The unexpected ingredient that will give your apple crumble an 'autumn glow up'

As autumn leaves begin to fall, there has been a surge in searches for apple crumble recipes with the onset of cooler weather. However, there is one ingredient that can literally spice up the basic British classic. This season, there's a new way to give your apple crumble a glow up - and it outshines the usual pumpkin spice.

Sophie Nahmad, the lead recipe developer at Gousto, shares how adding a spoonful of miso paste to caramel sauce can elevate your traditional crumble; "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 popular ingredient on TikTok and in UK kitchens, but Gousto chef Sophie Nahmad explains how home cooks are realising its versatility extends beyond soup; "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. So it's no surprise we're seeing the miso trend break into desserts across TikTok. From cakes, to cookies, ice cream, and tarte tatin, miso caramel is being used to elevate a range of comforting classics."

Making the Miso Caramel. Sophie shares: "Making miso caramel couldn't be easier. Simply melt sugar in a pan until it turns golden, then whisk in butter and cream for a rich, glossy sauce. Stir through a spoonful of miso paste for that savoury depth, and pour the caramel over your apples before adding your crumble.

"Apple crumble is a much-loved British classic, but if you're entertaining, it can feel a bit old-fashioned," says Sophie Nahmad, Leading Chef at Gousto. "Adding miso to caramel gives it an unexpected twist, it's indulgent but balanced, and transforms a humble pudding into something truly special. It's a simple change that anyone can make at home."

Serves: 6.

Prep time: 25 minutes.

Cook time: 40 minutes.

Ingredients.

For the apple filling:.

6 medium cooking apples (e.g. Bramley or Granny Smith), peeled, cored and sliced.

50g caster sugar.

Juice of ½ lemon.

1 tsp vanilla extract.

For the miso caramel:.

100g caster sugar.

50g unsalted butter.

100ml double cream.

1 tbsp white miso paste.

For the crumble topping:.

150g plain flour.

100g cold unsalted butter, cubed.

75g light brown sugar.

50g oats.

Optional for serving:.

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas 4.

Prepare the apples. Place sliced apples in a mixing bowl, toss with lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla.

Spread evenly in a baking dish.

To create the miso caramel, heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns amber. Add butter, stirring until melted, then carefully whisk in cream (it will bubble). Stir in the miso paste until smooth. Pour the caramel over the apples.

For the crumble topping, rub the flour and butter together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the oats and sugar.

Next, sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples and caramel. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling at the edges.

Serve by spooning into bowls and enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami. More apple crumble and miso dessert recipes can be found on the Gousto recipe hub.