Berry Crumble

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Berry Crumble is incredibly easy to make, requiring only basic pantry ingredients and your favorite mix of berries. It’s flexible, quick to prepare, and can be made ahead or frozen for later. The combination of soft, bubbly fruit and crisp crumble topping creates a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

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

For the filling:
mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries – fresh or frozen)
granulated sugar
cornstarch or all-purpose flour
lemon juice
vanilla extract

For the crumble topping:
all-purpose flour
old-fashioned rolled oats
brown sugar
granulated sugar
ground cinnamon (optional)
salt
cold unsalted butter (cubed)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or similar-size oven-safe dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the berries, granulated sugar, cornstarch (or flour), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss gently to coat. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
  3. In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
  4. Add cold butter cubes to the topping mixture. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
  5. Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the berry filling.
  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the berry filling is bubbling.
  7. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

  • Nutty Crumble: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the topping for added crunch.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
  • Vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
  • Tropical Twist: Add mango or pineapple chunks to the berry mixture.
  • Mini Crumbles: Bake in individual ramekins for personal-sized servings.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to crisp up the topping, or microwave individual portions in short bursts until warm.
To freeze, let the crumble cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, you can use frozen berries straight from the freezer. Add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to absorb the extra moisture.

Do I need to thaw frozen berries first?

No, but you may need to bake a few extra minutes since frozen berries release more liquid.

What’s the difference between a crisp and a crumble?

They’re very similar, but crumbles may not always include oats, while crisps traditionally do. This version includes oats for extra texture.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

What’s the best mix of berries?

A combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries is classic, but any blend works. Strawberries add a nice sweetness.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, feel free to adjust the sugar in both the filling and topping based on your taste and the sweetness of your fruit.

Can I make this without oats?

Yes, just use more flour in the topping and consider adding some chopped nuts for texture.

What’s the best dish to bake it in?

An 8×8-inch baking dish works well, but you can also use a pie dish or individual ramekins.

Can I serve it cold?

Yes, it’s delicious both warm and cold. It pairs especially well with vanilla ice cream when warm.

Can I use other fruits?

Absolutely—apples, peaches, cherries, or plums all work well in place of or along with berries.

Conclusion

Berry Crumble is a simple yet elegant dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of fruit with a crisp, buttery topping. Whether you use fresh summer berries or frozen fruit from your freezer, this versatile recipe delivers a warm, comforting treat that’s always in season. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy any dessert craving.

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Berry Crumble

Berry Crumble

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Berry Crumble is a warm, rustic dessert featuring juicy mixed berries topped with a golden oat and brown sugar crumble. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and buttery crispness—great for any season.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.,In a large bowl, toss berries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Transfer to the baking dish.,In another bowl, combine flour, oats, sugars, cinnamon (if using), and salt.,Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.,Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the berries.,Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.,Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

If using frozen berries, increase cornstarch to 1 extra teaspoon and bake a few minutes longer.,Add chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch.,Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.,To make it vegan, use plant-based butter or coconut oil.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (1/8 of recipe)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: undefined
  • Trans Fat: undefined
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: undefined
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