Strawberry Crumble
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If you’re looking for an easy-to-make and scrumptious dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth, then this strawberry crumble recipe is for you! Made with juicy strawberries and a divine crumble topping, this dessert is sure to become your go-to. Topped off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, each bite will leave you craving more.
I’ve enjoyed a lot of desserts in my life (honestly, more than I can count) and I can’t help putting fruit crumbles (fruit crisps and fruit cobblers too) at the top of the list. There’s something about the combination of sweet fresh fruit topped with a warm crumbly topping that I just can’t get enough of. Top that warm dessert with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and I’m in HEAVEN.
Today I’m sharing another crumble recipe with you. With a plethora of fresh strawberries on hand (and in season), I made this amazing strawberry crumble. (Love strawberries? You’re in luck because I have some of the best strawberry dessert recipes.)
What sets this recipe apart is the unique combination of brown sugar and cinnamon in the topping. It’s the perfect complement to the sweetness of the strawberries and adds a depth of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. I find some crumbles can be a bit bland and dry. That’s not the case with this recipe. It’s a perfect consistency and full of flavor.
Here on Inspired by Charm, we’ve made cobblers, crisps, and crumbles. (One time we even made a blueberry grunt.) So, you might be wondering, what’s the difference?
What’s the difference between a cobbler, a crisp, and a crumble?
Understanding the differences between a cobbler, a crisp, and a crumble can be a bit confusing, but it’s important to know if you’re a dessert enthusiast.
- A cobbler typically has a biscuit-like topping that is dropped onto the fruit, resulting in a more cake-like texture. (Try my mini peach cobblers.)
- A crisp, on the other hand, has a streusel topping that includes oats and nuts for added crunch. (Try my strawberry rhubarb crisp.)
- A crumble has a topping that is more crumbly and is often made with just flour, butter, and sugar.
I hope that helps to clear things up. Now, let’s get into making the best strawberry crumble. You’re going to LOVE it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The sweet, juicy strawberries paired with the crisp, buttery topping are a match made in heaven.
- There are endless possibilities for customization. For example, you can mix in additional fruits, sprinkle in some nuts, or even (my personal favorite….) add some rhubarb. You could also try adding a layer of creamy cheesecake filling for extra indulgence.
- This strawberry crumble is also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or bringing a dessert to a potluck, this recipe is sure to impress.
- With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can make it.
Ingredients
To create the best strawberry crumble you’ll ever taste, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- strawberries
- all-purpose flour
- steel-cut oats
- granulated sugar
- brown sugar
- butter
- eggs
- apple cider vinegar
- cornstarch
- baking powder
- ground cinnamon
- vanilla extract
- vanilla ice cream for serving
The only ingredient on this list that may be surprising to you is apple cider vinegar. This is an important ingredient as it helps with the rise and adds great depth of flavor. And don’t worry, you won’t even taste the vinegar in the final dish.
That’s it! With just seven ingredients, you can create a dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends.
How To Make
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start making the best strawberry crumble ever! You can find the step-by-step instructions below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with baking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl add strawberries. Sprinkle with sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, steel-cut oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Grate in frozen butter, stopping occasionally to toss the butter into the flour mixture until coated.
- Stir in egg yolks and vanilla with a fork until the egg is mostly absorbed. Add the vinegar and start to mix to combine.
- To finish mixing, it’s best to use your hands. Mix and squeeze until clumps form but the mixture remains mostly dry. Set this aside.
- Place about half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish until well compacted. Then, pour on the strawberry mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the strawberries, squeezing some of the crumble into clumps.
- Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool to room temperature before serving: about 30 minutes. Top with vanilla ice cream to serve.
Recipe Tips
If you’re looking to take your strawberry crumble to the next level, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure to use ripe strawberries for maximum flavor. If they’re not quite ripe enough, try tossing them with a little sugar and letting them sit for a while to macerate before adding them to the crumble.
- Another key to a perfect strawberry crumble is getting the topping just right. Make sure to use cold butter when mixing your topping ingredients, and mix everything together until you have a crumbly, sand-like texture. If your crumble is coming out too dry or too wet, adjust the amount of butter or flour accordingly.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and flavorings. A little almond extract, lemon zest, or even a pinch of nutmeg can take your crumble from good to great.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous with your strawberry crumble, there are tons of variations you can try.
- Consider swapping out the strawberries with another fruit like blueberries or peaches.
- With the topping, try adding nuts such as almonds or pecans, or even shredded coconut, for some extra texture.
- If you want to get even more creative, experiment with different flavor combinations by adding herbs like basil or rosemary or mixing in spices like ginger or cardamom.
- And if you’re feeling indulgent, try adding a layer of creamy cheesecake filling or drizzling some caramel sauce on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
Technically, yes. (Make sure to thaw and drain the strawberries before using.) However, I highly recommend fresh strawberries. It really makes a difference.
Can I use a different type of fruit instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and works well with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.
Can I double the recipe to feed a larger group?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a bigger batch. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, crumbles are great for making a day in advance. Once it’s cooled, cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. I like my crumble warm, so I recommend warming it up in the oven before serving.
More Fruit Desserts You May Enjoy
- Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie
- Blueberry Grunt
- Cherry Mountain Pie
- Mixed Berry Coffee Cake
- Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes
- German Apple Cake
I hope you’ll try baking a strawberry crumble this summer! There’s so much to love about this dessert; I know you’re going to enjoy it. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
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Strawberry Crumble
Ingredients
Filling:
- 3 cups sliced strawberries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup steel-cut oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ cup frozen unsalted butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 2-quart baking dish (roughly 8×10) with baking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl add strawberries. Sprinkle the strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, steel-cut oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Grate in frozen butter, stopping occasionally to toss the butter into the flour mixture until coated. (You can also just cut the butter into small cubes with a knife.)
- Stir in egg yolks and vanilla with a fork until the egg is mostly absorbed. Add the vinegar and start to mix to combine.
- To finish mixing, it’s best to use your hands. Mix and squeeze until clumps form but the mixture remains mostly dry. Set this aside.
- Place about half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish until well compacted.
- Next, pour on the strawberry mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the strawberries, squeezing some of the crumble into clumps.
- Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is brown and the filling is bubbly. (You may need to set a piece of aluminum foil on top of your dish if the top is browning too quickly.)
- Let cool to room temperature before serving, about 30 minutes. Top with vanilla ice cream to serve.
This was like the perfect summer dessert. LOVED IT!