Apple crumble will taste more 'indulgent' if you add 1 unusual savoury ingredient

Autumn is the perfect time to practise your cosy cooking skills, and you really can't get much more comforting than an apple crumble. Sweet fruit paired with a crisp crumb on top is the perfect autumn combo - especially when served warm with cream.

If you've never tried making your own apple crumble, it's actually very easy to do so. And if you want yours to taste even more 'indulgent', one ingredient you've probably got in your cupboard can make all the difference. Savoury and umami-packed, a bit of miso paste is all you need for the perfectly delicious apple crumble.

Sophie Nahmad, lead recipe developer at recipe box Gousto, says adding some miso paste into the caramel sauce for your crumble will take it to the next level.

She explained: "Just a spoonful of miso transforms apple crumble from homely classic to indulgent showstopper. The savoury umami depth of miso balances the sweetness of apples and caramel, creating a crumble that's comforting yet elevated, perfect for cosy evenings as the nights draw in."

Miso has been a firm favourite on TikTok and in UK kitchens, but it's not just savoury dishes it can benefit. Sophie said: "Rich in umami, miso paste enhances savoury and sweet dishes alike, bringing out deeper, richer notes. In desserts, it's been hailed by chefs as the "salt upgrade", adding complexity without overpowering."

Here's how to make a delicious apple crumble taste even better with miso.

Miso caramel apple crumble

Ingredients - For the apple filling:

• Six medium cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced
  50g caster sugar
• Juice of ½ lemon
• One tsp vanilla extract

For the miso caramel:

• 100g caster sugar
• 50g unsalted butter
• 100ml double cream
• One tbsp white miso paste

For the crumble topping:

• 150g plain flour
• 100g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 75g light brown sugar
• 50g oats

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas 4. Place the sliced apples in a mixing bowl, toss with lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla, and spread evenly in a baking dish.

In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns amber. Add butter, stirring until melted, then carefully whisk in cream. Stir in the miso paste until smooth, then pour the caramel over the apples.

Rub the flour and butter together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the oats and sugar., then sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples and caramel.

Place in the oven for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling at the edges. Spoon into bowls and enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami.