Strawberry Crumble

The Strawberry Crumble is a delightful dessert that brings together the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries and a buttery, crunchy topping. This recipe is a wonderful way to highlight fresh strawberries, making it a perfect treat for summer gatherings or cozy nights in. As the crumble bakes, the strawberries release their juices, creating a luscious filling that perfectly complements the crunchy topping.

Serving this warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, transforms this simple dessert into a decadent experience. It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration of summer flavors, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, picnics, or a cozy night at home. Enjoy the simplicity of this delightful dessert that promises to impress!

Full Recipe:

• 1 kg ripe strawberries, hulled and quartered
• ¾ cup rolled oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
• 90g unsalted butter, melted
• 2 ½ tbsp cornstarch
• ⅓ to ½ cup white sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly.
3. In a separate bowl, toss the strawberries with cornstarch, sugar, water, and vanilla until well coated.
4. Pour the strawberries into a baking dish and crumble the topping evenly over them.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and syrup bubbles around the edges.
6. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with ice cream or cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Kcal: 444 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Strawberry Crumble Recipe Overview

This Strawberry Crumble is a delightful dessert that combines fresh strawberries with a crunchy, buttery crumble topping. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way it lets the strawberries shine as they cook down into a sweet, syrupy base. It’s quick to make, perfect for any time of year when strawberries are in season, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments.

Key Highlights:

• Quick and easy to make: This recipe requires minimal preparation, making it an excellent choice for last-minute desserts or casual gatherings.
• Perfect for fresh strawberries: The recipe calls for a generous amount of ripe strawberries, ensuring their flavor is the star of the dish.
• Customizable toppings: Whether you prefer vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard, this crumble is versatile and pairs well with many options.

Detailed Ingredients Breakdown

Topping:

• Rolled oats: Adds texture and crunch to the crumble. Quick oats can be used if preferred.
• White flour: Creates the crumbly structure of the topping.
• Brown sugar: Provides sweetness with a caramel-like depth.
• Baking powder: Helps give the topping a little rise and lightness.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the topping together, making it crispy once baked.

Strawberry Filling:

• Fresh strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. The combination of some whole and halved strawberries gives the filling a mix of textures.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the natural strawberry juices, creating a syrupy base that holds everything together.
• Sugar: Adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your strawberries. Use more sugar if they’re less ripe, or reduce it if they’re naturally sweet.
• Water and vanilla extract: The water helps dissolve the sugar and create the syrup, while vanilla adds a fragrant, sweet aroma to the filling.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Topping: In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and mix until the ingredients form a crumbly consistency with chunks.
2. Prepare the Strawberries: Hull and cut the strawberries. Toss them in a mixture of cornstarch, sugar, water, and vanilla extract, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Assemble and Bake: Pour the strawberries into an appropriately sized baking dish, ensuring an even layer. Crumble the topping over the strawberries using your fingers, making sure to form some larger chunks. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown, and the strawberry syrup is bubbling around the edges.
4. Serve: Allow the crumble to sit for a few minutes after baking to let the syrup thicken slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.

Tips for Success:

• Strawberry juiciness: The juiciness of your strawberries will affect the thickness of the syrup. If the strawberries are very ripe, you may get a slightly runnier syrup, which thickens as it cools.
• Crisp topping: For a perfectly crisp topping, ensure the crumble bakes until the top is a deep golden color, and the syrup is bubbling around the edges. This ensures the filling has thickened enough.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the topping in advance and store it in the fridge. The strawberries can be prepped separately but should only be combined with the sugar and cornstarch just before baking to avoid them becoming too watery.

Recipe Variations:

1. Mixed berry crumble: Substitute half the strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry version.
2. Nutty topping: Add chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans) to the topping for added crunch and flavor.
3. Gluten-free option: Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix.
4. Spiced crumble: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the topping for an extra layer of warm spice.

Serving Suggestions:

• With vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts into the warm crumble, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures.
• Whipped cream or custard: For a richer experience, serve with lightly whipped cream or pour over warm custard.
• Breakfast twist: For a fun variation, try serving leftovers for breakfast with a dollop of yogurt on top.

