Easy & Delicious Homemade Berry Crumble: A Perfect Simple Dessert

Craving a delightful dessert that’s both effortless to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this fantastic homemade berry crumble. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe promises a warm, comforting, and fruit-filled treat that will quickly become a household favorite. It’s the ultimate go-to when you have an abundance of fresh berries in your fridge and want to whip up something special in mere minutes.

This easy berry crumble bursts with the vibrant flavors of summer berries, creating a beautiful balance of sweet and tart. The golden, crispy topping provides a delightful contrast to the soft, juicy fruit beneath. Perfect on its own, or elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of cool whip, or even a drizzle of custard, this dessert is versatile enough for any gathering or a cozy night in. Designed to serve four, each portion is surprisingly light, making it a smart choice for those mindful of their intake, with approximately 6 Smart Points per serving (blue & green) or 5 Smart Points (purple).

Why Berry Crumble is a Must-Try Dessert

There are countless reasons to fall in love with berry crumble. Its simplicity is a major draw – requiring minimal effort and common pantry staples. Beyond ease, the combination of textures and flavors is truly irresistible. You get the burst of freshness from the berries, the zesty hint of lemon, and the rich, buttery, oat-infused crunch of the crumble topping. It’s a dessert that feels wholesome yet indulgent.

Moreover, berry crumble is incredibly adaptable. You can use whatever berries are in season, or even a mix of fresh and frozen fruits, making it a year-round delight. It’s an excellent way to use up fruit before it spoils, minimizing food waste while maximizing deliciousness. Whether it’s a quick weeknight treat or a show-stopping finish to a dinner party, a warm berry crumble always hits the spot, radiating comfort and homemade charm.

Berry Crumble

By: Drizzle
Servings: 4

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins

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Nutritional Information (Smart Points): 6SP blue & green, 5SP purple. Approximately 4pp/serving.

Ingredients

• 3 cups of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries recommended)
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2.5 Tbsp light margarine
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the berries. Wash your fresh berries thoroughly and gently place them into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice evenly over the berries. The lemon juice brightens the fruit flavor and prevents them from becoming too mushy during baking.
3. Make the crumble topping. In a small mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and light margarine until well combined and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and baking powder. Mix until a thick, crumbly batter-like consistency forms. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly coarse texture is desirable for a perfect crumble.
4. Assemble the crumble. Take spoonfuls of the crumble mixture and drop them evenly over the berry mixture in the baking dish. Spread it gently to cover most of the berries.
5. Bake to golden perfection. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the berries are bubbling underneath.
6. Serve warm. Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Divide the warm berry crumble into 4 equal servings. Each serving is approximately 6 Smart Points (blue & green) or 5 Smart Points (purple), and 4 PersonalPoints.
7. Nutritional information (excluding berries): Per serving – Calories: 149, Fat: 4.3g, Saturated fat: 0.6g, Carbs: 25.8g, Fiber: 0.9g, Sugars: 13.7g, Protein: 1.9g.

Additional Info

Course: Baking, Dessert

Tried this recipe? Mention @drizzlemeskinny or tag #drizzlemeskinny!

Serving Suggestions for Your Berry Crumble

While this berry crumble is delicious on its own, it truly shines when paired with certain accompaniments. Serving it warm is highly recommended, as the heat enhances the fruit flavors and creates a wonderful aroma. A classic pairing is a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, which slowly melts into the warm fruit, creating a delightful sauce. Alternatively, a generous dollop of whipped cream or cool whip adds a light, airy contrast.

For a slightly healthier option, consider serving it with Greek yogurt, which adds a tangy creaminess and a boost of protein. A custard sauce or a simple drizzle of cream can also elevate the experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination!

Variations and Customizations: Make It Your Own

One of the best things about crumble recipes is how easily they can be customized. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Fruit Combinations: Don’t limit yourself to just berries! This recipe works beautifully with other fruits. Try a mix of apples and berries, peaches and raspberries, or a cherry-rhubarb combination. You can also use frozen berries if fresh ones are not available; just ensure they are thawed and drained slightly to prevent an overly watery filling.
• Crumble Topping Enhancements:
  • Nuts: Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the crumble mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Spices: Incorporate warm spices such as 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or a dash of cardamom into the crumble for an aromatic twist.
  • Coconut: For a tropical note, add 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut to the topping.
  • Different Flours: Experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, or use a gluten-free flour blend if you have dietary restrictions.
• Sweetener Alternatives: If you prefer to reduce refined sugar, you can try substituting some of the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey (adjust consistency if using liquid sweeteners). For a sugar-free option, use a granulated sugar substitute designed for baking.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan Version: To make this crumble suitable for a dairy-free or vegan diet, simply replace the light margarine with a plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil. Ensure your vanilla extract is also vegan.
• Mini Crumbles: Instead of a single large dish, bake the crumble in individual ramekins for personalized servings. Adjust baking time as needed.

Tips for the Perfect Berry Crumble Every Time

Achieving a consistently perfect berry crumble is easy with a few simple tricks:

• Don’t Overmix the Topping: The key to a good crumble is its texture. Mix the dry and wet ingredients for the topping just until they come together. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough rather than crumbly texture. You want distinct crumbs, not a smooth dough.
• Cold Butter/Margarine: For the flakiest, crispiest crumble, ensure your margarine (or butter) is cold. This helps create pockets of steam during baking, resulting in a lighter, more textured topping.
• Even Spread: Distribute the crumble topping evenly over the berries. This ensures that every bite has a good ratio of fruit to topping and that the crumble bakes uniformly to a golden brown.
• Watch for Doneness: The crumble is done when the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. This bubbling indicates that the fruit is cooked through and its juices have thickened.
• Resting Time: While tempting to dive in immediately, letting the crumble cool for 10-15 minutes after baking allows the fruit filling to set slightly, making it less runny and easier to serve.
• Storage: Leftover berry crumble can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or a warm oven until heated through.

Making it Healthier: Smart Points and Beyond

This berry crumble recipe is already designed with lighter eating in mind, making it a great option for those tracking their intake, such as with Weight Watchers Smart Points. The use of light margarine and portion control helps keep the points low without sacrificing flavor. To further enhance its health profile:

• Reduce Sugar: While 1/4 cup of brown sugar is already modest for a crumble, you can slightly reduce it or use a blend of sugar and a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol if you prefer less sweetness. The natural sweetness of ripe berries often means less added sugar is needed.
• Boost Fiber: The oats in the crumble topping already provide a good amount of fiber. You could also swap a portion of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour for an added nutritional punch and a different texture.
• Focus on Fresh Berries: Berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Loading up on a variety of fresh berries ensures you’re getting a wide range of beneficial nutrients.
• Mindful Toppings: When adding toppings, choose wisely. Opt for a small scoop of low-fat Greek yogurt or a sugar-free whipped topping to keep the Smart Points in check.

Conclusion: Your Go-To Easy Dessert

This easy berry crumble recipe proves that creating a delicious, crowd-plepleasing dessert doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With minimal prep and baking time, you can enjoy a warm, fruity, and comforting treat that’s perfect for any time of year. Its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it accessible for everyone, and the possibilities for customization are endless.

So, the next time you have a bounty of berries, or simply desire a quick and satisfying sweet, reach for this recipe. It’s a timeless classic that brings warmth and joy with every spoonful. Enjoy the process of baking and the delicious results!