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Budget-Friendly Miso Caramel Apple Crumble: Easy Fall Dessert

Budget-Friendly Miso Caramel Apple Crumble - featured image

This budget-friendly apple crumble gets a secret umami boost from white miso paste, creating a deep, caramelized flavor that tastes like a hug in a bowl. Quick to assemble with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium apples, cored and sliced (about 2 pounds; Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon white miso paste
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash apples; core and slice into 1/4-inch thick pieces (no need to peel).
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice. Add miso paste and water; stir until miso is mostly dissolved. Add sliced apples and toss to coat. Let sit while making topping.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Add cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, work butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse sand with some pea-sized butter pieces.
  5. Pour apple filling into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over apples; do not press down.
  6. Place dish on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbling. If topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 30 minutes.
  7. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Notes

Use cold butter for the topping to ensure crispy clusters. White (shiro) miso is recommended for its mild, sweet flavor. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. For dairy-free, substitute cold coconut oil or plant-based butter. Let the crumble rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crumble, miso caramel, fall dessert, budget-friendly, easy dessert, apple dessert, crumble recipe