Savory Spiced Sweet Potato Crumble
As the Thanksgiving season rolls around, many of us find ourselves looking to innovate our traditional holiday desserts. This year, I decided to swap the classic sweet potato pie for a delightful spiced sweet potato crumble. It’s a warm, comforting fusion of flavors and textures that celebrates the season beautifully. Baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, this dish is sure to impress your holiday guests while keeping the essence of tradition alive.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups), peeled and quartered
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup oat milk
- 1 1/2 cups fresh tart berries (like cranberries or raspberries)
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
Streusel Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (16 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cubed
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 10-inch cast iron skillet with oil.
- Boil the sweet potatoes in a small pot until fork-tender, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the boiled sweet potatoes, coconut sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, vanilla extract, and oat milk. Blend until smooth.
- Fold in the fresh berries and lemon zest, then pour the filling into the prepared skillet.
Step 2: Make the Streusel
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, coconut sugar, cinnamon, sumac (if using), and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and mix with your hands or a pastry cutter until crumbly. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the filling in the skillet.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is crisp and golden, and the filling is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!
Tips & Substitutions
- No Cast Iron? Substitute with a medium casserole dish or 9-inch cake pan—just remember to oil it first.
- Best Berries: Tart berries like cranberries or pitted cherries work fabulously for this recipe.
- Sugar Swap: Light brown sugar can be used instead of coconut sugar if needed.
- Dairy-Free Option: Oat milk keeps this recipe creamy, but full-fat milk works too!
Embrace the flavors of fall and treat your loved ones to this uniquely spiced sweet potato crumble. It’s a deliciously comforting twist that keeps the spirit of tradition alive while adding a fresh touch to your holiday table. Enjoy!