Strawberry Crumble

Strawberry Crumble is a divine dessert with a buttery and crumbly oat pecan topping that uses either fresh or frozen berries. This summertime classic is wonderful for parties, BBQ’s or just as a treat because of its easy and quick assembly and heavenly flavor.

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Perfecting Crumble Texture: Avoiding Dryness or Sogginess

When it comes to baking a delectable Strawberry Crumble, nothing quite compares to that perfect balance between a crispy, crumbly topping and a lusciously moist fruit filling. To ensure your crumble turns out irresistibly delicious, it’s essential to avoid two common pitfalls: dryness and sogginess. Here’s how you can achieve the ideal texture every time.

• Ideal ingredients– The all purpose flour will give structure to the crumble topping while the oats and pecans provide a delightful crumbly texture. Additionally, the egg binds the ingredients together while the melted butter adds richness and aids in achieving a golden-brown, crispy texture.
• Assembly– Distributing the prepared strawberry filling and then sprinkling the crumble mixture over the top, ensures that the fruit layer is moist and the crumble topping is crispy.
• Baking Process– Bake to the point where the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling bubbling.

Sliced vs Whole Strawberries

When making this Strawberry Crumble is is perfectly fine to use either sliced or whole strawberries. The choice comes down to a personal preference. Here are a few benefits of each option.

Using Sliced Strawberries

• Enhanced Flavor Infusion: Sliced strawberries release their natural juices more readily during baking, resulting in a more intense strawberry flavor that beautifully mingles with the crumble topping.
• Even Fruit Distribution: Uniformly sliced strawberries ensures an equal distribution throughout the crumble, providing a harmonious blend of fruit and crunch in every bite.
• Faster Cooking Time: Sliced strawberries cook faster due to their smaller size, allowing for a shorter baking time and ensuring a perfectly tender filling.

Keeping the Strawberries Whole

• Visual Appeal: Whole strawberries create an eye-catching presentation, showcasing the vibrant red fruit within the crumble. This can be particularly impressive when serving the dessert on special occasions.
• Juicy Surprise: By keeping the strawberries whole, you retain their plumpness and juiciness, offering delightful bursts of flavor when bitten into. This adds an element of freshness and juiciness to your crumble.

Pro Tip: If you decide to use whole strawberries instead of sliced strawberries in your Strawberry Crumble you would need to add approximately 5-10 minutes of additional baking time. This extended time accounts for the larger size and juiciness of whole strawberries, allowing them to soften and release their flavors fully. Keep a close eye on the crumble during baking to ensure the crumble topping does not become too dark. Also, it is wise to cut extra large strawberries in half to ensure even baking.

Fresh vs Frozen Berries

Using fresh strawberries during their peak season creates an absolutely luxurious Strawberry Crumble. However, the beauty of this recipe is that frozen strawberries may used also. This can be very convenient for enjoying this dessert year round. Here are a few tips when using frozen whole strawberries.

• Add the same amount of sugar, cornstarch and vanilla to the whole frozen strawberries, making sure to stir well to distribute the cornstarch.
• Add the strawberries to the ramekins minus the topping. Pre-bake the fruit at 400℉ for approximately 5-10 minutes (depending on the size of the berries).
• Remove the ramekins and add crumble topping. Bake at 400℉ for 25-30 minutes.

Ingredients Needed

• Strawberries (about 3 pints or 2 pounds)- Fresh or frozen strawberries may be used for this recipe (see section above).
• Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar– Provides sweetness and the brown sugar adds a rich molasses flavor to the crumble topping.
• Cornstarch– Acts as a thickener for the fruit filling.
• Pure Vanilla Extract– Helps to balance the tartness of the berries while providing a pleasant aromatic flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour– The addition of flour helps to give structure to the crumble topping.
• Cinnamon– Strawberries pair well with cinnamon while adding in a slightly sweet and aromatic hint.
• Rolled Oats and Pecans– Gives the crumble topping a heavenly crumbly texture.
• Baking Powder– Adds volume and texture to the crumble topping.
• Large Egg– The egg helps to bind the dry ingredients together for the crumble topping.
• Butter– Melted butter adds a richness to the crumble topping while also helping it to become golden brown and crispy.

How To Make Strawberry Crumble

Strawberry Filling

1. Preheat oven to 400℉.
2. Wash, hull and slice strawberries. Add sliced berries to a large mixing bowl.
3. To the strawberries add granulated sugar, vanilla extract and cornstarch. Stir well.
4. Line up 6 (10 ounce) ramekins on a sided cookie sheet.
5. Divide the strawberry filling equally among the ramekins.

Crumble Topping

1. In a medium sized mixing bowl mix together the flour, sugars, cinnamon, oats, chopped pecans and baking powder.
2. In a separate small bowl whisk the egg.
3. Add the vanilla extract and whisked egg to the flour mixture.
4. Mix thoroughly until the mixture reaches a crumbly consistency and the moisture from the egg and vanilla is evenly integrated into the dry ingredients.
5. Sprinkle crumble topping over strawberries.
6. Melt butter and drizzle over the crumble topping, using about 1 tablespoon for each ramekin.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the berries are bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour for this Crumble?

In addittion to all purpose flour, whole wheat, gluten-free or oat flour may be used successfully. Each flour may slightly change the personality of crumble. For example, whole wheat flour will add in a nuttiness and oat flour a tender but very wholesome flavor.

How do I reheat the Crumble to serve it warm?

Keep the Strawberry Crumble in the ramekins and heat in a 350℉ preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. If available, use a thermometer to ensure the center of the crumble reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

What is the best way to store this crumble recipe?

To store this Strawberry Crumble, cool to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. When stored properly, this Strawberry Crumble will stay fresh for approximately 3 days.

What is the best way to cook this dessert in a roasting pan?

When using a 13×9 inch pan follow the instructions as written and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling.

Are there other spice options that work well with this Strawberry Crumble?

The addittion of cinnamon to the crumble topping adds in a warm aromatic flavor. However, the cinnamon can be replaced with nutmeg or cardamon. A small pinch of nutmeg (rather than the 1/2 teaspoon) can bring out the natural sweetness of the strawberries and the cardamon provides a slightly citrusy and floral flavor.

What is the best way to adjust sweetness levels?

One of the best ways to ensure this Strawberry Crumble is not too sweet when using very ripe and sweet berries is to lower the granulated sugar by half for both the berry filling and crumble topping.

More Scrumptious Summer Desserts

Lemon Ice Cream

Key Lime Pie

Sgroppino

Apple Sauce Spice Cake

Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake

Berry Fruit Salad