Description
This easy Maple Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble Topping adds an irresistible crunch and warm aroma to any dessert, transforming ordinary baked goods into special family favorites. It’s a versatile, buttery, nutty, maple-kissed crunch that’s simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (115g) Pecans, coarsely chopped
- 0.5 cup (60g) All-Purpose Flour (or unbleached)
- 0.5 cup (100g) Light Brown Sugar, packed (or dark brown sugar for more intensity)
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) Maple Syrup, pure
- 0.5 cup (113g) Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed (or salted, reduce added salt)
- 0.25 tsp Salt, fine sea salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon, good quality
Instructions
- Prep Pecans: If raw, spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350F (175C) for 5-7 minutes until they smell fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool slightly, then coarsely chop them.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon until thoroughly blended and evenly distributed.
- Cut in Butter: Add cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. (If it looks too warm or sticky, put the bowl in the fridge for 5 minutes).
- Add Maple Syrup: Drizzle in the maple syrup and mix gently until just combined and the mixture forms distinct clumps, feeling slightly sticky. (Be careful not to overmix; aim for distinct pieces).
- Ready to Use: Your Maple Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble Topping is now ready to sprinkle over pies, crisps, muffins, or anything that needs a delicious crunch.
Notes
This versatile crumble can be customized with 0.25 cup rolled oats or a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom. For dietary swaps, use gluten-free flour blend, vegan butter, or a sugar substitute with almond flour for a low-carb option. If the mixture is too dry, add a tiny bit more melted butter or maple syrup; if too wet, add a tablespoon of flour. Freshly toasted pecans and high-quality butter enhance the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Topping
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Calories: 180 calories
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: easy dessert, pecan crumble, maple brown sugar, crunchy topping, baking, versatile, autumn, holiday, no-bake (after toasting)