Print

Savory-Sweet Miso Caramel Apple Crumble

miso caramel apple crumble - featured image

This isn’t your average apple dessert. The miso in the caramel adds an incredible umami backbone that cuts through the sweetness of the apples and the buttery crumble topping, creating a deep, complex flavor that’s both nostalgic and brand new.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 heaping tablespoon (about 20g) white miso paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of flaky sea salt
  • 6 medium apples (about 2.5 lbs or 1.1 kg), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (40g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g or 1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Make the Miso Caramel: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water. Stir gently until the sugar looks like wet sand. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Do not stir after it starts boiling. Swirl the pan occasionally. Watch closely until the sugar turns a deep, rich amber color (about 5-7 minutes). Immediately remove from heat. Carefully add 1/4 cup heavy cream (it will bubble up violently). Whisk vigorously until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons but…
  2. Prepare the Apple Filling: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
  3. Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Add cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs.
  4. Assemble the Crumble: Pour the apple filling into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer. Drizzle about 3/4 of the miso caramel over the apples. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Do not press down.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.
  6. Serve: Scoop the warm crumble into bowls. Drizzle the remaining miso caramel over the top. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Don’t rush the caramel; watch the color closely. Use cold butter for the topping for a crunchy texture. Mix apple varieties for best flavor and texture. Don’t skip the lemon juice. Let the crumble rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crumble, miso caramel, savory-sweet, fall dessert, easy recipe, apple dessert, crumble topping