Cozy Apple Crumble with Hazelnuts

As the crisp autumn air starts to settle in and the leaves turn to vibrant shades of orange and gold, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple crumble wafting through the house.

This easy apple crumble with hazelnuts brings together the warmth of cinnamon, the crunch of nuts, and the tartness of apples in a simple, yet heartwarming dessert. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a sweet end to a family dinner.

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 4–5 apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

For the crumble topping:

• 100 g (7 tbsp) cold butter
• 1.5 dl (⅔ cup) rolled oats
• 1 dl (½ cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 dl (½ cup) chopped hazelnuts
• 1 dl (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

   • Set your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a baking dish (approximately 24 cm/9 inches in diameter) lightly with butter.
     
     

2. Prepare the apples:

   • Peel (optional), core, and slice the apples into thin wedges.
   • Toss the apple slices in a bowl with the sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to add a bit of brightness.
     
     

3. Make the crumble topping:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, chopped hazelnuts, sugar, and vanilla sugar.
   • Cut the cold butter into small cubes and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
     
     

4. Assemble the crumble:

   • Spread the cinnamon-coated apples evenly in the prepared baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples, ensuring they are well covered.
     
     

5. Bake:

   • Bake the crumble in the middle of the oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
     
     

6. Serve:

   • Let the apple crumble cool slightly before serving. It’s perfect when paired with vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips:

• For extra crunch, sprinkle a few more chopped hazelnuts over the crumble before baking.
• If you love a hint of spice, you can add a pinch of ground cardamom to the crumble mixture.

This simple apple crumble is a delightful way to enjoy the best of autumn’s flavors, with the hazelnuts adding an extra layer of warmth and crunch. It’s the perfect dessert to share with loved ones on a chilly fall evening!