Mixed berry crumble combines a medley of fresh (or frozen) berries — strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries — baked into a juicy, jammy filling under a buttery, sandy streusel topping. It’s a simple, forgiving dessert that works with whatever berries you have on hand, and it comes together with minimal prep.
Why Mixed Berries Work So Well Together
Combining several types of berries gives this crumble more depth than a single-fruit version, balancing sweet, tart, and juicy textures in every bite. It’s also a great way to use up small amounts of several berries that might otherwise go to waste.
Ingredients
For the Berry Filling
- 4 cups mixed berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the berries: Add the mixed berries to a large bowl. Sprinkle with sugar and cornstarch, then add lemon juice and vanilla. Gently toss until the berries are evenly coated.
- Make the crumble: In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse, crumbly pieces.
- Assemble: Spread the berry mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the berries, covering them completely.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the berries are bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool slightly: Let the crumble rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This gives the berry filling time to thicken.
- Serve: Enjoy warm on its own or serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Mixed Berry Crumble
- Fresh or frozen berries can be used. If using frozen berries, there is no need to thaw them first.
- Use a combination of sweet and tart berries for a more flavorful filling.
- Let the crumble cool slightly after baking so the juices aren’t too runny.
- For an extra crunchy topping, add a handful of chopped almonds or pecans to the crumble mixture.
Final Thoughts
Mixed berry crumble is a simple, flexible dessert that works with whatever combination of berries you have available. The buttery streusel topping and juicy, jammy filling make it a comforting treat any time of year, whether berries are fresh from the market or pulled from the freezer.
