Hazelnut and Toffee Apple Crumble

Creating the perfect Hazelnut and Toffee Apple Crumble is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day—comforting and incredibly satisfying. Imagine juicy apples spiced with cinnamon and combined with pieces of toffee, all tucked under a golden, crunchy topping made from oats and hazelnuts. This dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience that brings people together around the kitchen table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and heartiness. Trust me, the aroma wafting from the oven will have everyone anticipating a bite before it even hits the table. So, grab your baking dish, and let’s whip up a batch of this delightful crumble that’s bound to make your taste buds dance!

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Why This Recipe Works

Creating the perfect Hazelnut and Toffee Apple Crumble is all about the balance between sweet and hearty flavors. This recipe blends juicy, cinnamon-spiced apples with rich toffee chunks, while the hazelnut-oat topping provides a delightful texture contrast. Ideal for cozy gatherings, this dessert encapsulates the essence of fall and winter festivities.

Why You’ll Love This Hazelnut and Toffee Apple Crumble

You’ll fall in love with the warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as the crumble bakes. This recipe is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating memorable moments with loved ones. Each bite is a perfect harmony of nutty, buttery flavors and tender, sweet apples that will leave you reaching for seconds.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 lbs apples (about 6-7 medium apples)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup toffee bits
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup roughly chopped hazelnuts

Preparing the Apple Filling

Preheat your oven to 350℉. Use 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to generously grease the bottom and sides of a 1.5 qt baking dish (9×9” works perfectly).

Peel and core the apples, then cut them into 1” cubes or 1cm slices, according to your preference.

Add the apple cubes to a large mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice of ½ lemon over them (make sure to remove any seeds!).

Sprinkle the apples with ¼ cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.

Fold in ½ cup of toffee bits, distributing them well among the apples. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it’s spread evenly.

Making the Crumble Topping

In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ cup of unsalted butter, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ cup of roughly chopped hazelnuts.

Using a fork or your fingertips, mix until the mixture forms small to medium-sized crumbles, resembling coarse sand.

Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, gently spreading it out without packing it down.

Baking the Hazelnut and Toffee Apple Crumble

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the top is golden brown. If the crumble starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.

Once baked, let the crumble rest for about 10 minutes before serving, preferably with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm, straight from the oven, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For added flair, garnish with crushed hazelnuts and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips for Success

• Squeeze the lemon juice right over the apples to prevent browning.
• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
• Allow the crumble to cool slightly before digging in to let the flavors meld.

Variations

Experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts in the crumble topping. For a spicier twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, or in the microwave for a quick treat.

Pairing Ideas

This Hazelnut and Toffee Apple Crumble pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a warm apple cider.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, frozen apples can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before baking.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats.

3. How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the apple filling and crumble topping separately and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

4. Can I use different types of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute light brown sugar with granulated sugar or coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.

5. What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Reheat in the oven and serve warm. It’s delightful with another scoop of ice cream!

Indulging in this Hazelnut and Toffee Apple Crumble will not only offer you a taste of heavenly flavors but also evoke warm memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. Serve it warm with your favorite ice cream, and you’ve got the perfect dessert that celebrates the essence of fall and winter.

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