The Best Strawberry Crumble Recipe

Strawberry crumble is the epitome of a comforting dessert. It’s quick to put together, requires simple ingredients, and delivers a delightful balance between its juicy fruit filling and crunchy topping. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to desserts, this recipe is beginner-friendly and adaptable to suit your taste.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make this dream-worthy strawberry crumble, you’ll need the following:

For the Filling:

• 4 cups of fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
• 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar (optional, adjust based on the sweetness of strawberries)
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A squeeze of lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon)

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of rolled oats
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar (lightly packed)
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, grease a baking dish (an 8x8-inch dish works perfectly) to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling

• Toss the hulled and halved strawberries in a bowl along with the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
• Mix well to evenly coat the strawberries. The flour will help to thicken the juices as the crumble bakes.

Once the filling is ready, spoon it evenly into your greased baking dish.

3. Create the Crumble Topping

• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• Add the cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using your fingers, a fork, or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix—it’s okay to have a few larger chunks of butter, as they’ll make the topping extra flaky and golden.

4. Assemble and Bake

• Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the strawberry filling. Make sure to cover the strawberries completely for that satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Bake the crumble for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling.

5. Cool and Serve

Allow your strawberry crumble to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

Bursting with Fresh, Seasonal Flavors

There’s nothing quite like the taste of ripe strawberries baked to perfection, complemented by the slight tang of lemon juice and the sweetness of a crunchy crumble topping.

Easy and Foolproof

No need for complicated techniques or equipment—this recipe is straightforward and mistake-proof, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Adaptable to Your Taste

Want to switch things up? Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the crumble topping for extra crunch. Looking for a gluten-free option? Use almond flour and gluten-free oats instead. The possibilities are endless!

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Crumble

1. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries

Choose strawberries that are bright red and fragrant. Out-of-season strawberries tend to be less sweet and flavorful.

2. Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice

It might seem like a small addition, but the acidity in the lemon juice enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries and balances the dish beautifully.

3. Keep the Butter Cold

Cold butter creates an irresistible flaky texture in the crumble topping. If your butter starts to soften while prepping, pop the crumble mixture into the fridge for a few minutes before sprinkling it on the filling.

4. Customize Topping Ratios

Prefer a thicker crumb layer? Double the crumble topping ingredients for extra indulgence.

5. Experiment with Mixing Fruits

Strawberries pair fabulously with other berries, peaches, or rhubarb. Feel free to mix and match for your signature crumble.

When to Serve Strawberry Crumble

Strawberry crumble is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for:

• Family Gatherings: Easy to make ahead and loved by kids and adults alike.
• Dinner Parties: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that can be served with minimal effort.
• Weeknight Treats: Quick enough to whip up when you’re craving something sweet and homemade.

Make It Your Family Favorite

Strawberry crumble is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm, memorable dish that brings people together. Passed down through generations or customized to fit your style, it’s a recipe every baking enthusiast should have in their arsenal.

If you give this recipe a try, share your experience or photos with us! Whether it’s your first crumble or your tenth, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Happy baking!