Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This easy strawberry crunch recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings. It's a delightful blend of juicy strawberries and a buttery, crunchy oat topping that's sure to become a family favorite. Forget complicated baking – this recipe is perfect for even the most novice home cooks. Let's dive in and create some deliciousness!
Ingredients:
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Get started with the Strawberry Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 8x8 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the strawberries are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Now for the irresistible Crunchy Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, chopped nuts (if using), and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Pour the melted butter over the oat mixture and stir until all the oats are evenly moistened. The mixture should be crumbly.
Assemble and Bake:
- Sprinkle the crunchy oat topping evenly over the strawberry filling in the baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbly. Keep an eye on it during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving. This allows the filling to set and the crunch to firm up.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Crunch:
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh, ripe strawberries will make a huge difference in the flavor of your dessert.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry topping and burnt strawberries. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to add other nuts, seeds, or even chocolate chips to your topping for extra flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Berry Blast: Substitute or add other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the filling for a mixed berry crunch.
- Apple Crunch: Replace strawberries with thinly sliced apples for a delicious apple crisp variation.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rolled oats and gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 4-5g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy strawberry crunch recipe is a delightful way to enjoy fresh, seasonal strawberries. Its simple preparation and delicious outcome make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy!