Berry Crumble Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Fruit Base: Use any combination of berries—strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries—fresh or frozen.

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.

• Quick Preparation: Minimal prep time means you can enjoy this dessert without a long wait.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Its vibrant colors and rich flavors make it a hit at any gathering.

• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to include nuts or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Berry Filling:

• 6 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)

• 6 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the berries, cornstarch (or flour), and lemon juice. Stir to combine and let sit for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Spread the berry mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.

5. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the berry mixture.

6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the berry filling is bubbling.

7. Allow the crumble to cool for 15 minutes to let the filling set. Serve warm with optional vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes

• Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the crumble topping for added texture and flavor.

• Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the topping for a warm spice twist.

• Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the berry filling for a citrusy brightness.

• Individual Servings: Divide the mixture into ramekins for personal-sized crumbles.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

How can I prevent the crumble topping from becoming soggy?

Ensure the butter is cold when mixing the topping, and bake until the topping is golden brown to maintain crispness.

Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, frozen berries work well. There's no need to thaw them; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I don't have cornstarch?

All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for cornstarch to thicken the berry filling.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crumble ahead and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

Is it necessary to let the crumble cool before serving?

Allowing it to cool for 15 minutes helps the filling set, making it easier to serve.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9x13-inch baking dish and double all ingredients accordingly.

What can I serve with berry crumble?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream complement the warm crumble beautifully.

How do I know when the crumble is done baking?

The topping should be golden brown, and the berry filling should be bubbling around the edges.

Can I add oats to the topping?

While this recipe doesn't include oats, you can substitute part of the flour with old-fashioned oats for a different texture.

Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

Yes, simply omit the nuts from the topping to make it nut-free.

Conclusion

This Berry Crumble is a versatile and delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer. With its combination of sweet, juicy berries and a crisp, buttery topping, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed as a comforting treat at home, this crumble offers a perfect balance of flavor and texture.