A delicious strawberry dessert recipe that’s quick and easy to make! This gorgeous Strawberry Crumble is made with ripe, juicy strawberries and topped with a streusel crumb topping.
Why it works
This is a light dessert that takes only minutes to prep and really celebrates the fresh, ripe berries of the season.
Since it doesn't take long to prep, it makes a great last minute or weeknight dessert to make when you want something sweet, simple, and still somewhat good for you.
The crumble topping is crisp, buttery, and so flavorful. It makes an amazing contrast to the strawberries. It is based off my favorite streusel recipe that has the best crumbly top.
Strawberry crumbles make your home smell absolutely amazing. It creates a mouthwatering aroma that gets everyone excited to dig in.
It is amazing warm when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Key ingredients
The best part about this strawberry crumble is that it requires very few ingredients.
Strawberries - It is important to use the best strawberries possible. You can use fresh or frozen. Frozen is good because they are flash frozen at their peak ripeness. To find the best fresh strawberries, find berries that are bright red all the way up to their tops. You don't want any white or green. Aim for medium to large berries that are plum and have a sweet smell to them. Strawberries don't continue to ripen once they are picked, so pick ones that already look ready to use when you buy them.
Sugar - The sugar is important to macerate the strawberries which brings out the juices of the strawberries to create a flavorful syrup that keeps the crumble juicy and delicious.
Butter - For the best crunchy crumble, you need to use unsalted butter. It helps to create a rich crumble topping that you can't help but love.
Cornstarch - Cornstarch is important for the filling so it can take the juices of the macerated strawberries and thicken it to a flavorful sauce.
Tips
To brighten the flavor of the strawberries, you can add a tablespoon or two of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
For the best consistency, you should thoroughly coat the strawberries in the sugar and corn starch. The cornstarch will turn all the fresh strawberry juice in to an irresistible sauce.
If your strawberries are very ripe and sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar to ¼ - ⅓ cup.
If you want the crumble to resemble a strawberry crisp, you can reduce the amount of flour by ⅓ cup and replace it with old-fashioned oats. I also like the addition of sliced almonds for added crunch and flavor.
How to make
Strawberry crumble is a very easy dessert to make. It takes just a few simple steps!
- Mix together the ingredients for the crumb topping until it comes together in large crumbs. Store in the freezer until needed.
- Pick and slice 2lbs worth of ripe strawberries. Toss in the cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla.
- Place in your baking sheet and then top with the streusel topping.
- Bake until the crumble is golden brown and the juices are bubbling.
F.A.Q.s
Yes! This recipe works great with other berries and sliced stone fruits.
My trick to getting nice crumbles is the same one I use for streusel. I like to let my butter soften slightly so you can fully incorporate butter into every bit of flour possible, so when you press, it sticks together. From there, press the mixture together well, then chill or freeze. When you are ready to crumble, gently break off pieces from the pressed mixture.
Related recipes
You absolutely need to try my apple crumble and blueberry crisp. My rhubarb crumble ice cream is absolutely delightful. This berry rhubarb galette with crumble topping is amazing. You will also like my rhubarb pear crisp and this peach blueberry cobbler. This berry cobbler with sugar cookie top is the best summer treat.
Recipe Card
Strawberry Crumble
Ingredients
Crumble
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter cubed
Strawberry Filling
- 2 lbs strawberries sliced
- 2 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon for the crumble. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the mixture. Press well until the mixture clumps together well.
- Store in the freezer until needed.
- Slice the strawberries and mix with the cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla.
- Arrange in an 8-inch baking pan or deep pie dish.
- Top with the streusel. Bake for 40 - 50 minutes, or until the juices from the strawberries is vigorously bubbling. If the crumble topping is darkening too fast, you can place aluminum foil over it after 30 minutes.
- Remove and serve warm, preferably with ice cream!
Roberta says
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Amanda Powell says
You can! I would add maybe another tablespoon of cornstarch though as the frozen strawberries tend to release more liquid when baked.