We love fresh fruit cobblers, like this or this.  So when I saw this quick little recipe for Make Ahead Topping in the September issue of Good Housekeeping, I decided it was a brilliant idea, I tried it, and I love it! The thing I love most is I can make a small cobbler for two, or a large pan for company and the topping is right in the freezer. The topping is perfect with any variety of fruit – peaches, pears, berries and apples, plus I can’t wait to try it on rhubarb.

Mix it up and store it for a weekend craving or for when company is coming! Nothing beats the flavor of fresh fruit and this yummy topping makes it so simple!

Make Ahead Fruit Cobbler Topping

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
10 tablespoons butter, cold

Directions

In a mixer or food processor, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and lemon zest.  Cut the butter into small pieces and beat with the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.  With your fingers, squeeze to form large chunks.  Transfer to freezer bags.  Freeze for up to 2 months.

To Make Cobbler  

Cut up whatever fruit you have and toss with a little sugar.  (peaches, pears, plums, mixed berries, or apples, etc.)  Sprinkle generously with Crumble topping.  Bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes or until fruit is soft and topping is golden brown.  (Check smaller cobbler after 25 minutes.)  Makes enough for two 13×9 pans or several smaller servings of cobbler.

Recipe adapted from Good Housekeeping