Look at my sneaky little humble crumble!
Why is it sneaky? Because even though it looks like an ordinary apple crisp… it’s actually special. Like, very special.
And not just because it’s made and served in an adorable cast iron skillet…
This apple crisp is special because it’s made with a unique blend of somewhat unexpected spices. I’m talking about garam masala. “Garam masala” translates to “warming spices” and that’s exactly what they are.
So what’s in garam masala? Cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, black pepper and coriander. The last three don’t seem like “dessert spices” but that’s what makes the flavor of this dessert so unique! Don’t get me wrong – the spices aren’t overwhelming, they’re actually very subtle. But using them adds a fun twist to this classic dessert.
I’ve used garam masala in a dessert before – remember my garam masala pumpkin pie? I made it twice last year, for Thanksgiving and for my husband’s birthday and it was so good! I like this apple crisp just as much.
There’s something you should know about me… I am the queen of kitchen gadgets (read: kitchen gadget addict). Some of my gadgets are useful and some are not. BUT I have to tell you about my new very useful discovery: an apple corer. I seriously do not know what I did without it. How did I core apples? Like a fool… that’s how. I know, that’s dramatic but I feel like my apple corer is a game changer… I am so sure that I’ll be eating twice as many apples now.
I have no idea how it’s possible that I bought myself a kiwi peeling tool (horrible for cutting kiwis, but great for lifting small cupcakes/egg muffins out of cupcake pans) and a pineapple scooping tool (plain awful purchase) BEFORE buying myself an apple corer. It just doesn’t make sense. (BTW, my next purchase: I want to try out this pineapple corer which is different from my scooping tool… do you have it? The reviews look good…. annnnd I sound like an addict.)
I love the combo of sweet spiced apples topped with crunchy chopped pecans and walnuts. To make this look a little fancier, you can even drizzle melted coconut butter on top!
This is such an easy and simple dessert to make – it’s plenty for 2 and enough for 4 if you serve a little ice cream on the side.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 apples chopped (4 cups)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg nutmeg
Topping:
- ½ cup pecans chopped
- ½ cup walnuts chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Optional: coconut butter drizzle on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Melt coconut oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the apples and spices. Saute for 4-5 minutes, or until the apples slightly soften.
- Combine the topping ingredients together in a bowl and then sprinkle the topping overtop the apples.
- Bake at 350F for 15 minutes.
- Drizzle coconut butter on top if desired (and if the coconut butter is too thick to drizzle, add some coconut oil to it to make it thinner).
Maneesha says
Hi Ashley! I know I already commented on this recipe in the past, but I just wanted to let you know how well this recipe pairs with chai as a snack! I made it when my family came over for tea time, and they loved it!
My Heart Beets says
Hi Maneesha! So happy to hear that 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!
Lisa says
Can I double or triple the recipe and bake it in a baking dish? I want to make this for my husband’s holiday potluck.
My Heart Beets says
Hi Lisa, yes you can! I would saute the apples first then place everything in a baking dish. Let me know how you like it 🙂
Maneesha says
Hi Ashley! Thank you so much for this recipe! I made it, and it is beautiful! I love it love it love it!
My Heart Beets says
Maneesha, so happy to hear that! Thank you for letting me know how it turned out for you! 🙂
Janet Shirey says
This recipe was so easy, fast, & a HUGE HIT at our Thanksgiving! Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂 I will certainly be adding this to our “always make” Thanksgiving menu. 🙂
My Heart Beets says
Janet, that’s awesome!! So happy to hear that it was a big hit 🙂
Gary says
What’s the best kind of apples to use? Do you peel them?
My Heart Beets says
Any sweet apple will be just fine! And I do peel them because I prefer it that way but it’s up to you!
Gary says
Thank you! Love your recipes, BTW. Your sarson ke saag is amazing!