A warm, comforting crumble featuring juicy mixed berries topped with a crunchy hazelnut streusel. The perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors with creamy vanilla custard on the side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hazelnut Berry Crumble is the ultimate comfort dessert, blending the vibrant sweetness of mixed berries with a golden, nutty topping. The hazelnuts add a delightful crunch and richness, while the subtle citrus note from orange zest brightens each bite. Served warm with a silky vanilla custard, this dessert is easy to prepare yet luxurious in flavor—perfect for cozy evenings or festive occasions.
Ingredients
For the Fruit Base:
450 g mixed berries
40 ml 20% cream
Sugar, to taste
For the Crumble Topping:
40 g finely chopped roasted hazelnuts or hazelnut flour
40 g all-purpose flour
40 g brown sugar
40 g unsalted butter, room temperature
Zest of 1/2 orange
30 g hazelnuts, coarsely chopped (for extra crunch on top)
For the Vanilla Custard:
125 ml milk
125 ml 20% cream
Seeds of 1/2 vanilla pod
2 egg yolks (grade C1)
20 g powdered sugar
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Crumble
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). In a bowl, toss berries with sugar to taste and 40 ml of cream. Transfer to a baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix hazelnut flour, flour, brown sugar, butter, and orange zest until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the berries. Top with coarsely chopped hazelnuts.
Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the berry juices are bubbling at the edges.
Make the Vanilla Custard
While the crumble is baking, heat the milk, cream, and vanilla seeds in a saucepan until just simmering.
In another bowl, whisk egg yolks and powdered sugar until pale. Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the pan and gently cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until thickened to a custard consistency. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Serve
Serve the crumble warm, accompanied by a generous spoonful of vanilla custard on the side.
Servings and timing
Makes 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
Variations
- Use a mix of seasonal berries such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries.
- Substitute hazelnuts with almonds or pecans for a different nutty profile.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble topping for warmth.
- Include a splash of liqueur (like amaretto or Frangelico) in the berries for added depth.
- Replace the vanilla custard with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quicker option.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in a microwave or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) until warmed through. Custard should be stored separately and gently reheated over low heat if needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen berries can be used directly without thawing. Adjust sugar as needed.
Is hazelnut flour the same as ground hazelnuts?
Yes, they are essentially the same. Ensure it is finely ground for a smooth topping.
Can I make the custard in advance?
Yes, it can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?
Use well-drained berries and bake until the topping is fully golden and crisp.
Can I omit the cream from the berry mixture?
Yes, though it adds a touch of richness to the fruit base.
What other nuts can I use?
Almonds, walnuts, or pecans are all excellent substitutes.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and cream alternatives, and a plant-based custard recipe.
What type of sugar works best?
Brown sugar enhances the crumble with a caramel-like flavor, but white sugar can be used if preferred.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and store unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
How thick should the custard be?
The custard should coat the back of a spoon and have a pourable consistency.
Conclusion
Hazelnut Berry Crumble is a heartwarming dessert that combines juicy, tart berries with a buttery hazelnut topping and luxurious vanilla custard. Its rustic charm and comforting flavors make it ideal for casual dinners or special celebrations. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, this crumble is sure to be a favorite all year round.
Hazelnut Berry Crumble
A warm, comforting crumble featuring juicy mixed berries topped with a crunchy hazelnut streusel. The perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors with creamy vanilla custard on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 450 g mixed berries
- 40 ml 20% cream
- Sugar, to taste
- 40 g finely chopped roasted hazelnuts or hazelnut flour
- 40 g all-purpose flour
- 40 g brown sugar
- 40 g unsalted butter, room temperature
- Zest of 1/2 orange (juice not needed)
- 30 g hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
- 125 ml milk
- 125 ml 20% cream
- Seeds of 1/2 vanilla pod
- 2 egg yolks (grade C1)
- 20 g powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, toss berries with sugar to taste and place in a baking dish.
- Mix hazelnut flour, flour, brown sugar, butter, and orange zest until crumbly. Sprinkle over berries.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden and berries are bubbling.
- Meanwhile, heat milk, cream, and vanilla seeds in a saucepan until just simmering.
- Whisk egg yolks and powdered sugar together.
- Slowly pour warm milk mixture into yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return mixture to the pan and gently cook, stirring, until thickened to custard consistency. Cool slightly.
- Serve the crumble warm with vanilla custard on the side.
Notes
- Adjust sugar in berries to taste depending on their natural sweetness.
- Hazelnut flour can be replaced with finely ground roasted hazelnuts.
- Watch the custard closely to avoid curdling—low heat and constant stirring are key.
- Custard can be made ahead and chilled, then gently rewarmed for serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 18 g
- Sodium: Approx. 50 mg
- Fat: Approx. 20 g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 24 g
- Fiber: Approx. 3 g
- Protein: Approx. 5 g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 90 mg