Introduction
Transform humble sweet potatoes into a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any holiday gathering! This Easy Sweet Potato Crumble is surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers incredible flavor and heartwarming comfort. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and subtly spiced sweet potatoes topped with a buttery, crunchy crumble— guaranteed to be a family favorite!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a delicious balance of sweet and savory. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes is perfectly complemented by warming spices, while the buttery oat crumble adds a delightful textural contrast. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
Key Ingredients
🍠 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
🍎 1/2 cup apple cider
🍯 1/4 cup honey
🍂 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
🎃 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
🌰 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
🧈 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
🌾 1 cup all-purpose flour
🥣 1/2 cup rolled oats
🤎 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large pot, boil the cubed sweet potatoes in water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
3️⃣ Mash the cooked sweet potatoes. Stir in the apple cider, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix until well combined.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, combine the cold butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5️⃣ Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the sweet potatoes.
6️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7️⃣ Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Handy Tips
- Use a potato masher for perfectly smooth sweet potatoes.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the sweet potato mixture.
- If you don’t have apple cider, you can substitute apple juice.
Heat Control
Using 375°F (190°C) ensures the sweet potatoes are cooked through without burning, while the crumble topping gets perfectly golden and crispy. Don’t overbake; the crumble will continue to crisp slightly as it cools.
Crunch Factor
The oats and butter in the crumble create the perfect textural contrast to the soft, creamy sweet potatoes. The crumble should be golden brown and have a satisfying crunch.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a quicker crumble, use a food processor to pulse the ingredients together.
- Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra nutty flavor and crunch.
- Make individual crumbles in ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Storage Tips
Store leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Individual portions of this crumble make lovely gifts! Package them in cute mason jars or small baking dishes, tied with festive ribbon. Include a handwritten tag with the recipe.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spiced Pecan Crumble: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the crumble topping and increase the spices slightly.
🌟 Maple Sweet Potato Crumble: Substitute maple syrup for honey in the sweet potato mixture.
🌟 Cranberry Sweet Potato Crumble: Stir in 1/2 cup dried cranberries to the sweet potato mixture for a tart and festive twist.
🌟 Coconut Crumble: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the crumble topping for a tropical twist.
Troubleshooting
- Crumble too dry: Add a tablespoon of milk or melted butter to the crumble mixture.
- Sweet potatoes too dry: Add a tablespoon of water or apple cider to the sweet potato mixture.
- Crumble too pale: Increase oven temperature by 25°F and bake for a few more minutes.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of sweet potatoes? Yes, feel free to experiment with different varieties of sweet potatoes.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the sweet potato filling and crumble topping ahead of time and assemble them just before baking.
- Can I freeze this crumble? Yes, you can assemble the crumble and freeze it unbaked for up to 2 months. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when baking from frozen.
- What if I don’t have rolled oats? You can substitute with crushed graham crackers for a different texture.
- Is it okay if I slightly underbake the crumble? Yes, it will continue to cook slightly as it cools down and could be preferable to some who prefer a softer topping.
Conclusion
This Easy Sweet Potato Crumble is sure to become a holiday tradition in your home! It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Make a batch today and share the warm and fuzzy feelings with your family and friends! Don’t forget to share your photos and reviews on RateMyRecipes.com!