that fills the kitchen with the scent of autumn spices and roasted sweet potatoes. Sweet Potato & Nut Crumble is the perfect recipe to enjoy on a cozy evening at home, whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting friends for a casual dinner. Its creamy sweet potato base combined with a crunchy, nutty topping creates a balance of flavors and textures that delight every bite.

This recipe is inspired by classic family desserts passed down through generations, with a modern twist that adds a touch of indulgence without being overly complicated. It’s a dish that brings people together, sparking nostalgia while also introducing a new favorite for any season. Perfect for cooler weather, this crumble is ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Base:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Nut Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures the crumble won’t stick and will bake evenly.

2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well, then mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and fully combined.

3. Transfer Sweet Potato Mixture

Spoon the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. This forms a solid base for the nut crumble topping.

4. Make the Nut Crumble

In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and chopped nuts. Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to mix until the topping becomes crumbly and slightly clumps together.

5. Assemble the Crumble

Sprinkle the nut crumble evenly over the sweet potato base. Ensure every section of the sweet potato is covered, so each serving gets a bit of the crunchy topping.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. The sweet potato layer should be slightly bubbling along the edges.

7. Serve Warm

Remove from the oven and let the crumble cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the topping to firm up slightly. Serve warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato & Nut Crumble

• Sweet Potato Variety: Use firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet and creamy base. Avoid overly starchy or watery varieties to prevent a soggy topping.

• Nut Options: Pecans add a buttery richness, while walnuts offer a slightly bitter contrast. Feel free to mix both for a more complex flavor profile.

• Crispier Topping: If you like extra crunch, broil the crumble for the last 1–2 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the sweet potato base and topping a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble before baking.

• Spice Adjustments: Increase or reduce cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to suit your personal taste. Adding a pinch of allspice can enhance the warmth of the dish.

Why This Recipe Works

Sweet Potato & Nut Crumble combines textures and flavors that complement each other beautifully. The creamy, slightly sweet mashed sweet potatoes act as a soft, luscious base, while the crunchy oat and nut topping adds a satisfying contrast. The warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—evoke the feeling of autumn and holidays without needing to reference any specific occasion.

Sweet potatoes themselves are naturally rich in vitamins and fiber, making this dessert a slightly healthier alternative to heavier options. The nuts add a dose of protein and healthy fats, contributing to both flavor and nutrition. This recipe strikes a balance between indulgence and wholesomeness, which is part of why it resonates with families and dessert lovers alike.

Variations to Try

1. Maple Sweet Potato Crumble: Replace the brown sugar in the topping with pure maple syrup for a deep, caramel-like flavor.

2. Apple-Sweet Potato Crumble: Add 1–2 peeled, diced apples to the sweet potato mixture for a fruity twist.

3. Coconut Crunch Topping: Mix shredded unsweetened coconut with the oats and nuts for a tropical touch.

4. Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free oat flour in the crumble topping to make the dessert gluten-free.

5. Mini Servings: Bake in individual ramekins for single servings, perfect for gatherings or portion control.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet Potato & Nut Crumble is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream transforms it into a decadent dessert.

• A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and balances the sweetness.

• Serve warm alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or spiced chai for a comforting treat.

This dish also works well as a brunch addition or potluck dessert. Its hearty, comforting flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or casual celebrations with friends.

The Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes aren’t just delicious—they’re nutrient-rich. Packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber, they support eye health, boost immunity, and promote digestive wellness. Pairing sweet potatoes with nuts increases the protein and healthy fat content, making this crumble slightly more nourishing than typical desserts.

Additionally, using moderate amounts of sugar and natural sweeteners allows you to enjoy a sweet treat without overloading on refined sugar. This makes Sweet Potato & Nut Crumble a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while still feeling wholesome and homemade.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, place portions in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp.

• Individual servings can also be reheated in the microwave, but the topping may lose some of its crunch. Consider sprinkling a few extra chopped nuts on top before microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used if fresh ones aren’t available. Be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make the crumble soggy. Mash the canned sweet potatoes until smooth, then mix in the sugars, spices, butter, and vanilla extract just as you would with fresh sweet potatoes. Since canned sweet potatoes are already cooked, you may need to slightly reduce the baking time, checking the dish after 20–25 minutes. This option is convenient and still produces a creamy, flavorful base for your crumble.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! This crumble is very flexible and can be partially or fully prepared ahead of time. You can mash the sweet potatoes and mix in the spices, sugars, and butter a day in advance. Store the mixture in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. The crumble topping can also be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container to maintain its texture. When ready to serve, simply assemble the sweet potato base and topping in a baking dish and bake as directed. Making it ahead saves time and makes this dessert perfect for gatherings or busy evenings.

Can I freeze the crumble?

Yes, this dessert freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble the crumble in a freezer-safe dish before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it from frozen at 375°F (190°C), adding about 10–15 minutes to the baking time. Freezing preserves both the creamy texture of the sweet potatoes and the crunchiness of the nut topping. For best results, avoid freezing after baking, as the topping may lose its crisp texture.

Can I use other types of nuts?

Definitely! While pecans and walnuts are traditional choices, you can use almonds, hazelnuts, or even a mixture of your favorite nuts. Toasting the nuts lightly before mixing them into the crumble topping enhances their natural flavor and adds extra depth to the dish. For a fun twist, you can even add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to the topping for additional crunch. Customizing the nuts allows you to make the crumble your own while maintaining the delicious texture and nutty flavor that makes this dessert special.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason desserts like Sweet Potato & Nut Crumble become family favorites. It’s simple yet elegant, sweet yet balanced, and comforting yet versatile. From the first spoonful of creamy sweet potatoes to the satisfying crunch of the nut topping, this dessert delights the senses.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy evening at home, a seasonal gathering, or just to enjoy a moment of self-indulgence, this crumble never disappoints. Its balance of flavors and textures ensures every bite feels special, while the warmth of the spices brings a comforting familiarity.

Sweet Potato & Nut Crumble Recipe

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting dessert to fill your kitchen with cozy aromas. This Sweet Potato & Nut Crumble combines creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with a crunchy, nutty topping, making it perfect for chilly evenings or casual family gatherings. Inspired by traditional fall flavors, this dessert is both indulgent and wholesome, offering a balance of sweetness and texture that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Base:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Nut Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

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

• Boil the sweet potato cubes in a large pot of water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well.

• Mash the sweet potatoes and mix in granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

• Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

• In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and chopped nuts. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly.

• Sprinkle the nut crumble evenly over the sweet potato layer.

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.

• Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.

• Toast nuts lightly for a richer, nuttier taste.

• Can be made ahead: store sweet potato base and topping separately in the refrigerator for up to a day.

• Optional: serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Michelle Davis