Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Apple Crumble Recipe – Cinnamon, Garam Masala & Nut Topping

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, the smell of apples and warm spices baking in the oven instantly feels like home. I’m so excited to share my take on a classic apple crumble – but with a little Indian-inspired twist! This isn’t your grandma’s apple crumble (though, with all due respect to grandmas!). The addition of garam masala adds a warmth and complexity that takes it to a whole new level. Trust me, you need this in your life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple crumble is the perfect dessert for a cozy night in, a potluck with friends, or even a festive celebration. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is bursting with flavour. The combination of sweet apples, fragrant spices, and a crunchy nut topping is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes – perfect when you need a quick and comforting treat!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 apples, chopped (about 4 cups)
• ½ – 1 teaspoon cinnamon (depending on your preference!)
• ½ – 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Coconut Oil: Types & Usage

I love using coconut oil in this recipe for its subtle flavour and lovely aroma. You can use refined or unrefined coconut oil. Refined has a neutral flavour, while unrefined will give you a more noticeable coconut taste. For this recipe, I usually go with unrefined – it complements the spices beautifully. (Approximately 30ml)

Apples: Best Varieties for Baking

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking! My favourites are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold their shape well and have a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the crumble. You can also use a mix of varieties for a more complex flavour.

Garam Masala: Regional Variations & Flavor Profile

Garam masala isn’t a single spice blend, it varies from region to region in India! It generally includes warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and black pepper. I like to use a homemade blend, but a good quality store-bought garam masala works perfectly too. It adds such a lovely depth of flavour to the apples.

Nut Blend: Pecans & Walnuts – A Perfect Pairing

Pecans and walnuts are a match made in heaven! They offer a wonderful textural contrast and a rich, buttery flavour. Feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts if you prefer, but this combo is my go-to.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a cast iron skillet (or oven-safe baking dish) over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the chopped apples, cinnamon, garam masala, and a pinch of nutmeg. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the apples soften slightly. They don’t need to be fully cooked, just a little tender.
4. While the apples are sautéing, prepare the topping. In a bowl, combine the chopped pecans, walnuts, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Mix well until everything is nicely coated.
5. Sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the sautéed apples.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
7. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little melted coconut butter over the top before serving. It adds an extra layer of richness!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when sautéing the apples. Work in batches if necessary.
• For a crispier topping, add a tablespoon of rolled oats to the nut mixture.
• Keep a close eye on the crumble during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the topping from burning.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Apple Crumble

This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just ensure your maple syrup is 100% pure.

Gluten-Free Apple Crumble

To make this gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour also works beautifully!

Spice Level Adjustment

If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the apple mixture. My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny bit of cardamom too – it’s delicious!

Festival Adaptations (e.g., Thanksgiving, Diwali)

During Diwali, I sometimes add a sprinkle of chopped pistachios to the topping for a festive touch. For Thanksgiving, a dash of allspice complements the apple and cinnamon beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This apple crumble is amazing on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut yogurt. A warm cup of chai is the perfect accompaniment!

Storage Instructions

Leftover crumble can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

Can I use different types of nuts in this crumble?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts.

What if I don’t have garam masala? What can I substitute?

If you don’t have garam masala, you can make a quick substitute by combining ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom, and a pinch of ground cloves.

Can this crumble be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the crumble up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is it possible to make individual apple crumbles?

Definitely! Divide the apple mixture and topping among individual ramekins and bake for 10-12 minutes.

How can I prevent the crumble topping from burning?

Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking. If it starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the skillet with foil.