Quince and Hazelnut Crumble : Easy, Cozy Autumn Dessert

French

A golden, buttery crumble with tender quince and crunchy hazelnuts, this autumn dessert brings together warmth, comfort, and texture in every bite.

It’s rustic, seasonal, and simply irresistible when served warm with ice cream.

Quince and Hazelnut Crumble Recipe: A Warm and Crunchy Autumn Classic

This quince and hazelnut crumble captures everything we love about autumn, gently tart fruit, a hint of cinnamon, and a perfectly crisp, buttery topping.

Quince, so often forgotten, shines here with its soft, fragrant flesh brightened by a touch of lemon.

Combined with the richness of hazelnut streusel, it becomes pure comfort in every spoonful.

I love serving it warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of cream, simple, homely perfection.

It’s quick to prepare yet feels wonderfully special, ideal for a cozy family tea or the finishing touch to a hearty dinner.

This one is even more personal, it’s made from quinces grown in my own garden.

My six-year-old quince tree gave a beautiful harvest this year, and with the wind shaking them loose, I couldn’t resist turning them into something sweet, not just to quince jam or pastes, but this golden, nutty crumble.

Ingredients for the Quince and Hazelnut Crumble

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this warm and nutty autumn dessert. The combination of fragrant quince and crunchy hazelnuts gives this crumble its unique, comforting flavor.

For the Fruit Filling

• 400 g quince, peeled and chopped – Choose ripe, fragrant quinces with golden skin. Their natural tartness balances beautifully with the sweet, nutty topping.
• 10 g sugar – A touch of sweetness helps soften the fruit’s tangy flavor as it cooks.
• Juice of 1 lemon – Prevents the quince from browning and enhances its bright, fresh aroma.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) – Adds gentle warmth and a subtle spice that pairs perfectly with autumn fruits.

For the Hazelnut Crumble Topping

• 100 g plain flour – Provides structure and helps form the classic crumbly texture.
• 50 g hazelnut powder (or finely ground hazelnuts) – Deepens the nutty flavor and gives a richer, golden finish.
• 70 g sugar – Sweetens the crumble and helps it caramelize slightly in the oven.
• 50 g whole hazelnuts – Roughly chopped for crunch and a rustic, hearty bite.
• 135 g cold butter, cubed – The secret to perfect crumbs! Cold butter binds everything together, creating a crisp, buttery topping once baked.

Tip: Use high-quality butter and freshly ground hazelnuts for the most aromatic, melt-in-your-mouth crumble.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Quince and Hazelnut Crumble

Follow these easy steps to make a beautifully golden, crisp crumble with tender, fragrant quince underneath. Each stage is simple yet essential to achieve that ideal texture and balance of flavours.

Prepare the Fruit Filling

• Peel and chop the quinces into small cubes. Quince can be firm, so use a sharp knife and take your time, the effort is worth it for that gorgeous aroma.
• Place the quince pieces in a medium saucepan, then add the sugar, cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice.
• Pour in 120 ml (½ cup) of water, cover with a lid, and simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The fruit should begin to soften and release its fragrance.
• Remove the lid and let any extra liquid evaporate for a few minutes. The quince should be tender but still hold its shape, not too mushy, not too firm.

Prepare the Hazelnut Crumble Topping

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s ready once the crumble is assembled.
• Roughly chop the whole hazelnuts for extra crunch.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and hazelnut powder. Mix well so the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse, sandy crumbs. It should feel crumbly, not doughy.
• Stir in the chopped hazelnuts, distributing them evenly through the mixture for that delicious nutty crunch.

Assemble and Bake the Crumble

• Lightly butter a baking dish (around 20-22 cm wide).
• Spread the cooked quince evenly across the bottom of the dish.
• Sprinkle the hazelnut crumble topping evenly over the fruit, without pressing it down, this helps it bake into those irresistible golden crumbs.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and crisp, and the fruit is bubbling gently underneath.

Tip: Let the crumble cool for 10 minutes before serving, it will firm up slightly while staying warm and comforting inside.

Tips & Delicious Variations

This crumble is incredibly flexible, here’s how to adapt it to your taste or dietary needs:

• Softer flavour: Mix quince with apples or ripe pears for a sweeter, softer result.
• Richer aroma: Add a spoonful of honey or maple syrup to the fruit before baking.
• Spice it up: Replace cinnamon with vanilla, cardamom, or a hint of fresh ginger for a fragrant twist.
• Add more crunch: Sprinkle in rolled oats or sliced almonds to the topping.
• Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour for rice flour, buckwheat flour, or a gluten-free blend.
• Serving idea: Enjoy warm with vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon ice cream, or a spoonful of thick Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.

This recipe is meant to be customised, mix up fruits, nuts, and spices according to the season or what you have at home.

Storage & Reheating Tips

To keep your crumble fresh and crunchy:

• Let it cool completely before storing.
• Cover the dish tightly or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10-15 minutes to bring back its crispness.
• Avoid using the microwave, which tends to soften the crumble topping.

Serve warm for the best flavour, the butter, hazelnuts, and caramelised fruit create a melt-in-the-mouth harmony you won’t forget.

Why This Recipe Works

Adaptable : gluten-free, nut-free, or fruit variations possible.

Simple ingredients, rich flavour : makes the most of seasonal fruit.

Perfect balance between sweetness, acidity, and crunch.

Family-friendly : easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Other desserts to try

• Baked Apples with Walnuts and Raisins
• Pear Amandine Tart
• Homemade Chocolate Truffles Recipe