Strawberry Almond Crumble Recipe

Strawberries: Fresh, hulled, and sliced, these are the star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and juiciness.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the strawberries and helps to create a syrupy consistency.

Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture, ensuring it isn't too runny.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumble topping, giving it structure.

Rolled oats: Adds texture and a bit of chewiness to the crumble topping.

Sliced almonds: Provide a nutty flavor and crunch to the topping.

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

Unsalted butter: Binds the dry ingredients of the topping together and adds richness.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.

When preparing the strawberries, make sure they are evenly sliced to ensure uniform cooking. To enhance the flavor, consider macerating the strawberries with the granulated sugar and cornstarch for about 10 minutes before transferring them to the baking dish. This will help the strawberries release their natural juices and create a more cohesive filling. For the crumble topping, use cold butter instead of melted if you prefer a chunkier texture. Simply cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until pea-sized clumps form. This technique will give you a more traditional crumble texture.

• fresh strawberries - Substitute with fresh raspberries: Raspberries provide a similar tartness and sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note, though it may slightly alter the texture.

• cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder thickens similarly to cornstarch and is a suitable replacement.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the crumble slightly denser.

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

• sliced almonds - Substitute with chopped walnuts: Walnuts offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a good alternative.

• 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 can add a slight coconut flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• To keep your strawberry almond crumble fresh and delightful, allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• For a longer storage solution, consider freezing your crumble. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer the crumble to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen strawberry almond crumble, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed crumble in an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from burning and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

• If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place a portion of the crumble in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

• For an extra touch of indulgence, serve your reheated strawberry almond crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm, bubbly strawberries and the cool, creamy topping is simply irresistible.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Strawberry 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 the crumble is warmed through and the strawberries are bubbly again. This method helps retain the crispiness of the crumble topping.

• Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the crumble to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. Be cautious, as the crumble topping might lose some of its crunchiness with this method. For an extra touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream after reheating.

• Stovetop Method: If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can reheat the crumble on the stovetop. Place a portion in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. This method can help maintain some of the crumble topping's texture.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crumble in a toaster oven-safe dish and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is great for smaller portions and helps keep the crumble topping crispy.

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

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the strawberries with sugar and cornstarch, as well as mixing the crumble topping ingredients.

• Baking dish: Holds the strawberry mixture and crumble topping while baking.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients like flour, oats, sugar, and butter.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients such as cornstarch and vanilla extract.

• Spatula: Helps in mixing the ingredients thoroughly and transferring the mixture to the baking dish.

• Knife: Needed for hulling and slicing the fresh strawberries.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the strawberries.

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

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

Prepare ingredients in advance: Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries ahead of time. Measure out all your dry ingredients and have them ready.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the crumble topping by pulsing the flour, rolled oats, sliced almonds, and brown sugar together. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to save time.

Preheat the oven early: Turn on your oven before you start preparing the ingredients so it's ready to go when you are.

Use a single baking dish: Mix the strawberries directly in the baking dish to save on cleanup time.