Strawberry Crisp with Oat Crumble

Strawberry Crisp with Oat Crumble is the kind of easy, cozy dessert that screams summer—even if you’re making it in the middle of fall! It’s juicy, golden, and just begging for a scoop of melty vanilla ice cream on top.

What is Strawberry Crisp with Oat Crumble?

Strawberry crisp with oat crumble is a baked dessert made with fresh strawberries as the base and topped with a buttery oat topping that gets golden and crisp in the oven. It’s often confused with cobblers or crumbles, but the texture of the topping is what sets it apart, thanks to a combo of oats, flour, and butter that bakes into sweet, crunchy perfection.

The beauty of this dessert is how easy it is to throw together. No pie crusts, no special tools—just fresh berries, pantry staples, and a baking dish. It’s the kind of simple, fruit-forward dish that you can whip up for guests, or just because you found a great deal on strawberries at the market!

Ingredients You Need

• Strawberries – These bring all the juicy, jammy flavor to the table. We love using fresh ones, but frozen can work too—just thaw and drain them first.
• All-Purpose Unbleached Flour – This helps create the structure for the crisp topping. It adds just the right amount of body without making it dense.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – These add a chewy, toasty texture to the crumble that’s so satisfying. Quick oats don’t quite deliver the same hearty crunch.
• Kosher Salt – A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. Don’t skip it—it makes a difference!
• Light Brown Sugar – This gives the topping a caramel-like sweetness and helps it get that golden finish. We love the subtle molasses note it adds.
• Cold Unsalted Butter – We cube this up and mix it into the crumble to get those buttery clusters. Make sure it’s cold so you get that irresistible texture.
• Lemon Juice – This adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness of the strawberries. Freshly squeezed is always best here.
• Granulated Sugar – Just a touch brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit. It helps the strawberries get a little syrupy as they bake.
• Cornstarch – This thickens the strawberry filling so it’s juicy but not runny. It’s the key to getting that perfect scoopable texture.

How to Make Strawberry Crisp with Oat Crumble

1. Prep the strawberries. Rinse the berries, remove the green tops, and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside while you get the topping ready.
2. Make the crumble. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until clumps form.
3. Toss the filling. Add the sliced strawberries to a baking dish. Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle the granulated sugar and cornstarch on top, and gently stir to combine.
4. Top it off. Spoon the crumble mixture over the strawberries, spreading it out to cover the fruit evenly from edge to edge.
5. Bake until bubbly. Pop the dish in the oven and bake until the topping is golden and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
6. Serve and enjoy. Let it cool just slightly, then serve warm with your favorite ice cream, whipped cream, or even yogurt.

Variations

• Berries – A handful of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries mix beautifully with strawberries and add layers of flavor.
• Gluten-free – Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats to keep the texture while skipping the gluten.
• Nuts – Add chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch and a nutty twist.
• Switch up the sugar – Coconut sugar or maple sugar can be swapped in for a slightly different flavor profile with deeper, earthy sweetness.
• Use frozen fruit – No fresh berries? No problem. Just thaw and drain frozen strawberries before baking to prevent excess moisture.
• Add warm spices – A sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom in the crumble gives the topping a cozy, spiced vibe.
• Top it with whipped ricotta – For something unexpected and creamy, whipped ricotta with a drizzle of honey is a dreamy topping option.
  

Can I Store Leftovers?

Yes, but the topping will soften a bit the longer it sits. If you want to re-crisp it, pop it back in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can freeze it after baking—just wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Common Questions about Strawberry Crisp with Oat Crumble

More Fruity Dessert Recipes

We love incorporating fruit into easy desserts! Check out more of our popular sweets that place fruit front and center.

Mixed Berry Cobbler

Cheesecake Fruit Tart with Shortbread Crust

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Fruit Pizza Cookies