This Strawberry Crumble recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet, juicy flavors of fresh strawberries with a buttery, crumbly topping. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make treat, perfect for enjoying warm on a cozy evening or serving at a summer gathering. The vibrant red strawberries create a beautiful contrast with the golden-brown crumble, making it a visually appealing dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will absolutely adore this Strawberry Crumble because it’s:
- Effortlessly Delicious: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers an impressive dessert with minimal effort.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of the sweet and slightly tart strawberry filling with the rich, buttery crumble topping creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.
- Versatile: Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of creamy custard. It’s also fantastic on its own!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat your family, this Strawberry Crumble is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
- Nostalgic: It evokes feelings of warmth and comfort, reminiscent of homemade desserts enjoyed during childhood. The aroma alone, as it bakes in the oven, is enough to bring back fond memories.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences. You can add other berries like blueberries or raspberries to the filling, or experiment with different spices in the crumble topping.
Ingredients:
Topping:
- 3/4 cup rolled oats / oatmeal (quick cooking is ok)
- 3/4 cup white flour, plain/all purpose
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (loosely packed)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon powder
- Pinch of salt
- 90g / 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Strawberry Filling:
- 1 kg / 2 lb strawberries, ripe
- 2 1/2 tbsp cornflour / cornstarch
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup white sugar (adjust to taste based on sweetness of strawberries)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
To Serve:
- Vanilla ice cream, dollop cream or custard
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Topping:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon powder, and salt. Whisk together to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This ensures that each bite of the crumble topping is flavorful and has the perfect texture. Creating a uniform mixture at this stage prevents any clumps of baking powder or cinnamon, which could result in an uneven bake.
Step 2: Add Melted Butter to Topping:
Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Use a fork or your fingertips to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough topping. The goal is to achieve a texture that resembles wet sand with small clumps. The melted butter coats the dry ingredients, creating a rich, buttery flavor and ensuring that the topping will bake to a golden-brown perfection.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
Wash the strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Hull the strawberries (remove the green tops) and slice any large strawberries in half or quarter them, depending on their size. If the strawberries are small, you can leave them whole. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size, around 2cm (4/5″), to ensure even cooking. Removing the hulls and slicing the strawberries makes them easier to eat and allows the flavors to meld together during baking.
Step 4: Combine Strawberry Filling Ingredients:
In a large bowl, place the prepared strawberries. Sprinkle the cornflour over the strawberries and toss gently to coat them evenly. The cornflour will act as a thickening agent, helping to create a luscious strawberry sauce as the crumble bakes. Add the sugar, water, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Gently stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the amount of sugar if necessary, depending on the sweetness of the strawberries.
Step 5: Assemble the Crumble:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the strawberry mixture into a baking pan. An 8×8 inch square pan or a similar-sized round pan works well. Spread the strawberry filling evenly across the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the strawberry filling. Use your fingers to break up any large clumps of the topping, ensuring that it is distributed uniformly across the surface. This allows for even baking and creates a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Step 6: Bake the Crumble:
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges. The bubbling is a key indicator that the strawberry sauce has thickened properly. Keep a close eye on the crumble during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the topping from burning.
Step 7: Cool and Serve:
Once the crumble is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of custard. The contrast between the warm crumble and the cold ice cream is simply divine!
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy complement.
- Drizzle with warm custard for a rich and comforting treat.
- Enjoy it on its own as a simple yet satisfying dessert.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy experience.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Tips:
- Use ripe but firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- For a crispier topping, add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the crumble with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
- Leftover Strawberry Crumble can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Make individual crumbles in ramekins for an elegant presentation.
- Experiment with different spices in the topping, such as nutmeg or cardamom.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-60 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 350-450 (depending on serving size and toppings)
- Protein: 4-6g
- Sodium: 100-150mg
Conclusion
This Strawberry Crumble recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and a buttery, crumbly topping is a classic for a reason – it’s utterly delicious! Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. It’s the perfect dessert to share with loved ones or to enjoy as a special treat for yourself. The versatility of this crumble allows you to customize it to your liking, making it a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Strawberry Crumble! The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is a reward in itself, promising a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious dessert.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
A: While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling. You may need to add an extra tablespoon of cornflour to compensate for the extra moisture. Also, keep in mind that frozen strawberries might result in a slightly softer filling compared to using fresh ones.
Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make this Strawberry Crumble gluten-free by using gluten-free all-purpose flour in the crumble topping. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the rolled oats, are also certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Q3: Can I add other fruits to the strawberry filling?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the strawberry filling. You can also add chopped apples or peaches for a different flavor profile. Adjust the amount of sugar as needed, depending on the sweetness of the added fruits.
Q4: How do I store leftover Strawberry Crumble?
A: Leftover Strawberry Crumble can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave it in short intervals until heated through. The topping may lose some of its crispness upon reheating, but it will still be delicious.
Q5: Can I prepare the Strawberry Crumble ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Strawberry Crumble ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator unbaked for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, simply take it out of the refrigerator and bake as directed in the recipe. This is a great option if you’re preparing for a dinner party and want to save time on the day of.
