Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This berry crumble recipe using frozen berries is the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying treat, ideal for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend indulgence. Forget complicated baking; this recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a delicious, healthy-ish dessert. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers big on flavor, and it's a fantastic way to use up those bags of frozen berries lurking in your freezer.
Ingredients:
For the Berry Filling:
- 4 cups frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – your favorites!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or individual ramekins. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Prepare the Berry Filling:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the frozen berries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Don't overmix; a few gently tossed berries are perfect. The lemon juice brightens the berry flavor beautifully.
Make the Crumble Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cold butter is key for a flaky crumble! Avoid overmixing.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the berry filling into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the berries.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Tips for the Best Berry Crumble:
- Frozen Berries are your friend: Using frozen berries saves time and works perfectly in this recipe. No need to thaw them!
- Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a less sweet crumble, reduce the sugar in both the filling and the topping.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry crumble. Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes.
- Add nuts for extra crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts would make a delicious addition to the crumble topping.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour.
Variations:
- Apple Berry Crumble: Add 2-3 peeled and chopped apples to the berry filling.
- Peach Berry Crumble: Swap the mixed berries for frozen peaches.
- Rhubarb Berry Crumble: Combine frozen berries with chopped rhubarb for a tart and sweet treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 4-5g
This recipe is a simple, delicious, and adaptable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a fantastic quick dinner idea and healthy meal option, making it a versatile addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. Try it out and let us know what you think!