Cinnamon Apple Tart Cherry Crumble

Apples: Fresh, peeled, and sliced apples provide the sweet and juicy base for the crumble.

Tart cherries: These add a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the apples. Look for pitted cherries.

Granulated sugar: Used to sweeten the fruit mixture.

Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the fruit.

Nutmeg: Enhances the spiciness with a slightly nutty flavor.

Lemon juice: Adds a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness and prevent the apples from browning.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumble topping.

Rolled oats: Adds texture and a slight chewiness to the topping.

Brown sugar: Sweetens the crumble topping and adds a hint of molasses flavor.

Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, it helps create a crumbly texture for the topping.

When preparing the apples for this recipe, make sure to slice them uniformly to ensure even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be particularly useful for achieving consistent thickness. Additionally, when cutting in the cold butter for the crumble topping, use a pastry cutter or two knives to avoid warming the butter with your hands, which helps maintain a crumbly texture.

• apples - Substitute with pears: Pears have a similar texture and sweetness when baked, making them a good alternative.

• tart cherries - Substitute with cranberries: Cranberries provide a similar tartness and can be used fresh or dried.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note.

• cinnamon - Substitute with allspice: Allspice has a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can mimic cinnamon.

• nutmeg - Substitute with mace: Mace has a similar flavor profile to nutmeg but is slightly more intense.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber.

• rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are gluten-free.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and is less processed.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and adds a slight coconut flavor.

• Allow the Cinnamon Apple Tart Cherry Crumble to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the topping soggy.

• For short-term storage, transfer the crumble to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

• To freeze, first ensure the crumble is completely cooled. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, you can transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers.

• Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. The Cinnamon Apple Tart Cherry Crumble can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When ready to serve from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and foil. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and the fruit is bubbly.

• For a quicker option, thaw the crumble overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

• If you prefer a microwave, reheat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. This method is less ideal for maintaining the crispness of the topping but works in a pinch.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing the Cinnamon Apple Tart Cherry Crumble once it has been thawed.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Cinnamon Apple Tart Cherry Crumble in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the crumble topping from burning.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fruit mixture is warmed through and bubbly.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the crumble to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the crumble is not warm enough, continue heating in 30-second intervals until desired temperature is reached.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add the leftover crumble to the skillet, spreading it out evenly.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to help retain moisture and heat the fruit mixture.
  4. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, heating for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover crumble in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to avoid burning the topping.
  4. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover crumble in a toaster oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from burning.
  4. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the fruit mixture is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 3-5 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

• Oven: Used to bake the tart cherry crumble at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing the apples, tart cherries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice together.

• Baking dish: The container where the fruit mixture is transferred and baked.

• Another bowl: Needed for combining the flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar to make the crumble topping.

• Pastry cutter: Useful for cutting in the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Measuring cups: Required for accurately measuring the apples, tart cherries, granulated sugar, flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice precisely.

• Peeler: Handy for peeling the apples before slicing them.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the apples and pitting the cherries if they are not already pitted.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the apples and pitting the cherries.

• Spatula: Helps in mixing the fruit mixture and transferring it to the baking dish.

• Cooling rack: Allows the tart cherry crumble to cool slightly before serving.

Prepare the filling: Mix the apples and cherries with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in advance and store in the fridge.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter by pulsing in a food processor until coarse crumbs form.

Pre-measure ingredients: Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.

Batch prep: Double the crumble mixture and freeze half for future use.