Name: Baked Brie Apple Crisp with Hazelnut Crumble Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cups all purpose flour or gluten free flour of your choice; 3/4 cups thick rolled oats; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/4" cubes; 1/2 cup hazelnuts, roughly chopped; 1/2 - 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes (optional, to taste); 3 cups Granny Smith, Pink Lady or Honeycrisp apples, chopped into 1/2" chunks (about 3 medium apples); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 tablespoon tapioca flour; 8 ounce Brie cheese wheel

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 79 reviews

If you are looking for a delightful treat that perfectly blends warm, gooey cheese with the crisp, sweet tang of baked apples, then this Baked Brie Apple Crisp with Hazelnut Crumble Recipe will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. It’s an irresistible combination of textures and flavors: the creamy Brie nestled in a fragrant apple filling, topped with a golden, crunchy hazelnut crumble that adds the perfect nutty contrast. Whether served as an impressive appetizer or a cozy dessert, this dish brings comfort and elegance together in the most delicious way.

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl sits centered on a white marbled surface, filled with five distinct layers of ingredients carefully separated: light brown sugar on the left, rolled oats on the bottom right, white flour with a small pile of salt in the middle, a mound of cinnamon on the top right, and a small amount of black pepper just below the cinnamon. Surrounding the bowl are bags of rolled oats, flour, and brown sugar partly open, a silver scoop holding rolled oats lying diagonally above the bowl, and chopped nuts in a white bowl on the lower right. Around the scene are scattered whole green and red apples and a small wooden bowl with cinnamon and cloves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Baked Brie Apple Crisp with Hazelnut Crumble Recipe plays a vital role, from the tartness of the apples that balance the richness of the cheese, to the fragrant spices and buttery crumble that top it all off. The list is simple but essential, ensuring you get the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

All-purpose flour (¾ cups): This is the backbone of the crumbly topping, giving structure and that tender crispness.

Thick rolled oats (¾ cups): Adds chewiness and rustic texture to the crumble.
Brown sugar (½ cup + ¼ cup): Brings rich caramel notes that complement the tart apples beautifully.
Ground cinnamon (¾ teaspoon + ½ tsp): Infuses warmth and cozy spice to both crumble and filling.

Ground cardamom (½ tsp): A subtle spicy-sweet aroma that elevates the crumble topping.
Fine sea salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, cold and cubed + 2 tablespoon melted): Delivers richness; cold butter is key for achieving that perfect crumble.

Hazelnuts (½ cup, roughly chopped): Adds a toasty crunch and nutty depth to the topping.
Sea salt flakes (½ - 1 tsp, optional): Provides a delightful salty pop against the sweet topping when sprinkled at the end.
Apples (3 cups chopped): Choose Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp for the right balance of tart and sweet flavors.

Maple syrup (2 tbsp): Adds natural sweetness and a hint of complexity to the apple mixture.
Tapioca flour (1 tbsp): Thickens the juicy apple filling as it bakes to prevent sogginess.
Brie cheese wheel (8 ounces): The star of the dish, whose creamy richness melts perfectly into the apples and crumble.

How to Make Baked Brie Apple Crisp with Hazelnut Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Chill the Brie

Begin by placing the whole Brie cheese wheel in the freezer for a short time. This simple trick firms it up so the cheese holds its shape during baking, allowing you to savor that melt-in-your-mouth ooze right when it’s time to serve. Don’t worry if you skip this step—the recipe is delicious either way!

Step 2: Prepare the Hazelnut Crumble Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. Next, use your hands to squeeze the cold butter cubes into the dry mix until you get a coarse, crumbly texture with chunks about the size of peas. Toss in the chopped hazelnuts and combine. Pop this topping into the fridge or freezer to chill — this chilling is the secret to keeping the crumble delightfully crisp when baked.

Step 3: Make the Apple Brie Filling

Place the chopped apples into a 10 ¼-inch cast iron skillet, 9-inch pie plate, or similar baking dish. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, maple syrup, and melted butter, then toss everything well to coat the apples evenly. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes so the apples release their juices. Stir in the tapioca flour to absorb excess liquid, which ensures the filling will thicken nicely as it bakes.

Step 4: Assemble the Crisp

Shift some of the apple mixture aside to make a snug well for the Brie. Place the chilled Brie wheel right into this space, rind and all. Scatter the chilled hazelnut crumble evenly over the apples and cheese, covering the dish with that irresistible topping.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Set your dish on a parchment or Silpat-lined baking sheet to catch any drips and bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling bubbles and the crumble turns a gorgeous golden brown. If you love a balance of sweet and salty, sprinkle the top with sea salt flakes right after baking. Before serving, use a spoon to gently pierce the Brie, coaxing out the luscious cheese to mingle with the apple and crumble.

How to Serve Baked Brie Apple Crisp with Hazelnut Crumble Recipe

The image shows a closely packed dessert in a black skillet with a light purple handle on a beige cloth on a white marbled surface. The dessert has one main layer made of a golden-brown crumble topping mixed with nuts and oats, giving it a crunchy texture with scattered brown and off-white pieces. In the center, a small section has been scooped out by a black spoon, revealing a smooth, creamy, pale yellow filling underneath that contrasts with the rough, nutty topping. Nearby, part of toasted bread is visible on the white marbled surface, adding a crispy element. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary can elevate the aroma and flavor, balancing the sweetness with herbal brightness. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a delicate touch that's visually stunning and tasty.

Side Dishes

This dish is a showstopper on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled baguette slices, crispy crackers, or even fresh apple slices for dipping. Offering a variety of dippers lets your guests enjoy different textures alongside the warm, gooey cheese and crisp topping.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Baked Brie Apple Crisp with Hazelnut Crumble Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, assemble it in a shallow tart pan for a rustic centerpiece. The contrast of melted Brie oozing over the apple filling will wow anyone lucky enough to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify after resting, making for delicious next-day enjoyment.

Freezing

This Baked Brie Apple Crisp with Hazelnut Crumble Recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Assemble the crisp but don’t bake it. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through and the crumble regains its crisp texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the topping soggy and the Brie lose that perfect melt.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Honeycrisp are recommended because they balance sweet and tart well. But feel free to experiment with your favorites; just avoid overly soft or mealy apples as they won’t hold up well while baking.

Is it necessary to chill the Brie before baking?

Chilling the Brie helps it keep its shape and prevents it from oozing out too quickly, but it’s not a must. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step—the cheese will still be deliciously melty and gooey.

Can I make the hazelnut crumble topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge or freezer. This makes assembling the dish quick and helps keep the crumble crisp when baked.

What can I use if I don’t have tapioca flour?

If you don’t have tapioca flour, cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be good substitutes. Use the same amount to help thicken the apple filling and keep it from being too watery.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the oats you use are certified gluten-free as well to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie Apple Crisp with Hazelnut Crumble Recipe is a truly special dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a little bit of festive magic to your table. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or whenever you want to impress with a unique yet approachable recipe. Give it a try—once you taste that creamy Brie mingling with sweet spiced apples and crunchy, nutty crumble, you’ll be hooked just like I am!

Baked Brie Apple Crisp with Hazelnut Crumble Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need