Mixed Berry Crisp is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweet flavors of summer berries and a crispy, buttery topping. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to treat yourself, this easy recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh, vibrant taste of mixed berries. Featuring strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, topped with a crunchy streusel topping, this dessert is both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, so even novice bakers can create a delicious treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Mixed Berry Crisp
This Mixed Berry Crisp is an easy-to-make dessert that brings together the best of fruity sweetness and a buttery, crispy topping. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthy yet indulgent treat. Not only is it full of antioxidants and vitamins from the berries, but it’s also light on calories, with each serving coming in under 300 calories. The topping is made with oats, providing a crunchy texture and extra fiber, making this dessert both wholesome and irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert for dinner or a special treat for a summer gathering, this Mixed Berry Crisp will not disappoint.
Ingredients
• Mixed Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries provides a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the berries and helps create a syrupy consistency in the filling.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the berry filling, ensuring it doesn’t become runny.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting flavor that complements the berries.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the streusel topping, giving it structure and a slightly dense texture.
• Rolled Oats: Adds texture and heartiness to the topping, making it perfectly crunchy.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the topping while adding a rich molasses flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates the buttery, crumbly topping when mixed with the dry ingredients.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• Sugar Alternatives: If you’d like to reduce the sugar content, you can swap the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour and opt for gluten-free oats.
• Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, replace the unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Frozen Berries: If fresh berries aren’t available, you can use frozen mixed berries. Just be sure to add an extra 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square or 7×11-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Fruit Filling
Wash and gently pat dry your mixed berries. Place them into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon, then toss the mixture together to coat the berries evenly. Set aside to let the berries release their juices. - Make the Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add cold diced butter to the mixture and use a fork or your hands to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. - Assemble the Crisp
Pour the streusel topping over the berry mixture, spreading it evenly. - Bake the Crisp
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown, and the berry filling should bubble. - Cool and Serve
Allow the crisp to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, letting the filling thicken further.
Tips & Tricks
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and the streusel topping ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble before baking.
• Frozen Berries: If using frozen berries, there’s no need to thaw them. Simply add 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Avoid Runny Filling: The cornstarch in the filling helps prevent the berries from becoming too runny. Don’t skip this step for a perfectly set filling.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the crisp sit for a few minutes after baking to ensure the filling thickens and the flavors meld together.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Mixed Berry Crisp pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to make it even more decadent, try adding a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. For a healthier twist, serve it with a scoop of Greek yogurt or coconut whipped cream.
You can also experiment with different fruits for variation. Try substituting some of the berries with peaches, apples, or cherries for a different flavor profile. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted based on the season or your personal preferences.
Healthy Benefits of Mixed Berry Crisp
Mixed berries are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, which help support overall health. The oats in the streusel topping offer fiber and whole grains, making this dessert a bit more nutritious than traditional sweet treats. Plus, by using less sugar and swapping in healthier ingredients, you can make this dessert even more aligned with a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Mixed Berry Crisp is a perfect dessert that combines fresh, seasonal berries with a buttery, crunchy topping. It’s quick, easy, and versatile, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re using fresh berries during the summer or frozen ones in the colder months, this dessert delivers on flavor and texture. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can create a delicious dish that’s sure to impress your guests or provide a comforting treat after a long day. Don’t forget to pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to take it to the next level!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Mixed Berry Crisp with frozen berries?
Yes, you can use frozen berries instead of fresh ones for Mixed Berry Crisp. There’s no need to thaw them; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time (about 3-5 minutes). Frozen berries may release more juice, but the cornstarch will help thicken the filling, ensuring the crisp remains just as delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make the Mixed Berry Crisp gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free rolled oats for the topping. The recipe will still hold up beautifully and be just as tasty.
How can I store leftovers?
Leftover Mixed Berry Crisp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. It can be enjoyed cold, at room temperature, or reheated in the microwave or oven for a few minutes to bring back that warm, freshly-baked goodness.
Can I make Mixed Berry Crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and streusel topping ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before baking. Alternatively, you can prepare the entire crisp ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. If baking from the fridge, be sure to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
Mixed Berry Crisp Recipe – Easy & Delicious (5 Ingredients)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mixed Berry Crisp is a delightful dessert combining sweet summer berries with a buttery, crunchy oat topping. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion and pairs wonderfully with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
- Mixed Berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
- Granulated Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Cinnamon
- All-Purpose Flour
- Rolled Oats
- Brown Sugar
- Salt
- Unsalted Butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8-inch square or 7×11-inch baking dish.
- Wash and pat dry mixed berries; place in baking dish.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon over berries; toss to coat evenly and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add cold diced butter and cut into dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
- Spread streusel topping evenly over berry mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until topping is golden and filling bubbles.
- Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use frozen berries directly without thawing; add extra 3-5 minutes baking time. Make streusel and filling ahead and store separately. Let crisp rest after baking to thicken filling. Substitute gluten-free flour and oats for gluten-free version; use vegan butter for vegan option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
