Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 8 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Refrigerates for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
To make a delightful Strawberry Crisp, layer fresh strawberries with a crumbly oat topping, bake until golden, and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
As the vibrant colors of the leaves turn to shades of amber and rust here in New York City, I'm reminded of the warm, comforting desserts that make the chill in the air feel a bit more inviting. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, there's something especially delightful about serving a fruit crisp that invites everyone to gather around the table. Today, I'm sharing my go-to recipe for Strawberry Crisp, which has quickly become a seasonal favorite in my kitchen.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple, fresh ingredients
- A delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors
- The perfect dessert for holiday gatherings
- Can be enjoyed warm with ice cream or chilled on its own
- Great for using up seasonal strawberries
Ingredients
To create this heavenly Strawberry Crisp, you'll need:
For the Filling:
- 4 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Strawberry Crisp (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to create a perfect Strawberry Crisp.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I love the anticipation that fills the kitchen as the heat begins to build.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. The sweetness of the strawberries mixed with the tangy lemon juice creates an inviting aroma. Stir gently until the strawberries are evenly coated.
Step 3: Make the Topping
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle in the melted butter and mix until coarse crumbles form-a texture that should remind you of sandy beach days.
Step 4: Assemble
Transfer the strawberry mixture to a 9x9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Scatter the oat topping generously over the strawberries; let it cover as much surface area as possible to ensure every bite has that delightful crunch.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling at the edges. The delightful scent of strawberries mingling with the warm notes of cinnamon will fill your home, evoking those cozy holiday feelings.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the crisp to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period will thicken the filling just a bit more, making it perfect for serving. Dish it out with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Overripe Strawberries: Ensure your berries are ripe but not overly mushy. This helps maintain texture and flavor.
- Skipping the Cornstarch: Don't skip the cornstarch! It's essential for thickening the juices and preventing a runny crisp.
- Not Letting It Cool: Allow the crisp to cool before serving. This will prevent the filling from being too runny and enhances the flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Add a Twist: Incorporate other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry crisp.
- Oat Variations: Use quick oats if you prefer a finer texture or try using almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of chopped fresh mint can provide a refreshing touch just before serving.
Variations
- Substitute half of the strawberries with blueberries for a mixed berry crisp.
- Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor in the filling.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the topping for an additional spice boost.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Top with freshly whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Pair with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and topping separately, then combine and bake when ready to serve.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freezing: Not recommended for this recipe as it may affect texture.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
This Strawberry Crisp taught me that simplicity often leads to the most enjoyable desserts. The joy of mingling sweet strawberries with a crumbly topping has made this dish a favorite among friends and family, particularly during the festive season.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 9 servings · Serving Size: 1 slice
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 3g protein · 40g carbs · 10g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Strawberry Crisp for the Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the strawberries are evenly coated.
- In another bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle in the melted butter and mix until coarse crumbles form.
- Transfer the strawberry mixture to a 9x9-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Scatter the oat topping generously over the strawberries.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
- Allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using, as frozen fruit can release excess moisture.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Strawberry Crisp gluten-free, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats in the topping.
3. Can I substitute the brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or white sugar, although it may slightly alter the flavor of the crisp.
4. How do I know when the crisp is done baking?
The crisp is done baking when the topping is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling at the edges. This usually takes around 30-35 minutes at 350°F.
5. Can I prepare the crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake them right before serving for the best texture.
