Quick and easy Strawberry Crisp is a delightful dessert that showcases fresh, juicy strawberries topped with a crunchy oat crumble. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to impress your guests at family gatherings, potlucks, or even as a sweet treat after dinner. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The use of ripe strawberries ensures every bite is packed with fruity goodness.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm on its own, or pair it with ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a special gathering, this crisp fits right in.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or substitute different fruits based on your preference.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Strawberry Crisp, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essentials you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9 1/2 inch deep dish pie plate
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 9 1/2 inch deep dish pie plate: This ensures that your strawberry crisp has enough space to bake evenly without overflowing.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly before transferring them to the baking dish.
- Whisk: A handy tool for mixing dry ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor balance in your crisp.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Filling
- 5 cups halved or quartered fresh strawberries
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Crisp Topping
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ⅔ cup old fashioned oats
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Optional Serving Suggestion
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
How to Make Strawberry Crisp
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 1/2 inch deep dish pie plate or similar-sized baking dish. This will help prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the halved strawberries with orange juice and granulated sugar.
- Gently toss until the strawberries are well-coated.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
- In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Spread the strawberry mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Top with the oat crumble mixture evenly distributed over the strawberries.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before serving warm. Pair it with vanilla ice cream if desired for an extra touch of sweetness! Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Crisp!
How to Serve Strawberry Crisp
Strawberry Crisp is a delightful dessert that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, here are some delicious ways to serve it.
A La Mode
- Serve warm Strawberry Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a creamy contrast to the tart strawberries.
Fresh Mint Garnish
- Add a sprig of fresh mint on top for an extra touch of color and a refreshing flavor boost.
Whipped Coconut Cream
- For a dairy-free option, use whipped coconut cream instead of ice cream. It adds a rich texture that pairs beautifully with the crisp.
Yogurt Drizzle
- Drizzle your favorite yogurt (plain or flavored) over the top for added creaminess and tang.
Caramel Sauce
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the crisp for an indulgent twist that enhances the sweetness of the strawberries.
How to Perfect Strawberry Crisp
To achieve the best Strawberry Crisp, consider these simple yet effective tips that enhance both flavor and texture.
Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries provide the best flavor and juiciness. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid.
Balance Sweetness: Adjust sugar based on the natural sweetness of your strawberries. Taste before adding all sugar.
Don’t Overmix Topping: Mix the crumble topping just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light, crisp topping.
Let It Rest: Allow the crisp to cool slightly after baking. This helps it set up and makes serving easier.
Experiment with Spices: Try adding nutmeg or cardamom for an unexpected depth of flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crisp
Strawberry Crisp shines as a dessert, but pairing it with some complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful options:
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like Brie or Gouda offers a savory contrast to the sweet crisp.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out dessert’s sweetness while adding freshness.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: These savory skewers add protein and make your meal more filling without overshadowing dessert.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and earthiness, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter create a comforting side that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from your main dish.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds variety while keeping things light and refreshing before dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Crisp, there are common pitfalls that can affect your dessert’s texture and flavor.
- Using Overripe Strawberries: Overripe strawberries can make your crisp mushy. Choose firm, fresh strawberries for the best results.
- Skipping the Sugar: Not using enough sugar can lead to a bland flavor. Ensure you measure the sugar accurately for a balanced sweetness.
- Not Melting the Butter: Using cold butter instead of melted can result in an uneven crumble topping. Always melt the butter for a consistent texture.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cooking time and crispness. Preheat your oven correctly to ensure even baking.
- Not Letting It Cool: Cutting into your Strawberry Crisp immediately after baking can make it fall apart. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Strawberry Crisp in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Strawberry Crisp
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months for the best quality.
Reheating Strawberry Crisp
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to retain moisture, reheating for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Strawberry Crisp, here are some helpful answers.
What is Strawberry Crisp?
Strawberry Crisp is a delightful dessert made with fresh strawberries topped with a crunchy oat mixture, baked until bubbly.
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Crisp?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing them with other ingredients.
How do I customize my Strawberry Crisp?
You can add spices like nutmeg or ginger or mix in other berries such as blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and texture.
Is there a vegan option for Strawberry Crisp?
Yes! Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar if desired.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Crisp is not only easy to make but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different fruits or spices based on your preference. This delightful dessert pairs perfectly with ice cream or whipped cream, making it a must-try recipe!
Strawberry Crisp
Indulge in a warm, comforting Strawberry Crisp that combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with a delightful oat crumble topping. This quick and easy dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. The crisp is best enjoyed straight from the oven, ideally paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a heavenly blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh strawberries (halved or quartered)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 1/2 inch deep dish pie plate.
- In a mixing bowl, toss fresh strawberries with orange juice and granulated sugar until well-coated.
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Spread the strawberry mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and top with the oat crumble.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 100g
- Calories: 292
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg