There’s something magical about the aroma of a bubbling crumble filling the kitchen, especially when it’s packed with the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes. This Sweet Potato Crumble is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of autumnal flavors, a cozy embrace on a chilly evening, and a delightful way to sneak in some extra nutrients. The creamy, spiced sweet potato filling, topped with a buttery, golden-brown crumble, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds. As the days get shorter and the leaves change, this crumble becomes my go-to comfort food, reminding me of family gatherings and the simple joys of the season.

Having spent years experimenting with different crumble recipes, I’ve honed this one to perfection. I’ve learned how to balance the spices, achieve the ideal crumble texture, and ensure the sweet potatoes are cooked just right. It’s a recipe I’ve shared with countless friends and family members, and now I’m excited to share it with you. With Thanksgiving around the corner, this Sweet Potato Crumble is the perfect dish to add to your holiday dessert lineup. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
The beauty of this Sweet Potato Crumble lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin. Jewel or garnet varieties work well. Sweet potatoes are packed with Vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. Roasting them enhances their natural sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the crumble topping. You can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Rolled Oats: Adds a delightful chewiness and nutty flavor to the crumble. Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to both the filling and the crumble. Light or dark brown sugar can be used.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and provides a crispness to the crumble.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is crucial for a tender, flavorful crumble. Make sure it’s cold!
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a warm, inviting aroma and enhance the sweet potato flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the crumble topping. Walnuts can be substituted.
Substitution Tips:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the crumble topping. Make sure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
- Vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Sweetener: Use maple syrup or honey in place of brown sugar and granulated sugar. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Nuts: If you have nut allergies, omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Crumble Perfection
After countless batches of testing, I’ve discovered some key tips to ensure your Sweet Potato Crumble turns out perfectly every time.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Roasting the sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and creates a richer flavor than boiling or steaming.
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is essential for a tender, flaky crumble topping. Cut the butter into small cubes and keep it chilled until ready to use.
- Don’t Overmix the Crumble: Overmixing the crumble topping will result in a tough, dense texture. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust the Spices to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to your preference. A pinch of cloves or allspice can also be added.
- Let it Cool Slightly: Allow the crumble to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken slightly and prevent it from being too runny.
- Serve Warm: Serve the crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the sweet potato mixture for an extra kick.
FAQ: Your Sweet Potato Crumble Questions Answered
Can I make this Sweet Potato Crumble ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the sweet potato filling and the crumble topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the crumble just before baking.
How do I store leftover Sweet Potato Crumble?
Store leftover Sweet Potato Crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze Sweet Potato Crumble?
Yes, you can freeze the baked Sweet Potato Crumble. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
While fresh roasted sweet potatoes are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and reduce the amount of sugar in the filling accordingly, as canned sweet potatoes are often packed in syrup.
What can I serve with Sweet Potato Crumble?
Sweet Potato Crumble is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
How do I prevent the crumble topping from getting soggy?
To prevent the crumble topping from getting soggy, make sure to use cold butter and don’t overmix the crumble. Also, bake the crumble until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Letting the crumble cool slightly before serving also helps.
Share the Sweetness
This Sweet Potato Crumble is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create warm memories and share a taste of homemade goodness. From the earthy sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes to the buttery, golden-brown crumble topping, every bite is a celebration of comfort and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for Thanksgiving or simply craving a cozy treat on a chilly evening, this crumble is sure to delight.
Now it’s your turn! Bake up a batch of this delicious Sweet Potato Crumble and share it with your loved ones. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. I love hearing your feedback and seeing your creations. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other fall-inspired desserts, like my Apple Crisp, Pumpkin Pie, and Pecan Pie Bars. Happy baking!
PrintSweet Potato Crumble
Easy Sweet Potato Crumble Enjoy a warm comforting dessert with this simple recipe Get your sweet fix today
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes
- All-Purpose Flour
- Rolled Oats
- Brown Sugar
- Granulated Sugar
- Unsalted Butter
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
- Pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Roast the sweet potatoes until tender. Peel and mash them.
- Prepare the crumble topping by combining flour, oats, sugars, and cold butter. Mix until crumbly.
- Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with spices and vanilla extract.
- Place the sweet potato mixture in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the sweet potato filling.
- Bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.


