Sweet Sunshine: The Fresh Strawberry Crisp Recipe You’ll Love

Summer’s bounty bursts with sweet, sun-ripened strawberries in this irresistible strawberry crisp that will make your taste buds dance.

Juicy berries nestled beneath a golden, crumbly topping create a dessert that sings with pure comfort.

Each spoonful promises a delightful contrast between soft, warm fruit and crunchy oat-laden layers.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with minimal effort, delivering maximum flavor in every bite.

Fragrant and warm from the oven, this crisp transforms ordinary strawberries into a spectacular dessert.

Fresh from the kitchen, it beckons with a tantalizing aroma that draws everyone to the table.

Serve this delectable treat and watch as smiles spread with the first delicious mouthful.

What Makes This Crisp a Comfort Dessert

• Packed with sweet, juicy strawberries and a crunchy oat topping, this dessert brings pure joy to family gatherings and potlucks.
• Minimal prep work and simple ingredients mean you can satisfy your dessert craving without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy at room temperature, this crisp adapts to any dessert moment or celebration.

Strawberry Crisp Ingredient Rundown

• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe berries that create the sweet and juicy foundation of the crisp.

• Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, rich flavor to the fruit mixture.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry filling and create a smooth texture.

• Flour, Rolled Oats: Provide a hearty, crumbly texture for the crisp topping.
• Cold Butter: Creates a rich, flaky consistency in the crumb topping.
• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and depth of flavor to the topping.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Cinnamon: Brings a warm, aromatic spice to the crisp topping.

• Cooking Spray: Prevents the crisp from sticking to the baking dish.

How to Build and Bake the Perfect Crisp

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish

Set the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

Step 2: Create Strawberry Filling

• Fresh strawberries (hulled and quartered)
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cornstarch

Stir until strawberries are evenly coated and juices start to release.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

Step 3: Craft Crumbly Topping

• Flour
• Cold butter
• Sugar
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Transfer to a bowl and gently fold in rolled oats, pressing them into the mixture to maintain a crumbly texture.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Sprinkle the oat topping completely over the strawberry filling.

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the crisp to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

This helps the filling set, making it easier to scoop and enjoy.

Tips for a Golden Crisp and Juicy Filling

• Cut strawberries into similar-sized quarters to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the crisp.
• Spread topping loosely over strawberries without pressing down, allowing air circulation and maintaining a crispy, crunchy texture.
• Add a pinch of cardamom or grated orange zest to the strawberry filling for an unexpected and delightful flavor complexity.
• Adjust sugar quantity based on strawberry ripeness – less sugar for very sweet berries, more for less ripe ones.
• Pair warm crisp with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to enhance the dessert's richness.

How to Reheat Strawberry Crisp Without Drying It

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover the crisp tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Wrap the cooled crisp in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Add a small splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain the crisp's texture.
• Warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning while ensuring the center gets heated through.

Pairing Strawberry Crisp With Ice Cream or More

• Pair Sweet Berries with Creamy Companions: Vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream provides a luxurious, cool contrast to the warm, tangy strawberry crisp.
• Complement with Crisp Beverages: Chilled rosé wine or sparkling prosecco cuts through the dessert's sweetness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser with light, fruity notes.
• Match with Nutty Textures: Toasted almond slivers or chopped pecans sprinkled on top enhance the crisp's crumbly topping, adding delightful crunch and earthy undertones.
• Elevate with Herbal Hints: Fresh mint leaves or a light lavender-infused tea can bring subtle, aromatic complexity that beautifully highlights the strawberry's natural sweetness.

Different Ways to Top Your Strawberry Crisp

• Gluten-Free Berry Crisp: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour. Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to ensure no cross-contamination.
• Vegan Strawberry Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use maple syrup instead of sugar and add chopped nuts for extra protein and crunch.
• Low-Sugar Summer Crisp: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Add chia seeds to the filling for natural thickening and increased nutritional value.
• Mixed Berry Alternative: Combine strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a more complex fruit profile. Adjust sugar levels based on berry sweetness.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them completely before using to prevent excess moisture in the crisp.

• How do I know if the strawberry filling is cooked properly?

The filling should be bubbling around the edges and have a slightly thickened consistency when it’s done. The strawberries will look soft and slightly broken down.

• What if I don't have a food processor for the topping?

You can use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve a coarse, crumbly texture similar to wet sand.

• Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the filling?

Cornstarch helps thicken the strawberry juices and prevents the crisp from becoming too watery. It’s an important ingredient for achieving the right consistency.

Strawberry Crisp Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade strawberry crisp dazzles dessert enthusiasts with its perfect balance of sweet, juicy berries and crunchy oat topping. Warm summer flavors merge in this classic American treat that brings comfort and joy to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups (1.2 liters) fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1 cup (120 grams) flour
• 1 cup (90 grams) rolled oats

Sweeteners and Binding Agents:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 3/4 cup (165 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons (24 grams) cornstarch

Flavor Enhancers and Other Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, very cold and diced
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Hull and quarter strawberries, then combine them in a large mixing bowl with sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Gently toss until strawberries are evenly coated and juices begin to release.
3. Transfer the strawberry mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into a uniform layer.
4. In a food processor, blend flour, cold butter, white sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Move the crumb mixture to a separate bowl and fold in rolled oats, using hands or a fork to integrate them gently without creating dense clumps.
6. Distribute the oat-crumb topping evenly over the strawberry layer, ensuring complete fruit coverage.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges.
8. Remove from oven and allow the crisp to cool for 10-15 minutes, which helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
9. Serve warm, allowing the vibrant strawberry filling and crispy topping to showcase their delightful textures and flavors.

Notes

• Choose ripe, in-season strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor intensity that elevates the entire dessert.
• Replace some strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blackberries to create a mixed berry crisp variation.
• Add a sprinkle of sliced almonds or chopped pecans into the topping for extra crunch and nutty complexity.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg