Chai Spiced Apple Crumble

The enticing blend of flavors in a Chai Spiced Apple Crumble warms both the palate and the soul. Picture the crispness of fresh apples combined with the rich, aromatic spices from chai tea. You're left with a dessert that feels both classic and fresh. This dish shines during the cooler months when comfort food is most appreciated. Plus, it’s bound to impress guests at any gathering, making it a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire.

In a Chai Spiced Apple Crumble, the spices enhance the apples' natural sweetness and tartness. Consider how the warmth of cinnamon combines with the zing of ginger, harmonizing beautifully with the cooling aspect of cardamom. This unique blend can elevate an ordinary crumble into an extraordinary dessert, creating a harmonious balance of flavors in each bite.

Chai-Spiced Apple Crumble with Chai

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 6 medium apples (about 2½ lbs), peeled and sliced (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp = great combo)

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for thickening)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¾ tsp ground cardamom

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• Pinch of black pepper (optional for extra chai kick)

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground cardamom

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cold and cubed

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8" baking dish or similar-sized pie dish.

2. Prepare the filling:

   • In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, vanilla, flour/cornstarch, and chai spices until evenly coated.

   • Spread the apple mixture evenly in the baking dish.

3. Make the crumble:

   • In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.

   • Add cold butter cubes and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter in until mixture is crumbly and holds together in clumps.

   • Stir in nuts, if using.

4. Assemble & bake:

   • Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apples.

   • Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling.

5. Cool & serve:Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Delicious warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chai caramel!

Bonus Tip – Make it Extra Chai:

• Chai Cream Sauce - Simmer ¼ cup heavy cream with a chai tea bag and a spoonful of honey. Let steep, then drizzle over your crumble.

• Chai-Infused Caramel Sauce (Recipe below).

  
  

  

Chai-Infused Caramel Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1–2 chai tea bags (or 1 tbsp loose chai)

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp water

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or 1–2 pinches extra cinnamon/cardamom for extra depth

Instructions:

1. Infuse the Cream:

• Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just steaming (not boiling).

• Remove from heat, add chai tea bags (or place loose tea in a tea strainer or cheesecloth), cover, and steep for 10–15 minutes.

• Squeeze tea bags and discard. Keep warm.

2. Make the Caramel:

• In a medium saucepan, add sugar and water. Stir gently to combine.

• Heat over medium without stirring. Let it bubble and turn deep amber, about 5–8 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

3. Finish the Sauce:

• Once caramel reaches desired color, carefully whisk in butter (it will bubble rapidly).

• Slowly whisk in the warm chai-infused cream. Continue stirring until smooth.

• Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla (if using).

• Let cool slightly before using — it will thicken as it cools.