As the leaves turn to shades of amber and gold, there’s an undeniable urge to bring warmth and comfort into our homes—and what better way to do that than with a delightful Toffee Apple Hazelnut Crumble? This dish transports me back to crisp autumn afternoons where the aroma of baked apples and buttery topping fills the air, wrapping me in a cozy embrace.
Imagine sinking your fork into a layers of tender, fudgy caramel-coated apples, topped with a crunchy hazelnut crumble that adds not just texture but a lovely nutty flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or an intimate dinner party, this dessert straddles the line between indulgence and comfort food. With every bite, it whispers of seasonal joy, making it irresistibly appealing for cold evenings or festive celebrations. Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or entertaining friends, you’ll find this dish is a true crowd-pleaser, ready to elevate your dessert game this autumn.
Why is Toffee Apple Crumble a Must-Try?
Irresistible Comfort: A warm Toffee Apple Crumble transports you to cozy autumn evenings, wrapping you in its sweet, buttery embrace.
Luscious Layers: Fresh apples bathed in caramel create a luscious base, perfectly complemented by a crunchy hazelnut topping.
Endless Versatility: This recipe adapts beautifully with seasonal fruits or spices, inviting your creativity to shine.
Easy Preparation: With minimal steps and simple ingredients, you can whip this delightful dessert together effortlessly.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for family gatherings and dinner parties, it’s sure to impress all your loved ones, leaving them craving more.
Toffee Apple Crumble Ingredients
For the Crumble Topping
- Plain Flour – Provides structure and base for the crumble; gluten-free flour is an excellent alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor, crucial for achieving the perfect crumbly texture; margarine can be used for a dairy-free version.
- Rolled Oats – Contributes heartiness and texture to the crumble; quick oats can be substituted but may slightly change the texture.
- Hazelnuts – Brings a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the mix; feel free to swap in almonds or pecans if desired.
- Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and spice; consider nutmeg for a different aromatic note.
- Caster Sugar – Sweetens the crumble and aids in caramelization while cooking; brown sugar offers a deeper flavor and is a lovely substitute.
- Sea Salt Flakes – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors; regular salt is a great stand-in if necessary.
For the Filling
- Green Apples – The star of the show, providing tartness and structure; choose firm varieties for the best results, like Granny Smith.
- Double Cream – Essential for making a smooth and creamy caramel sauce; heavy whipping cream will work wonderfully as an alternative.
For Serving
- Ice Cream – Complements the warm toffee apple crumble perfectly; vanilla or caramel ice cream make for delicious pairings.
This Toffee Apple Crumble is sure to become a cherished autumn favorite, bringing the joy of seasonal dessert to your table!
How to Make Toffee Apple Crumble
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (170°C fan/gas 5). This ensures it’s hot and ready to bake your crumble to perfection.
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Prepare Crumble Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the plain flour with 30g of cubed unsalted butter. Use your fingers to rub them together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the rolled oats, chopped hazelnuts, ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of caster sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. Spread this mixture evenly onto a lined baking tray and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown, tossing halfway through for even cooking. Allow to cool, then reduce the oven temperature to 150°C (130°C fan/gas 3).
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Make Caramel Apples: In a frying pan, layer the remaining 150g of sugar and gently heat until it dissolves. Turn up the heat—watch closely as it transforms into a rich caramel with a rusty penny color. Carefully stir in 50g of butter, then reduce the heat and add the chopped green apple pieces. Cook these for about 10-15 minutes, turning them regularly until nicely caramelized. Once done, spread them out on a lined tray and bake for another 30 minutes.
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Prepare Caramel Sauce: Pour the double cream into the caramel pan and gently cook over medium heat. Stir constantly until it becomes smooth and beautifully drizzle-able.
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Serve: To assemble your masterpiece, place the caramelized apples on a plate, generously top them with the crunchy hazelnut crumble, add a scoop of ice cream, and finish with a warm drizzle of caramel sauce.
Optional: Sprinkle some extra toasted hazelnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for Toffee Apple Crumble
- Perfect Apple Choice: Use firm green apples such as Granny Smith for a tartness that holds up during baking. Avoid soft apples that turn mushy.
- Crumble Crispiness: Ensure you don’t over-mix the crumble topping. The secret to a crunchy texture lies in keeping some larger clumps!
- Caramel Watch: Keep a close eye on the caramel—once it turns rusty penny in color, remove it from the heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Cooling Time: Let the crumble topping cool slightly before serving. This helps it firm up for that ideal crunchy bite with the warm apples.
- Make-Ahead Advantage: Prepare the crumble topping and caramel apples ahead of time, then assemble just before serving to maintain freshness. Enjoy your Toffee apple crumble!
How to Store and Freeze Toffee Apple Crumble
Fridge: Store leftover Toffee Apple Crumble in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 150°C (130°C fan/gas 3) for the best texture.
Freezer: You can freeze the crumble topping separately from the caramel apples for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed.
