This strawberry crumble recipe is one of my go-to desserts when I want something fruity, warm, and comforting with minimal effort. Juicy strawberries bubble beneath a golden, buttery topping that’s crisp on the outside and soft underneath. It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet—and even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and satisfying this crumble is. It lets the strawberries shine with just a few pantry ingredients and no complicated steps. I don’t need to worry about pie crust or precise measurements—the relaxed, rustic style makes it practically foolproof. Whether I’m using fresh strawberries in peak season or frozen ones year-round, this dessert always turns out delicious.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the filling:
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Fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled and halved or quartered)
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Granulated sugar
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Cornstarch (for thickening)
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Lemon juice
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Vanilla extract
For the crumble topping:
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All-purpose flour
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Brown sugar
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Rolled oats
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Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
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Salt
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Optional: chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a baking dish (about 8×8-inch or similar).
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In a large bowl, I toss the strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. I pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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In another bowl, I mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. I cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or my fingers until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
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I sprinkle the topping evenly over the strawberries.
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I bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly around the edges.
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I let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. It’s amazing warm with ice cream or chilled straight from the fridge.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6 people.
Total time is around 50 minutes:
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10–15 minutes for preparation
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35–40 minutes for baking
Variations
Sometimes I mix in rhubarb, blueberries, or raspberries with the strawberries for extra depth. I also like adding chopped almonds or pecans to the crumble for a bit of crunch. If I want a gluten-free version, I swap the flour for a gluten-free blend and make sure the oats are certified gluten-free. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the topping gives it a cozy flavor boost.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or I reheat the whole dish in a low oven until warmed through. It also tastes great cold—especially for breakfast with a dollop of yogurt.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, I use frozen strawberries when fresh ones aren’t in season. I don’t thaw them—just toss them in with the cornstarch and sugar, then bake as usual.
Why is my crumble topping not crisp?
I make sure the butter is cold when I mix it into the dry ingredients, and I don’t overmix. If the topping still seems soft, I let it bake a few more minutes until golden.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble the crumble and store it in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. I bake it fresh when I’m ready to serve.
What’s the difference between a crumble and a crisp?
They’re very similar, but crisps usually include more oats or nuts, while crumbles are more flour-and-butter focused. This recipe leans toward a crisp because of the oats.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, I use plant-based butter or coconut oil in the topping, and everything else is naturally dairy-free.
Conclusion
This strawberry crumble is the kind of easy, no-stress dessert I love to make any time I have sweet, ripe berries on hand. With its juicy filling and buttery topping, it’s warm, comforting, and always a hit. Whether I’m baking for guests or just treating myself, this recipe never fails to deliver that cozy, homemade goodness.
PrintStrawberry Crumble Recipe
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A simple, comforting strawberry crumble made with juicy strawberries and a golden oat topping. Perfect warm with ice cream or cold from the fridge.
- Author: Mayaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the strawberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the strawberry mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add optional nuts or cinnamon if using.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the strawberries.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
- Let the crumble cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use frozen strawberries without thawing if fresh are unavailable.
- Add other fruits like rhubarb, blueberries, or raspberries for variation.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and oats.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or a low oven, or enjoy cold.
- Use plant-based butter or coconut oil to make it vegan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
