This Strawberry Crumble is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery, with a crispy golden topping that makes each bite irresistible. It’s an easy dessert that will fill your home with warmth and mouthwatering aromas, making it perfect for any occasion.
Serve this crumble fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat that everyone will love. The fresh strawberries create a vibrant burst of flavor, and the crunchy topping adds a satisfying contrast. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this dessert is guaranteed to please!
Full Recipe:
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4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup rolled oats
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
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In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently to coat the strawberries and set aside.
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In another bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
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Add the cold butter cubes to the oat mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Spread the strawberry mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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Sprinkle the crumble topping over the strawberries, covering them completely.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbling.
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Let the crumble cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal (per serving) | Servings: 6 servings
The Origins of Strawberry Crumble
Strawberry crumble is a timeless dessert that combines the sweet, juicy flavors of strawberries with a crunchy, buttery topping. This dish is beloved by many for its simple yet indulgent flavor profile and ease of preparation. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a casual get-together, or a special occasion, strawberry crumble never fails to please. This dessert has a rich history, a variety of ways to enjoy it, and many benefits that make it a favorite in kitchens around the world.
Crumble desserts, including strawberry crumble, originated in the UK during World War II as a way to make use of rationed ingredients. It was a creative solution to limited resources, combining fruit and a simple streusel-like topping. Over time, the dish gained popularity for its comforting, rustic appeal, and its versatility in using various fruits. Today, strawberry crumble is enjoyed worldwide, with fresh or frozen strawberries as the star ingredient. While its origins are humble, the dish has stood the test of time and is now a beloved dessert in many homes.
Why Strawberry Crumble is a Go-To Dessert
There are several reasons why strawberry crumble has become such a favorite. First, the fresh, tangy strawberries provide a burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich, crumbly topping. The contrast between the tender fruit and the crispy, buttery topping creates a satisfying texture that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Additionally, strawberry crumble is incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks impressive and tastes indulgent. The dish is also customizable, allowing you to adjust the level of sweetness or add different spices to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served cool with a dollop of whipped cream, strawberry crumble offers a delicious base for endless variations.
Nutritional Benefits of Strawberry Crumble
While desserts are often associated with indulgence, strawberry crumble can offer some nutritional benefits as well. Strawberries, the main ingredient, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to any diet. They are particularly high in vitamin C, which supports immune function, and contain fiber, which aids in digestion.
Of course, the topping, made with butter, sugar, and oats, adds calories and fat. However, the use of oats provides some beneficial fiber, which helps balance the sugar content. Additionally, you can easily modify the crumble topping to suit different dietary needs, such as using coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version or reducing the sugar for a lower-calorie option.
Customizing Your Strawberry Crumble
One of the best things about strawberry crumble is its versatility. While the classic version uses fresh strawberries, you can easily switch up the fruit to create different flavor profiles. For example, you can combine strawberries with rhubarb for a tart and tangy variation, or use blueberries or raspberries for a berry medley crumble. Some people even add a handful of nuts to the topping for added crunch or drizzle a bit of honey over the fruit before baking for extra sweetness.
If you’re looking to make your strawberry crumble gluten-free, there are many alternatives you can try. Gluten-free oats and flour are widely available and can be substituted in place of traditional wheat-based ingredients. You can also use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the topping. The possibilities are endless, making strawberry crumble a perfect option for people with dietary restrictions.
Strawberry Crumble as a Versatile Dessert
Strawberry crumble is not only a delicious dessert but also an incredibly versatile dish that can be served in various ways. You can make it in individual portions, perfect for a dinner party or special occasion. Alternatively, you can bake it in a large dish and serve it family-style. Either way, strawberry crumble is sure to impress your guests and satisfy their sweet cravings.
For a more decadent experience, serve your strawberry crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The warm, comforting flavors of the crumble paired with a cold topping create a contrast that enhances the overall experience. You could also serve it alongside a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee, making it the perfect afternoon treat.
Perfect for Every Season
While strawberry crumble is often associated with spring and summer, thanks to the availability of fresh strawberries, it can be enjoyed year-round. If fresh strawberries are not in season, you can use frozen strawberries to make the crumble just as delicious. Additionally, since crumble is so easy to make, it’s a go-to dessert for any time you want something sweet, whether it’s the middle of winter or the height of summer.
In the fall, consider adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble topping for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the cooler weather. Similarly, in the winter months, you could serve strawberry crumble alongside a rich hot chocolate or mulled wine for a cozy dessert experience.
How to Serve Strawberry Crumble
Strawberry crumble can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference and the occasion. For a more elegant presentation, serve individual portions of crumble in small ramekins or mason jars. This adds a charming touch and makes for easy portion control. If you’re serving a larger group, you can bake the crumble in a larger dish and scoop it out into bowls or plates.
For added indulgence, pair your strawberry crumble with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream, or top it with fresh whipped cream. If you prefer a lighter option, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can be a delightful alternative. The combination of warm, juicy strawberries and the buttery, crunchy topping creates a perfect base for various toppings and sides, making it a versatile choice for any gathering.
Strawberry Crumble in Different Cultures
While strawberry crumble is most commonly associated with British cuisine, variations of fruit crumbles can be found in many cultures around the world. In the United States, for example, a similar dessert called a “cobbler” often features a biscuit-like topping rather than the crumbly topping used in a traditional crumble. Despite these small differences, the concept of a baked fruit dessert with a crunchy topping is beloved globally.
In Australia and New Zealand, crumbles are a popular dessert, often made with a variety of fruits such as apples, pears, or berries. The idea of baking fruit with a sweet, buttery topping has become a staple in many homes, and variations like strawberry crumble have become common in these regions as well.
Conclusion
Strawberry crumble is the perfect dessert to bring comfort and joy to any occasion. With its balance of sweet and tart flavors, as well as its buttery, crunchy topping, it’s a dessert that appeals to people of all ages. Whether you make it with fresh or frozen strawberries, this simple yet delicious dessert is a great way to enjoy seasonal fruit. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
From its humble origins in the UK to its widespread popularity today, strawberry crumble remains a beloved dish. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream, or cold as a sweet treat after dinner, strawberry crumble is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. It’s the kind of dessert that will never go out of style, and it’s easy to see why it has earned a permanent place in the hearts and kitchens of so many.