How Long Does Apple Crumble Last in the Fridge?

Apple crumble is one of the nation’s favourite desserts. With its comforting blend of sweet apples and crispy topping, having leftover crumble is rare.

However, if you find yourself with extra crumble on your hands, you’re likely asking one question: How long does crumble last in the fridge?

Here, we uncover the secrets to perfectly preserving your apple crumble in the refrigerator. From fridge storage techniques to reheating tips, you can enjoy our leftover crumble without worry.

We also teach you how to safely freeze apple crumble and advice on preparing and storing homemade crumble recipes ahead of time.

 

How Long Can You Keep Apple Crumble in the Fridge?

You can keep apple crumble in the refrigerator for about three to four days. To maximise its freshness and shelf life, follow these storage guidelines:

1. Allow the apple crumble to cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating it. Putting it in the fridge hot can create condensation, making the crumbly top turn soggy. It also increases the temperature inside the fridge, which can spoil other foods.
2. Once the apple crumble is cool, it needs to be covered to maintain its freshness. Either cover it with clingfilm or tin foil, or place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out and absorbing any unwanted odours from the refrigerator.
3. Store the apple crumble pie in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically near the back. This will help maintain its freshness for the full three to four days. It also doesn’t matter if the crumble gets a little icy, as it will soon defrost when you’re reheating it ready to eat.

After around four days, the quality of the apple crumble may begin to deteriorate, so it’s best enjoyed within this time frame.

If you have any doubts about whether the crumble is safe to eat, use your judgment and possibly discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness or undesirable changes in taste and texture.

 

Does Leftover Apple Crumble Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes, leftover apple crumble should be refrigerated to keep it safe and fresh. Since apple crumble typically contains ingredients like fruit and butter, it’s susceptible to spoilage if left at room temperature for an extended period.

Refrigeration helps slow down the growth of bacteria and preserves the quality of the dessert.

If you have a large amount of leftover apple crumble and don’t think you’ll consume it within that three- to four-day timeframe, freezing is another alternative. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can You Eat Apple Crumble Left Out Overnight?

Technically, you can eat apple crumble that has been left out at room temperature overnight. However, we strongly advise against it. oweWhen perishable food, such as apple crumble, is left out for an extended period, it becomes susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage.

Food safety guidelines recommend that perishable items like desserts containing dairy (like butter or cream) and fruit should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours.

If you accidentally left apple crumble out overnight, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not consume it. Discard the crumble and make a fresh batch if needed.

 

How Do You Reheat Apple Crumble?

Storing your apple crumble safely in the fridge is only part of the equation. You must also follow the proper practices for reheating pies and desserts, ensuring they’re tasty and safe to eat.

Reheating apple crumble is, fortunately, a simple process. You can use an oven, microwave, or even a stovetop, depending on your preference and the equipment available.

The steps for each are listed below. Regardless of your choice, monitor the reheating process carefully to avoid overcooking or burning the topping. Enjoy your reheated apple crumble as is or with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added deliciousness!

Method 1: Reheat in the oven

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Place the apple crumble in an oven-safe dish or tray.
3. Cover the dish or tray with tin foil to prevent the top from over-browning.
4. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the topping is crisp.
5. Put on your oven gloves and remove the crumble from the oven.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Note: This method takes the longest but generally provides the best results.

 

Method 2: Microwave Your crumble

1. Place a serving of apple crumble in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Put the crumble in your microwave or microwave oven.
3. Microwave on medium power for 1 or 2 minutes.
4. Check the temperature and texture. If it’s not hot enough or still a bit cold in the centre, microwave in 30-second increments until heated to your liking.

Note: Keep in mind that the microwave method may not maintain the crispiness of the topping as well as the oven method.

 

Method 3: Stovetop method

1. Place your serving of apple crumble in a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan.
2. Warm it over low to medium heat.
3. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through.

Note: This method can help maintain the crisp topping, like oven reheating. It is useful for reheating individual servings and preserving the delicious crispy top.

 

How to Store Unbaked Apple Crumble

Storing unbaked apple crumble is a great way to prepare this delicious dessert in advance and bake it when you’re ready. This helps to avoid food waste and minimise the amount of leftovers!

If you want to make an apple crumble ahead of time and store it unbaked, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the crumble: Prepare the crumble mixture as you normally would, including the topping and the fruit filling. You can assemble it in a baking dish or a disposable foil dish.
2. Cover tightly: Cover the unbaked apple crumble with clingfilm or aluminium foil. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in and causing freezer burn.
3. Label and date: Label the crumble with the date it was prepared and any instructions for baking, such as temperature and baking time. This lets you know when it needs to be baked.
4. Freeze: Place the crumble in the freezer. If you’re using a disposable foil pan, you can also wrap it in an additional layer of heavy-duty foil to prevent odours from affecting the flavour.

Unbaked apple crumble can typically be stored in the freezer for two to three months.

When you’re ready to bake the stored unbaked apple crumble, there’s no need to thaw it first. Simply preheat your oven to the specified temperature in your recipe and bake it directly from the freezer.

You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s fully cooked, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.