Freezing apple crumble - before or after cooking?

[MassiveOvaryaction]

Hello hive mind.

Have made individual apple crumbles in foil trays. As the title - am I better off cooking them all before freezing or should I freeze as is and cook when needed?

Am struggling to brain a bit today 🙃

Thanks.

I think I would part cook them, leave them to cool and freeze, then cook them again when using them. But it’s not based on any inside knowledge.

I wouldn't part cook as I think it will mess with the topping. But haven't tried it tbf.

I just freeze at-ready-to-cook stage and it's always worked well for me.

I keep the topping in a separate ziplock bag and add it when it’s going in the oven. That way it’s not soggy.

It's never been soggy for me when I freeze it assembled, but I do sometimes freeze the topping separately and that obviously works well. But it won't help OP now. @MassiveOvaryaction you could try one of each and see which you prefer!

I cook and freeze.

@muddyford does it come up the same as a freshly baked one? I like the idea of having it already cooked in the freezer.

So the apples or other fruits are cooked but I would just scatter the topping on and then fully cook after defrosting

Seems to and the topping doesn't go sludgy.

Freeze before so it's nice and freshly cooked when you eat it!

Argh see @flyinghen that's what I've always thought too! Now I've gone and totally confused myself...might have to do one each way and compare. I know I don't like it reheated unless I'm in the mood for it to be more pudding-like.

@AmeliaEarache That’s my method too, crumble topping lasts for ages in an airtight bag.

That's what I do too.

I should have known when I asked that there'd be a massive variety of opinions

If I'd thought of it before I'd prepped them I'd have done the crumble topping separately (have done before).

Think I'll go with freezing before cooking because I'm lazy

Thanks so much all!

Heh yes you've just ended up with more options than you had to begin with! 😁If it helps mine always taste freshly baked!