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This Hazelnut Crumble Topping recipe uses just 4 simple ingredients to create a rich, nutty twist to your favourite desserts. It’s the perfect addition to fruit crumbles or as a topping for ice cream (and it’s seriously delicious!)
Hazelnuts infuse this crumble topping with a rich, toasty flavour that elevates everything from classic berry or apple crumbles to simple vanilla ice cream. The warm, buttery and nutty taste adds a delightful complexity, making this topping even more delicious than the traditional version!
Whether you’re looking for a crumble topping to bake over fruit or to sprinkle over your favourite dessert, we’ve got you covered. With just 4 simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can transform ordinary puddings into something special.
Ready to elevate your desserts with this luxurious hazelnut twist? Let’s get started!
Quick Links:
- The full recipe
- Why you’ll love this recipe
- Ingredients needed
- Step by step instructions with photos
- How to serve and store
- Success tips
- FAQs
- Other vegan crumble recipes like this one
This Hazelnut Crumble recipe pairs beautifully with our Apple and Cherry Crumble. Or why not try it sprinkled on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream along with our 2-ingredient caramel sauce and some melted dark chocolate? Heavenly!
If you’re looking for more crumble toppings, you’ll love our 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Crumble Topping, which is made without flour!
Why you’ll love this Hazelnut Crumble Topping
Unique nutty flavour. The rich, toasty taste of hazelnuts adds a warm, buttery flavour that sets this crumble topping apart from a traditional version.
Quick and easy. With just four ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up this topping in no time.
Versatile use. Whether baked on top of fruit or sprinkled over ice cream, this hazelnut crumble recipe pairs well with a variety of desserts.
Why you WON’T love this crumble topping… it’s addictive. SERIOUSLY. Not much of it made it onto our dessert during testing because we kept eating it off of the tray it was so moreish!
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How to make this Hazelnut Crumble Topping
Ingredients
You only need four ingredients to make this crunchy Hazelnut Crumble Topping recipe:
Plain flour. Also called ‘all purpose flour’.
Demerara sugar. Can be substituted for soft light brown sugar or caster sugar.
Vegan butter. Ideally the block kind rather than a spreadable margarine.
Roasted hazelnuts. Chopped finely (many supermarkets sell them ready roasted and chopped).
Equipment
The only equipment you’ll need to make this Hazelnut Crumble Topping recipe is:
- A medium bowl
- A large baking sheet lined with parchment paper (if you want to bake the topping separately, rather than on top of a fruit crumble)
- or a pie dish (if you plan to cook the crumble topping on top of fruity filling ingredients for a comforting dessert).
Step-By-Step Instructions
Make sure to head to the recipe card below for the full recipe and instructions for making this hazelnut crumb recipe!
STEP 1. In a medium or large bowl, rub the butter into the flour with your finger tips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
STEP 2. Stir in the sugar and finely chopped hazelnuts into the mixing bowl.
STEP 3. To cook you have a couple of options:
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture on top of some pre-cooked fruit in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Spread the crumble topping out in an even layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C fan (190°C conventional / 375°F / gas mark 5) for approximately 15 minutes until it’s starting to lightly colour. Leave the crumble to cool completely on the tray and then break up any larger bits. Sprinkle over the top of any dessert you like!
How to Serve
Serve baked on top of a fruit crumble, or baked separately and then sprinkled over your dessert of choice.
What flavours pair well with this Hazelnut Crumble Topping? Hazelnuts pair beautifully with ice cream, chocolate, figs and vanilla, as well as apples, bananas and berries. Try this topping sprinkled on top of vanilla ice cream, a chocolate tart, oven baked figs or a fruity crumble such as our Apple and Cherry Crumble.
How to Store
In the fridge. Store this crumble topping in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
In the freezer. Store this crumble topping in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to restore it’s crispness.
For optimal enjoyment, crispness and freshness, we recommend serving this crumble topping on the same day that it has been made.
Success Tips
Use cold block butter. For the perfect crumbly texture, make sure your butter is cold before rubbing it into the flour. If you don’t plan on baking the crumble topping straight away, store it in an airtight container in the fridge (for up to 3 days) to keep it cold.
Chop the hazelnuts finely. Hopefully your supermarket sells hazelnuts ready roasted and finely chopped, but if not, make sure you chop the hazelnuts finely to ensure an even distribution of flavour and texture throughout the crumble topping.
Don’t over bake. Keep an eye on the crumble topping as it bakes; it should be lightly golden brown, not dark brown, to avoid a bitter, burnt taste.
Spread evenly. If baking the crumble topping on it’s own on a tray, be sure to spread it out evenly so that it crisps up nicely.
Cool before using. If you have baked the crumble topping separately, let it cool completely to room temperature before breaking up any larger bits, to maintain it’s crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use melted butter instead of cold butter?
Cold butter is crucial for a crumbly texture, so no, we don’t recommend using melted butter when making crumble topping.
Can I make this crumble topping without nuts?
You can substitute the hazelnuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a nut-free version, or omit nuts/seeds altogether and make a plain crumble topping.
What fruit pairs best with this hazelnut crumble topping?
Apples, pears, cherries and berries are all fantastic options that complement the nutty flavour beautifully. Try our Apple Cherry Crumble for a great dessert that pairs wonderfully with this hazelnut crumble topping!
Can I make this crumble topping in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crumble mixture and store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days before baking.
What can I use instead of butter?
We recommend using dairy free butter for this recipe, however you can use cold coconut oil instead, if you can’t get hold of vegan block butter.
More vegan crumble recipes
I hope you LOVE this recipe for Hazelnut Crumble Topping! Please share this blog post with someone you think will love it because it’s our goal to encourage as many people as possible to try plant based eating.
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The Written Recipe:
Hazelnut Crumble Topping Recipe (Perfect for Desserts)
Ingredients
- 200 g plain flour (all purpose flour)
- 100 g vegan block butter (cut into small chunks)
- 175 g demerara sugar (sub: soft light brown sugar)
- 60 g roasted hazelnuts (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.200 g plain flour, 100 g vegan block butter
- Stir in the sugar and chopped hazelnuts.175 g demerara sugar, 60 g roasted hazelnuts
- Sprinkle on top of some pre-cooked fruit and bake for around 25-30 minutes until the crumble topping is lightly golden.
- Alternatively, to bake on it’s own, spread the crumble mixture out on a large baking tray lined with baking paper, in an even, thin layer (you may need to use two trays). Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C fan (190°C conventional / 375°F / gas mark 5) for approximately 15 minutes until it’s starting to lightly colour. Leave the crumble to cool completely on the tray and then break up any larger bits. Sprinkle over the top of any dessert you like!
Notes
Nutrition
Tara
Hi, I’m Tara! I’m taking you on a trip around the world in vegan cuisine and bringing the world’s most delicious dishes to your kitchen.
