Delicious & Easy Strawberry Crumble Recipe: Your Perfect Spring & Summer Dessert
Welcome to your new favorite dessert! This Easy Strawberry Crumble is crafted with incredibly fresh, juicy strawberries and crowned with a simple, yet irresistible, oat crumble topping. It’s the ultimate hassle-free dessert for those delightful spring and summer days, pairing exquisitely with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cool Greek yogurt. Prepare to fall in love with its comforting flavors and delightful texture!
There’s truly nothing quite like the arrival of strawberry season, bringing with it the promise of sweet, vibrant berries. Here in our neighborhood, we’re fortunate to have a wonderful strawberry stand that becomes a mandatory stop for me each year. I find myself buying several quarts every time I visit, simply because the possibilities with fresh strawberries are endless!
What I particularly adore about fruit-based desserts like this strawberry crumble is their incredible versatility. You can adapt them in so many creative ways, experimenting with various flavors and textures. As someone who enjoys dessert regularly, I’m always looking for opportunities to infuse them with wholesome ingredients like fresh fruit and whole grains. This strawberry crumble recipe is a perfect example of that philosophy!
While I personally savor this delightful strawberry crumble most when it’s generously topped with vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt for an extra creamy, tangy kick, my children have their own preferences. They usually prefer to enjoy it warm, either on its own or, as you might expect, with a decadent scoop of classic vanilla ice cream. Whichever way you choose to serve it, this dessert is guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Strawberry Crumble Recipe
This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s a testament to simple, wholesome indulgence. Here are a few compelling reasons why this strawberry crumble will quickly become a favorite in your household:
- Effortlessly Easy Recipe: Don’t let the delicious outcome fool you – this recipe is incredibly simple to prepare. Once your strawberries are prepped and sliced, the rest is just a matter of mixing ingredients and letting your oven do the magic. For an even quicker process, consider buying pre-chopped walnuts, which shaves off valuable prep time. It’s the perfect recipe for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick win.
- Wholesome, Simple Ingredients: We focus on fresh, accessible components that you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find. We’re talking about luscious fresh strawberries, hearty rolled oats, nutritious walnuts, and whole wheat flour. The only ingredient you might need to grab specifically is arrowroot powder. While cornstarch can be a substitute, arrowroot powder provides a slightly clearer, glossier finish and a superior, less gummy consistency for the fruit filling.
- Packed with Fiber (4 grams per serving!): We believe desserts can be both delicious and nutritious. This strawberry crumble boasts an impressive 4 grams of fiber per serving, thanks to the whole grains and fresh fruit. Fiber is crucial for a healthy digestive system, helping to keep things moving smoothly and contributing to a feeling of fullness that lasts longer, preventing those post-dessert sugar crashes. It’s a sweet treat you can feel good about!
- Naturally Sweetened with Maple Syrup: No Other Added Sugars: Following the philosophy of my popular apple crisp recipe, this strawberry crumble achieves its perfect level of sweetness primarily from a small amount of pure maple syrup. This approach avoids excessive refined sugars, allowing the natural sweetness of the strawberries to shine through. The result is a delightfully balanced dessert that isn’t overly sweet, making it suitable for more frequent enjoyment.
A Dietitian’s Perspective: Smart Indulgence
You might hear some dietitians advocate for leaving classic dessert recipes untouched, preserving them in their original, often indulgent, form. And indeed, for grand special occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving, I often embrace that strategy, creating traditional treats meant for rare indulgence. However, when it comes to “everyday” desserts – those delightful sweet endings we enjoy more frequently, like this strawberry crumble – I adopt a slightly different, more mindful approach.
My philosophy is simple: it makes perfect sense to seek out smart ways to reduce the amount of added sugars and butter in a recipe, while simultaneously boosting its nutritional value by increasing the fiber content and other essential nutrients. The key, of course, is that these modifications must never compromise on flavor or enjoyment. This strawberry crumble is a prime example of achieving that perfect balance – a dessert that tastes fantastic while offering a little more goodness in every bite. It’s about making healthier choices seamlessly integrated into your favorite treats!
Essential Ingredient Insights
Understanding each ingredient’s role is key to creating the perfect strawberry crumble. Here’s what you need to know:
- Fresh Strawberries: These vibrant berries are undeniably the star of our crumble. Opt for ripe, firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture. While you can certainly experiment with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry blend, be aware that some might not be as naturally sweet as strawberries. If substituting, you might need to slightly increase the maple syrup or add a touch of granulated sugar to achieve your desired sweetness.
- Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: For that ideal crumbly, slightly chewy texture in your topping, use old-fashioned rolled oats. These oats retain their shape and provide a satisfying bite after baking. Avoid quick-cooking oats, which tend to become mushy, and steer clear of steel-cut oats, as they won’t soften sufficiently in this recipe and will result in a much chewier, almost raw texture.
- Walnuts: Finely chopped walnuts add a wonderful nutty depth and crucial structural integrity to the crumble topping. They help the topping hold together beautifully, especially as it cools and when you reheat any leftovers. Beyond their textural contribution, walnuts are celebrated for being a fantastic source of fiber, beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, and a variety of other important nutrients, making this crumble even healthier. If walnuts aren’t your preference, pecans or almonds can make good substitutes.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a secret weapon in fruit desserts. Its bright acidity cuts through and beautifully balances the natural sweetness of the strawberries, preventing the crumble from tasting flat or overly sugary. If you don’t have a lemon on hand, fresh orange juice can provide a similar, albeit slightly sweeter, citrus note.
- White Whole Wheat Flour: I prefer to use white whole wheat flour in this recipe. It offers a higher fiber content and more nutrients than all-purpose flour, but with a milder flavor and lighter texture than traditional whole wheat flour, making it virtually undetectable in the finished dessert. However, feel completely free to use regular all-purpose flour if that’s what you have or prefer. For a gluten-free version, see the “Helpful Tips” section.
- Pure Maple Syrup: This recipe utilizes pure maple syrup as its primary sweetener, contributing a delicate, natural sweetness and a subtle caramel note. Ensure you use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, which is often made with corn syrup and artificial flavors.
- Olive Oil: Using extra virgin olive oil in the crumble topping is a healthier fat choice compared to butter, providing a lovely richness without saturated fat. It helps bind the dry ingredients and contributes to a perfectly golden-brown finish.
- Arrowroot Powder: This natural thickener is excellent for fruit fillings as it creates a clear, glossy, and smooth gel-like consistency without any starchy taste. While cornstarch or even all-purpose flour can be used as alternatives, arrowroot powder often yields a superior texture.
- Salt: Just a touch of salt is essential to enhance all the other flavors, making the strawberries taste sweeter and the crumble topping more complex and satisfying.
How to Prepare This Irresistible Strawberry Crumble
Creating this delicious strawberry crumble is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Here’s a quick overview of the main steps. For the full, detailed ingredient list and complete instructions, make sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Begin by combining your freshly sliced and diced strawberry pieces with lemon juice and arrowroot powder in a medium mixing bowl. Stir gently until the strawberries are evenly coated; this helps thicken the fruit filling as it bakes.
- Fill the Baking Dish: Transfer the flavorful strawberry mixture into a lightly greased 9×9 inch baking dish. Spread it out into a single, even layer, ensuring the bottom of the dish is fully covered.
- Craft the Crumble Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, finely chopped walnuts, flour, a pinch of salt, maple syrup, and olive oil. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until a crumbly, well-combined mixture forms. The olive oil will help create those irresistible golden-brown clusters.
- Assemble and Bake: Carefully spoon the oat crumble mixture over the strawberry layer, spreading it out evenly to create a beautiful top crust. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the oat topping is gorgeously golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling enticingly.
Once baked, allow your strawberry crumble to cool slightly. This short resting period allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld perfectly before you dive in!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Crumble
- Strawberry Preparation is Key: Always remember to remove the green stems and thoroughly rinse your strawberries under cool running water before you start slicing. This ensures your fruit is clean and ready.
- Sizing Matters: Larger strawberries will require more slicing and dicing to ensure they cook evenly and integrate well into the crumble. For very small berries, a simple slice in half or quartering might be all that’s needed. Aim for roughly bite-sized pieces.
- Thickener Options: While I highly recommend arrowroot powder for its superior texture and clear finish, all-purpose flour or corn starch can absolutely be used as substitutes if that’s what you have on hand. Adjust quantities as needed, as their thickening power can vary slightly.
- Sweetness Customization: This strawberry crumble is designed to be moderately sweet, allowing the natural fruit flavors to shine. If you prefer a more pronounced sweetness, consider stirring in a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of granulated cane sugar with the strawberries, or brown sugar with the oat mixture, before baking.
- For a Gluten-Free Delight: Making this crumble gluten-free is straightforward! Simply swap the white whole wheat flour for a high-quality gluten-free baking flour blend (ensure it’s suitable for baking). Additionally, verify that your rolled oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cool Down for Best Texture: It’s tempting to dig in immediately, but letting the crumble cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes after baking allows the fruit filling to set beautifully. This prevents it from being too runny and enhances the overall eating experience.
