Cherry Almond Crumble Recipe

Flour: The base for the crumble topping, providing structure and a tender texture.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the cherry filling and the crumble topping.

Sliced almonds: Contributes a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the topping.

Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the crumble topping together.

Cherries: The star of the dish, offering a juicy and tart contrast to the sweet topping.

Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling, ensuring it isn't too runny.

Lemon juice: Enhances the flavor of the cherries and adds a hint of acidity.

For a perfectly crumbly topping, ensure that the butter is thoroughly chilled before incorporating it into the flour mixture. This helps create a delightful texture as the butter melts during baking, resulting in a golden, crisp crumble. Use your fingertips to gently rub the butter into the dry ingredients, stopping when the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This technique prevents the butter from melting too quickly, which can lead to a dense topping.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, making it a healthier option.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For a gluten-free option, use a blend designed to mimic the properties of all-purpose flour.

• sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a subtle caramel flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that can add moisture and a floral note to the crumble.

• sliced almonds - Substitute with chopped walnuts: Walnuts provide a similar crunch and a slightly different nutty flavor.

• sliced almonds - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds offer a nut-free alternative with a satisfying crunch.

• cold, diced butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option, adding a slight coconut flavor.

• cold, diced butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that behaves similarly to butter in baking.

• pitted cherries - Substitute with pitted plums: Plums have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• pitted cherries - Substitute with mixed berries: Mixed berries provide a variety of flavors and colors, adding complexity to the dish.

• cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a gluten-free thickener that works similarly to cornstarch.

• cornstarch - Substitute with tapioca starch: Tapioca starch is another gluten-free thickener that provides a glossy finish.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, with a slightly different aroma.

• lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides acidity and a subtle fruity note.

• Allow the cherry almond crumble to cool completely at room temperature. This ensures that any residual heat doesn't create condensation, which can make the topping soggy.

• Once cooled, transfer the crumble to an airtight container. If you don't have a container large enough, you can cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

• Store the crumble in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool environment will help maintain the freshness of the cherries and the crispness of the almond topping.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. Wrap the crumble tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date for easy tracking.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the crumble in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps retain the texture and flavor of the cherries and almonds.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°f (175°c). Place the crumble in an oven-safe dish and cover loosely with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping.

• If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm. Note that this method may not preserve the crispness of the topping as well as the oven method.

• For an extra touch, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream when serving the reheated cherry almond crumble. This adds a delightful contrast to the warm, fruity dessert.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cherry almond crumble in an oven-safe dish. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from burning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the topping while ensuring the cherry filling is heated evenly.

• Use a microwave for a quick fix. Transfer a portion of the crumble to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Be cautious, as the microwave can make the topping soggy. To combat this, you might want to add a small piece of parchment paper on top of the crumble to absorb some moisture.

• If you have an air fryer, it can be a great tool for reheating. Set it to 320°F (160°C) and place the crumble in a small, air fryer-safe dish. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method can help retain the crunchiness of the topping while warming the cherry filling.

• For those who enjoy a stovetop method, use a skillet over low heat. Add a small amount of butter to the pan and place the crumble in it. Cover with a lid and heat gently for about 5-10 minutes. This method can give the topping an extra buttery crispness while ensuring the cherry filling is warmed.

• Oven: Used to bake the cherry almond crumble at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Mixing bowl: Utilized to combine the flour, sugar, and sliced almonds with the butter to create the crumble topping.

• Mixing bowl: Another one is needed to mix the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice together before transferring to the baking dish.

• Baking dish: Holds the cherry mixture and crumble topping while baking in the oven.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like the cornstarch and lemon juice.

• Knife: Needed to dice the cold butter into small pieces.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for dicing the butter.

• Spatula: Helpful for mixing ingredients and spreading the crumble topping evenly over the cherries.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the baking dish in and out of the oven.

• Cooling rack: Allows the crumble to cool slightly before serving, ensuring even air circulation.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter in advance to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly pulse the flour, sugar, almonds, and butter in a food processor for a fast crumble topping.

Frozen cherries: Substitute fresh cherries with pre-pitted frozen ones to save time on preparation.

One-bowl method: Mix the crumble topping directly in the baking dish to reduce cleanup.

Batch prep: Double the crumble topping and freeze half for future use, cutting down on prep time next time.