Storage & Reheating:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place individual portions in the oven at 150°C (300°F) until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave for a quick warm-up, but be aware the topping may lose some crispness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 444 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 74g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 42g
• Fiber: 5g
• Vitamin C: 143% of daily value

Ultimate Strawberry Crumble Recipe

Strawberry Crumble is a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with a buttery, crispy crumble topping. This dessert is not only simple to make, but it’s also versatile, working well for casual family meals or more formal gatherings. It’s the perfect choice when strawberries are in season, though it works with frozen berries too. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and it’s bound to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bursting with Strawberry Flavor: This recipe packs a lot of fresh strawberries into every bite, making the fruit the star of the show.
2. Simple and Fast to Prepare: With just a few basic pantry ingredients, this dessert can be ready in no time, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.
3. Crumbly, Golden Topping: The oat-based topping bakes to a perfect golden crisp, offering a wonderful texture contrast to the soft, juicy strawberries beneath.
4. Minimal Equipment Needed: You only need basic kitchen tools—a bowl, baking dish, and oven—to whip up this dessert.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: The crumble can be prepared in advance and baked when needed, making it an excellent option for entertaining.

Ingredient Spotlight

1. Strawberries:
   • Fresh strawberries are the best choice for this crumble because of their sweetness and juiciness. Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries that are bright red in color. If using frozen strawberries, defrost them and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery crumble.
2. Oats:
   • Rolled oats give the crumble its signature crunch. They add texture and a rustic charm to the topping. You can use quick oats in a pinch, but avoid instant oats, as they will make the topping too soft.
3. Brown Sugar:
   • Brown sugar not only sweetens the crumble but also brings a slight caramel flavor to the topping. You can substitute white sugar, but brown sugar adds richness.
4. Butter:
   • Melted butter binds the crumble topping together. Make sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the final dish.
5. Cornstarch:
   • This is the secret ingredient that thickens the juices from the strawberries, transforming them into a luscious syrup that coats the fruit without making the dessert watery.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Crumble

1. Even Distribution of Topping:
   • To get a perfectly crumbly texture, use your fingers to lightly distribute the topping over the strawberries. Press down lightly to form clumps but don’t compact the mixture too much. This creates varied texture—some parts crisp, others more tender.
2. Look for the Bubbling:
   • The visual cue for doneness is crucial: the crumble is ready when the strawberry syrup bubbles vigorously around the edges, and the top is a deep golden brown. If you don’t see bubbling, give it more time in the oven to avoid a watery filling.
3. Strawberry Ripeness:
   • If your strawberries are very ripe and sweet, reduce the sugar slightly. If they’re on the tart side, increase the sugar for a balanced flavor. Adjust the sugar to taste, keeping in mind that the fruit will sweeten as it bakes.
4. Use a Shallow Baking Dish:
   • A shallow, wide baking dish works best for this recipe because it allows the strawberries to spread out in an even layer. This promotes even cooking and caramelization of the strawberries. Avoid deep dishes, which can make the crumble soggy.

Variations to Try

1. Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumble:
   • Add 1 cup of chopped rhubarb to the strawberry mixture. The tartness of rhubarb contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of strawberries, creating a balanced, slightly tangy dessert.
2. Coconut Twist:
   • For a tropical variation, add ¼ cup of shredded coconut to the crumble topping. This adds a subtle coconut flavor and extra texture.
3. Almond Strawberry Crumble:
   • Stir in ½ cup of slivered almonds into the topping for a crunchy, nutty version. The almonds complement the buttery crumble while adding protein and a bit of elegance to the dessert.
4. Spiced Strawberry Crumble:
   • Experiment with different spices! In addition to cinnamon, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the crumble topping for a warm, spiced twist.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

1. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream:
   • A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the most popular pairing. The contrast between the cold ice cream and the warm, syrupy crumble is simply irresistible.
2. Whipped Cream:
   • Lightly sweetened whipped cream makes for an airy, rich topping that cuts through the tartness of the strawberries.
3. Custard:
   • For a British-inspired twist, serve the crumble with a warm vanilla custard. The creamy custard complements the fruit perfectly and adds a rich texture to the dish.
4. Greek Yogurt:
   • If you’re serving this for breakfast or want a healthier option, a dollop of Greek yogurt is a refreshing, protein-packed addition.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a warm treat.
• Freezing Instructions:
  • You can freeze the unbaked crumble for later use. Assemble the strawberry filling and topping in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if necessary.
• Reheating Tips:
  • To reheat the crumble and retain its crisp texture, bake at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the topping soggy.

Nutritional Benefits

Strawberries are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this dessert a relatively healthy choice. Here’s a quick look at some of the nutritional benefits:

• High in Vitamin C: One serving of this Strawberry Crumble provides over 100% of your daily vitamin C needs, supporting immune function and skin health.
• Rich in Fiber: The oats and strawberries add a good dose of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting heart health.
• Antioxidants: Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help protect your cells from oxidative stress.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Crumble is not only a delicious dessert but also a versatile recipe that invites creativity in its preparation and presentation. With its combination of sweet strawberries and a crunchy topping, it’s sure to please a crowd and become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or served cold as leftovers, this crumble is bound to impress.