- Butter Alternative: If you adore the rich, classic flavor of butter, you can easily substitute 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter in place of the olive oil in the crumble topping. This will add a traditional buttery taste and aroma.
- Storage Instructions: Any leftover strawberry crumble can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats wonderfully in the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Crumble
A soggy fruit crumble often results from an excess of liquid in the fruit filling or too much moisture in the topping. In this recipe, the arrowroot powder is crucial; it effectively absorbs moisture from the juicy strawberries during baking, creating a luscious, gel-like consistency without being watery. For the crumble topping itself, it’s important not to add more liquid (be it olive oil or maple syrup) than the recipe specifies. Sticking to the precise measurements will ensure a perfectly crisp and crumbly topping that isn’t greasy or dense.
Traditionally, the primary distinction lies in the topping: a fruit crumble typically features a streusel-like topping made from flour, sugar, and butter, which bakes into a soft, crumbly texture. A fruit crisp, on the other hand, includes oats in its topping, which become wonderfully crispy and golden brown during baking. This particular strawberry crumble recipe cleverly incorporates oats, but in a measured amount. The goal here is to achieve a satisfyingly crumbly consistency without the intensely crispy texture you’d expect from a true “crisp.” This gives it a unique, delightful mouthfeel that’s somewhere between the two classic desserts.
Absolutely! This strawberry crumble freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping desserts or saving portions for later. To freeze, allow the baked crumble to cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer the frozen crumble to the refrigerator overnight to defrost. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the oven at a moderate temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) until warmed through and the topping is refreshed. This method works perfectly for both individual servings and the entire dish!
More Delicious Strawberry Creations
If you’re as big a fan of strawberries as we are, you’ll love exploring these other fresh and flavorful recipes:
- Refreshing Cold Asparagus Salad with Strawberries
- Homemade Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
- Irresistible Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip
- Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Strawberries and Bananas
Discover More Simple & Delicious Recipes
Looking for more uncomplicated yet incredibly tasty recipes? Dive into our collection of easy-to-make dishes that are perfect for any day of the week:
- Easy Roasted Peaches
- Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
- Simple Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing
- Why is Fiber Important?
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📖 Recipe
Easy Strawberry Crumble
Kristi
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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2 Mixing bowls
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1 colander
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1 paring knife
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1 9 x 9 baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 cups strawberries rinsed, drained, and stems removed, then sliced into small pieces
- ¾ cup rolled oats ensure they are old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture
- ½ cup white whole wheat flour all-purpose flour can be substituted
- 3 tablespoons walnuts finely chopped for better distribution
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed for best flavor
- 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin, or melted unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder corn starch or flour can be used as alternatives
- ¼ teaspoon salt enhances all the flavors
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
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Wash, remove stems, and slice your fresh strawberries into small, even pieces.4 cups strawberries
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberry pieces with the lemon juice and arrowroot powder. Stir gently until all the strawberries are thoroughly coated.1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
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Pour the strawberry mixture into your prepared 9×9 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to form a consistent layer across the bottom of the dish.
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In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, finely chopped walnuts, flour, salt, maple syrup, and olive oil. Mix these ingredients well until they are fully incorporated and form a crumbly mixture.¾ cup rolled oats, ½ cup white whole wheat flour, 3 tablespoons walnuts, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon salt
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Evenly sprinkle and spread the oat crumble mixture over the layer of strawberries in the baking dish.
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Bake in the preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling.
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Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite toppings!
Notes
- For optimal results, ensure large strawberries are sliced and diced into smaller pieces to cook evenly.
- Very small strawberries can simply be halved or quartered, depending on their size.
- Arrowroot powder is recommended for its smooth, clear consistency, but cornstarch or all-purpose flour can be used as alternatives for thickening.
- If you prefer a richer, buttery flavor, you can substitute 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter for the olive oil in the crumble topping.
- This recipe yields a moderately sweet crumble. For those who enjoy a sweeter dessert, a small amount of granulated sugar (1-2 tablespoons) can be mixed with the strawberries, or brown sugar can be added to the oat mixture.
- To make this crumble gluten-free, ensure you use a certified gluten-free baking flour blend and certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Always use Old Fashioned Rolled Oats for the crumble topping; steel-cut or quick-cooking oats are not suitable for this recipe’s intended texture.
- Store any leftover strawberry crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be gently reheated in the oven or microwave.