Treat yourself to the BEST Berry Crumble! This yummy fruit dessert is super easy to make, and it can be prepared with any combination of berries (choose your fave). Plus, it's sooo delicious ... the perfect summer treat!
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I don't know about you, but I can't get enough berries in spring and summer when they're at their sweetest and tastiest! Any kind will do, and I love eating them in everything from my morning oatmeal to tempting desserts, like this mouthwatering Mixed Berry Crumble!
If you're a berry fan too, then you are going to love this yummy dessert. This homemade Crumble is absolutely packed with fresh fruit ... if you have a berry surplus (or simply can't get enough), this tempting treat is the perfect way to use them up!
The fruit filling is lightly sweetened and flavored with a little lemon, which brightens the whole dessert. And then there's the buttery topping, a tasty finishing touch which is truly irresistible. Best of all though? This recipe is truly simple to make and a total crowd pleaser!
Do you know the difference between a crumble and a crisp? Although these baked fruit desserts are similar, and their names may be used interchangeably, crisps and crumbles have different toppings. This recipe is a crumble (its topping contains no oats) and not a crisp (which has oats in the topping). If you're looking for a crumble with oats though, feel free to substitute my easy crisp topping ... this dessert is just as delightful either way!
Ready to get started? Then keep reading for all the delicious details!
Ingredients
This recipe uses basic ingredients you can find in any store! Here's what you'll need:
- Berries - Feel free to choose any combination of berries you'd like. I used blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, but this recipe is quite flexible. You could use a single berry, choose two different berries, or you could make a Triple Berry Crumble with three types of berries (or more).
- Other Filling Ingredients - You'll mix the berries with granulated sugar, cornstarch (to thicken the fruit juices), fresh lemon juice and zest (which goes so well with the fruit, plus brights and enhances the other flavors), and a little salt (I recommend using kosher salt).
- Topping - The recipe's crumble topping is very easy to make! All you need is brown sugar (I used light, but dark brown sugar would also work), all-purpose flour, cinnamon, salt, and melted unsalted butter.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and nut free! To make it vegan / dairy free, simply use your favorite plant based butter.
You'll Also Need
You'll need a medium bowl to prep the topping and a large bowl for the filling (this mixing bowl set is super handy), a whisk for making the topping, and a large spoon (I like these silicone spoon-spatulas) for mixing together the filling. You'll also need an 8 x 8-inch baking dish to cook the dessert. I have and love this gorgeous Emile Henry Square Baker! It's nice enough to go straight from the oven to the table!
How to Make Berry Crumble
This fresh Fruit Crumble couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Make topping. You'll begin by whisking the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter next. The mixture should clump together when done (press it together, if needed). Set this topping aside for about 10 minutes. Tip: As the topping rests, it should firm up, which helps it hold its shape when crumbled.
- Mix filling. While the topping rests, combine the berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and zest, and salt in a large bowl. Mix gently, so you don't mash the fruit.
- Add berries to baking dish. Spread the berry mixture in an even layer in a buttered baking dish, making sure to scrape in any juice and sugar that remains in the bowl.
- Top with crumble. Next, you'll crumble the topping evenly over the fruit. This is where the recipe gets its name ... from the crumbly topping! Tip: I typically leave about an inch of the filling visible around the edges. This is optional, but it creates a more attractive dessert.
- Bake. Transfer the crumble to your oven, then bake it until the topping is browned and the fruit filling is bubbling. Let the dessert rest for at least 30 minutes before serving so it can cool off, and the fruit juices can thicken.
And that's all there is to it ... time to enjoy your delicious, homemade Berry Crumble! Just one bite, and you're going to crave this versatile recipe all summer long.
Variations
This Fruit Crumble is fun and easy to customize! Here are a few ideas to try:
- Fruit - You can use a single berry or a combination for this recipe, and everything from blueberries to raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, etc. will work. You could also combine the berries with other fruits, such as cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, apples, pears, and more.
- Topping - If you're more of a crisp person and prefer an oat topping, simply substitute my Oat Crumble Topping.
- Vegan + Dairy Free - To make this recipe vegan / dairy free, use a plant based butter when preparing the topping.
- Spices - Feel free to add other warm spices, such cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, or allspice, to the topping or filling.
Serving Suggestions
This Mixed Fruit Crumble can be eaten cold or at room temp, but it's even more wonderful when served warm. Especially when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream!
Storage
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly (or transfer them to an airtight container), then store in your refrigerator. The crumble will stay fresh for up to four days, however the texture is best when eaten within a day or so, because the juicy filling will cause the topping to soften. Tip: Rewarm the leftovers gently in your microwave before serving to make them extra delicious!
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, you'll want to try my other crisps + crumbles next:
Looking for more berry recipes? Don't miss these Chocolate Covered Raspberries, Freezer Jam, Blueberry Compote, Berry Yogurt Parfait, Strawberry Banana Bread, or these Mixed Berry Mini Trifles!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Berry Crumbles, Crisps, and Cobblers are similar baked fruit desserts, and their names are sometimes used interchangeably. However, a crumble topping is made without oats, while a crisp topping contains oats. Meanwhile, cobblers have a biscuit-like topping.
Berry Crumble is best when made with fresh berries, however you can use frozen berries when fresh berries aren't in season. No need to thaw them first.
I do not recommend using canned berries for Berry Crumble, because they're often packed in thick syrups and may have a softer texture. If you cannot use fresh berries, you can use frozen berries instead.
No, you do not need to refrigerate Berry Crumble if you're planning to eat it within a day. However, I would recommend refrigerating the Crumble if your home is warm (like during hot summer weather), or if you still have leftovers to eat after 24 hours.
If you'd like to make Berry Crumble with oats, simply substitute this Oat Topping.
Mixed Berry Crumble
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter (for buttering baking dish)
For Crumble Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Filling:
- 6 to 7 cups mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc.)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- pinch kosher salt
Equipment
- 8 x 8-inch Baking Dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish; set aside.
Prepare Topping:
- Whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Stir melted butter into flour mixture, pressing until it clumps together. Set aside for 10 minutes.
Prepare Filling:
- Wash berries, then blot dry with paper towels. If you're using strawberries, cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
- In a large bowl, combine the berries with the sugar, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, all of the lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
Assemble Crumble:
- Transfer berries to buttered baking dish, spreading in an even layer. Scrape any juices / sugar that remain in bowl into baking dish.
- Using hands, crumble topping mixture over fruit.
- Bake until topping is browned and berries are bubbling, about 45 to 50 minutes.
- Let cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve plain or topped with ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