Reheating: For a freshly baked taste, reheat assembled crumbles in the oven rather than the microwave. This keeps the crumble crispy and delectable.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the crumble components a day in advance and assemble just before serving to enhance freshness and flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Toffee Apple Hazelnut Crumbles are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the crumble topping up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its crunch. The caramelized apples can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the apples in the oven while you crisp up the crumble topping. Finally, drizzle over the warm caramel sauce just before plating for that fresh, luxurious finish. Enjoy a delightful dessert with minimal effort, making your autumn gatherings even sweeter!
What to Serve with Toffee Apple Crumble?
Indulging in a warm dessert like this is best complemented by a few delightful sides that elevate the experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing; the creamy vanilla adds a cool contrast to the warm, gooey apples and crunchy crumble.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a luscious touch while balancing the sweet, rich flavor of the crumble.
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Caramel Sauce: For those who crave extra sweetness, a drizzle of caramel enhances the dessert’s richness, making every bite irresistibly decadent.
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Hazelnut Coffee: The nutty undertones of hazelnut coffee echo the dish’s hazelnut topping, offering a cozy beverage pairing for autumn nights.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider brings seasonal flavors together, perfectly mirroring the delightful apple base of the crumble.
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Chocolate Sauce: For a bit of indulgence, warm chocolate sauce drizzled over the crumble can create a luscious, dessert-lover’s paradise.
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Ginger Snap Cookies: A unique and crunchy contrast, these cookies provide a zesty kick that complements the sweet flavors of the toffee apple crumble beautifully.
Serve these delightful options alongside your Toffee Apple Crumble, and watch everyone savor the warmth of autumn in every bite!
Toffee Apple Crumble Variations
Get ready to elevate your Toffee Apple Crumble experience with delightful twists! Customize this dish to suit your taste and occasion.
- Nut-Free: Omit hazelnuts to create a nut-free version perfect for allergies. You’ll still have a delightful crumble without missing out on flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a cozy, spiced flavor that warms the soul. This simple tweak can invigorate your taste buds beautifully.
- Berries & Pears: Swap green apples for seasonal berries or juicy pears for a fresh take. Your crumble will transform into a varied fruit delight that’s equally heartwarming.
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and double cream with almond cream for a completely plant-based dessert. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
- Sweetness Adjustment: Use maple syrup instead of caster sugar for a different sweet profile. It enriches the crumble with caramel-like aromas and a hint of earthiness.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted dark chocolate over your serving just before digging in. This makes every bite a delightful surprise.
- Crunchy Granola: Stir in some store-bought or homemade granola into the crumble topping for an extra crunch. Each bite will be bursting with flavor and delightful texture.
- Heat It Up: Add a touch of cayenne or chili powder to create a surprising heat that complements the sweetness. Perfect for those who love a bit of spice in their treat!
With these variations, your Toffee Apple Crumble will not only please your palate but also invite creativity into your kitchen!
Toffee Apple Crumble with Hazelnuts and Caramel Bliss Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the Toffee Apple Crumble?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using firm green apples like Granny Smith. They offer a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, and their sturdy texture means they won’t turn mushy while baking. Avoid soft apples, as they will dissolve into the filling.
How long can I store the Toffee Apple Crumble?
You can store any leftover Toffee Apple Crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat it in the oven at 150°C (130°C fan/gas 3) for the best texture; this keeps the crumble topping nice and crispy!
Can I freeze my Toffee Apple Crumble?
Very! You can freeze the crumble topping and caramel apples separately for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, bake them together at 150°C (130°C fan/gas 3) until warmed through. This keeps that delightful texture intact!
What should I do if my caramel is too hard?
If your caramel turns too hard, don’t worry! Simply reheat it gently in a saucepan with a splash of water or more cream. Stir consistently until it loosens up. This will restore its drizzle-able consistency, perfect for finishing off your dessert.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, you can easily modify this recipe. For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with margarine and use almond milk or coconut cream instead of double cream. Additionally, you can skip the hazelnuts for a nut-free version; just add some oats for crunch instead!
What are some extra tips for achieving a perfect crumble texture?
To achieve the ultimate crumble topping, make sure not to over-mix your ingredients. The key to that irresistible crunch is in keeping larger clumps of the mixture intact. Aim for a breadcrumb-like texture and once baked, allow it to cool slightly to firm up before serving. Enjoy your Toffee Apple Crumble!
Toffee Apple Crumble with Hazelnuts and Caramel Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan/gas 5).
- In a mixing bowl, combine plain flour with cubed unsalted butter. Rub together until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in rolled oats, chopped hazelnuts, ground cinnamon, caster sugar, and sea salt. Spread evenly on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool, then reduce oven temperature to 150°C (130°C fan/gas 3).
- In a frying pan, layer remaining sugar and heat until it dissolves. Watch closely as it becomes caramel with a rusty penny color. Stir in butter, add chopped green apples, and cook for 10-15 minutes until caramelized. Spread out on a tray and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Pour double cream into the caramel pan, cook over medium heat, and stir until smooth.
- To serve, place caramelized apples on a plate, top with crumble, add ice cream, and drizzle with caramel sauce.