Cardamom Apple Gratin

This easy and delicious cardamom apple gratin recipe combines the sweetness of sliced apples with the warmth of cardamom and cinnamon, all topped with a spiced brown sugar breadcrumb topping. It’s a warm and comforting dish and the perfect way to use those fall apples!

Want more apple recipes? You’ll love my Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts and Cranberries, Easy Swedish Apple Pie, and Applesauce Spice Cake with Caramel Icing recipes!

What is a Gratin?

The term “gratin” refers to the process of browning the top layer of a dish, typically with breadcrumbs, cheese, or a combination of both, to create a deliciously crispy and golden crust. While it’s commonly associated with dishes like potato gratin or macaroni and cheese, you can use the gratin technique with various ingredients, including vegetables, meats, seafood, and even fruits, to enhance their flavor and texture. The key is to select ingredients and flavor combinations that complement each other and can withstand the baking or broiling process required for gratin.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of sweet, tart apples with the warmth of ground cinnamon and cardamom gives you all the cozy, fall feels!
• It’ll make your kitchen smell like apples and spices while it’s baking.
• You’ll love the contrast between the tender, cooked apples and the crispy, golden brown breadcrumb topping.
• It’s easy to prepare and uses simple and easy to find ingredients.
• It’s a great way to use up all those fresh apples this fall!

Ingredients

• Apples: I prefer using Granny Smith apples in this recipe because I like their tartness and they hold their shape well. Honeycrisp would be another great option, but they’re not as easy to find and more expensive. I’ve also used a combination of Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples which was delicious.
• Cardamom and cinnamon: These are warm, cozy fall spices that pair so well with apples.
• Breadcrumbs: I used panko breadcrumbs because I find them to be light and crispy. You can use regular breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Butter: I use unsalted butter for all my baking recipes so I can control the amount of salt in every recipe. If you’re using salted butter, you may not want to add any additional salt to this recipe.

See recipe card below for full ingredient measurements.

Variations

• Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the breadcrumb topping for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. Mix the nuts with the breadcrumbs and spices before drizzling with melted butter.
• Incorporate other fruits like pears or cranberries alongside the apples for a more complex flavor profile. The tartness of cranberries can add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the apples.
• Add a bright citrus flavor by mixing some orange or lemon zest into the breadcrumb topping.
• Turn this dish into a savory side by reducing the sugar in the breadcrumb topping and adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese.
• Incorporate finely chopped crystallized ginger into the breadcrumb topping for an extra kick of warmth.
• Sprinkle chocolate chips or chunks over the apple filling before adding the breadcrumb topping.

This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

Step by Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set it aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the apples, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and lemon juice. Toss the apples gently until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
• Pour the melted butter over the apple mixture and toss again until the apples are well coated.
• Transfer the apple filling to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

• In a separate bowl, mix together the fresh breadcrumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.
• Drizzle the melted butter over the breadcrumb mixture and stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the butter and sugar mixture.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the apple filling in the baking dish, covering the apples evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Bake 30-35 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips

• Choose the right apples: Opt for apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties balance sweetness and tartness and won’t turn mushy during the cooking process.
• Uniform slicing: Try to slice the apples uniformly to ensure even cooking. This helps prevent some slices from becoming overly soft while others remain firm.
• Adjust sugar levels: Taste the apple mixture before assembling the gratin. Depending on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference, you might want to adjust the amount of sugar. I’ve had to reduce the amount of sugar when I’ve used sweeter apples. It’s up to you.
• Breadcrumb choice: I recommend using panko breadcrumbs, because they create a crispier topping than regular breadcrumbs.
• Even topping distribution: When adding the breadcrumb topping, sprinkle it evenly across the entire surface of the apple filling. This way you’ll get a some of those caramelized, crisp breadcrumbs in every bite!
• Baking time: Keep an eye on the gratin while it’s baking. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the apples continue to cook.
• Cooling time: Allow the gratin to cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut and serve without the juices being too runny.

How to Store

Refrigerate: Allow the gratin to cool slightly before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate the covered dish. It’s best to enjoy the leftovers within 2-3 days.

Reheating: To reheat the refrigerated gratin, place it in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until warmed through. This helps preserve the crispy texture of the breadcrumb topping.

To Freeze: You can freeze the apple gratin, but just know that it may affect the texture of the topping. I haven’t frozen this recipe yet, so if you do freeze it, please let me know how it turns out in the comments!

Here’s how you can freeze it:

• Allow the gratin to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the gratin in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. I like to label and date things when I freeze them so I know how long they’ve been in the freezer.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen gratin, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F. Keep in mind that the topping might not regain its full crispiness after freezing.

How to Serve

• Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, but you might want to try other options like whipped cream (my favorite), a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea.
• It’s a wonderful dessert to pair with a warm mug of my Swedish Mulled Wine (Glögg).

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Apple Cake with Caramelized Almond Topping
• Tilslørte Bondepiker (Danish Apple Parfait)
• Brown Sugar Spiced Persimmon Bread
• Pumpkin Havregrynskugler (Danish Oat Balls)

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