Making a mixed berry crumble is one of those simple joys that spark nostalgia. As a kid, I fondly remember baking with my grandmother, who taught me that nothing beats the smell of sweetened fruit bubbling in the oven. This delightful dessert is not only easy to prepare, but it also showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh berries. In under an hour, you can whip up this comforting dessert, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
What makes this mixed berry crumble special is its beautiful blend of textures and flavors. The juicy, tart berries pair wonderfully with the buttery, crumbly topping, making every spoonful a delicious experience. It’s ideal for those who appreciate homemade desserts without the fuss. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a treat that everyone will love.
Why you’ll love mixed berry crumble
- Quick preparation and baking time.
- Burst of fresh berry flavor in every bite.
- Versatile: great for any occasion.
- Perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Easy to make ahead for gatherings.
What ingredients do I need for mixed berry crumble?
- 6 cups mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and hulled/chopped strawberries)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup butter, chilled
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Ingredient notes & swaps
- For a gluten-free option, substitute flour with a 1:1 baking blend.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your berry sweetness.
- You can replace walnuts with oats or pecans for a different crunch.
How do I make mixed berry crumble step-by-step?
To create a mixed berry crumble, start by mixing the berries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a bowl. Coat them with cornstarch and transfer to a baking dish. Next, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in another bowl, cut in the chilled butter until crumbly, stir in walnuts, and sprinkle over the berries. Finally, bake until golden and bubbly.
- In a large bowl, combine berries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Add cornstarch and toss to coat berries. Transfer to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the chilled butter using your hands until large crumbs form, then stir in the chopped walnuts.
- Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the berries.
- Bake until the top is golden brown and the berries are bubbly, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let stand for about 5 minutes. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the crumble as it bakes; it should smell fragrant and look golden brown when done. The berry juices bubbling around the edges are a good sign!
How should I serve it?
Serve your warm mixed berry crumble in bowls with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. You can also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or serve it alongside whipped cream for extra indulgence. Adding fresh mint leaves as a garnish elevates the visual appeal!
Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?
You can prepare the mixed berry crumble ahead of time by assembling it in the baking dish and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers can be covered and stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven until heated through.
How do I fix common issues?
If your crumble turns out dry, consider adding a bit more butter to the topping next time. For a soggy fruit layer, ensure you use enough cornstarch to absorb excess juices. If it’s bland, adjust the sugar or cinnamon to enhance the flavors.
What variations can I try?
Feel free to experiment with different types of berries based on what’s in season or your personal preferences—think strawberries, raspberries, or even peaches. You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm kick, or swap walnuts for almonds for a different nutty flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen berries work well but be sure to adjust cooking times as they release more moisture.
Is this dessert good for dietary restrictions?
You can make it gluten-free with the right flour and lower sugar if desired, making it more flexible for different diets.
How do I prevent the topping from being too hard?
Avoid overmixing the butter in the crumble. You want it to be crumbly and not compact—this helps keep it light and crunchy.
Mixed Berry Crumble
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed berries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
- Add cornstarch and toss to coat the berries evenly.
- Transfer the berry mixture to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the chilled butter with your hands until large crumbs form.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts.
- Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the berry filling.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the berries are bubbling, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.