Name: Strawberry Crisp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487025H42M16S
Total time: PT-487025H42M16S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling); 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup packed brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Crisp combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with the crunch of an oat-based topping, making every bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, yet it feels like a special treat. Whether you enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile—you can make it with fresh or frozen strawberries and customize it to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)

For the Crumble Topping:

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish.
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). Stir to combine, and then pour the strawberry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture, and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the strawberries.
Bake the crisp in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and baking time is 35-40 minutes. Total time to make and enjoy this delicious dessert is around 50-55 minutes.

Variations

Mixed Berries: Add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry crisp that adds variety and depth to the flavor.
Apple Strawberry Crisp: Mix in some thinly sliced apples along with the strawberries for a fruity combination that enhances the flavor profile.
Nuts in the Topping: For added crunch, sprinkle in chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the crumble topping.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure the oats you use are certified gluten-free as well.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover strawberry crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To reheat in the oven, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. It’s best enjoyed within a few days for the freshest taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling to avoid a watery texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and crumble topping separately ahead of time. Assemble the crisp and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It may need an additional 5-10 minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I make this recipe with other fruits?

Absolutely! While strawberries are the star here, you can use other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or rhubarb. Mix and match according to your preferences or the season.

How can I make the topping more buttery?

To make the topping extra buttery, you can increase the amount of butter in the crumble topping to ¾ cup. This will give you a richer, more decadent topping.

Can I add a layer of custard or cream to the filling?

You can absolutely make this more decadent by adding a layer of custard or cream cheese to the filling. Simply spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese or custard at the bottom of the baking dish before adding the strawberry mixture.

How do I know when the crisp is done?

The crisp is done when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the topping is too brown but the filling isn’t bubbling, you can cover the dish with foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Can I use a different sweetener for the topping?

Yes, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup as a substitute for the brown sugar in the topping, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Try it out for a different twist!

Can I freeze the crisp before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the strawberry crisp, but instead of baking it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, simply transfer it to the oven and bake it from frozen, adding about 10-15 extra minutes of baking time.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, you can make this crisp vegan by using plant-based butter and replacing the butter in the topping with coconut oil or other vegan butter substitutes. For the filling, use a vegan-friendly sweetener and cornstarch as a thickener.

How can I make this crisp less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in both the filling and topping by about half. You can also use unsweetened applesauce instead of some of the sugar to cut back on sweetness.

Conclusion

Strawberry Crisp is the perfect dessert to enjoy on a warm day, with its sweet, juicy filling and crunchy, buttery topping. It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with different fruits or added spices for a unique twist. Whether served alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Try it today, and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!