If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the simple joys of summer in every bite, this Mixed Berry Crisp is exactly what you need. Brimming with juicy berries and topped with a golden, buttery oat crumble, it’s the kind of treat that smells incredible as it bakes and never sticks around for long. Whether you’re hosting friends or indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe showcases how a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into something irresistible, with berries bubbling underneath a crisp layer that’s crunchy, sweet, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mixed Berry Crisp comes from its simple, honest ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of tart, sweet, buttery, and crunchy, all while letting the freshness of the berries shine through.
- Mixed Berries (4 cups): Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and sliced strawberries for a colorful, juicy filling bursting with different flavors.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): Just enough to bring out the berries’ natural sweetness without making the dessert cloying.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the berry juices as they bake, ensuring the filling is lusciously gooey, not watery.
- Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): A touch of acid brightens the flavors and keeps everything fresh and lively.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (1 cup): Gives the crisp topping its signature chewy-crunchy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Helps the topping bind together and provides some tender structure.
- Light Brown Sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Adds a gentle molasses undertone and extra richness to the crumble.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Warms up the entire dessert with cozy spice notes.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed (1/2 cup): Essential for creating crunchy, golden nuggets throughout the oat topping.
How to Make Mixed Berry Crisp
Step 1: Prepare the Berry Filling
Begin by tossing your mixed berries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Every berry should be glossy and evenly coated—this short step ensures your filling bakes up juicy with just the right consistency. If you’re using frozen berries, add them straight in without thawing.
Step 2: Fill the Baking Dish
Pour that beautiful, sugar-speckled berry blend into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Spread them out so every corner is filled, setting the stage for a perfect balance of filling and topping in every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Oat Crisp Topping
In a new bowl, whisk together the old-fashioned oats, flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, and work it in using your fingertips or a pastry cutter. You’re aiming for a crumbly mixture with buttery lumps that will crisp up deliciously in the oven—don’t overmix!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over your berry mixture. It’s okay if some berries peek through; this adds rustic charm. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the topping is deep golden brown, and the filling is bubbling happily around the edges.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let your Mixed Berry Crisp cool slightly before serving. This little pause helps the juices thicken further, so you get those perfect gooey spoonfuls without a soupy mess. Plus, it’s delightful served warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Serve Mixed Berry Crisp
Garnishes
Nothing beats the classic pairing of Mixed Berry Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; the cool creaminess melts into the warm, bubbly fruit and crisp topping. A snowy dusting of powdered sugar or a flourish of fresh mint leaves can add a pretty touch, while a generous swirl of whipped cream is always a hit.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines as the star of any meal, but if you’re putting together a full spread, consider pairing it with something light and refreshing. A simple fruit salad or a citrusy sorbet can complement the sweet-tart berries, while coffee or herbal tea makes a cozy, comforting finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! Serve your Mixed Berry Crisp in individual ramekins for a dinner-party wow factor, or spoon it parfait-style into mason jars for a picnic-friendly treat. Layer with yogurt for a berry crisp breakfast, or top with toasted nuts for extra crunch and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftover Mixed Berry Crisp, let it cool to room temperature before covering and moving it to the fridge. Stored this way, it keeps beautifully for up to three days—the topping may soften a little, but a quick reheat brings it right back to life.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked crisp or prep it ahead and freeze before baking. Wrap your baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. To bake from frozen, add an extra 10–15 minutes in the oven. Individual portions can be frozen, too, making it easy to satisfy dessert cravings any time.
Reheating
For that bakery-fresh crispness, reheat your leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. The topping will crisp up again, and the filling warms through perfectly. In a pinch, a minute or two in the microwave does the trick, especially for late-night snacks.
FAQs
Can I use only one type Dessert
Absolutely! While a mix is more colorful and complex, you can use just one variety—like all blueberries or all strawberries—and still get delicious results.
Should I thaw frozen berries before baking?
No need to thaw—just add them straight from the freezer! This helps prevent the crisp from getting watery, since frozen berries release their juices gradually as the dessert bakes.
How do I make this Mixed Berry Crisp gluten-free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour in the topping with your favorite gluten-free blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The results will be just as crumbly and delicious.
What’s the best way to cut down on sugar without losing flavor?
You can reduce the sugar in both the filling and topping by about a third if you prefer things less sweet, or let especially ripe, sweet berries take center stage by holding back even more. Taste your fruit and adjust!
Can I make the topping ahead of time?
Yes—the oat crisp topping can be mixed up to two days in advance and kept chilled in the fridge. When you’re ready, just scatter it over the fruit and bake as usual. This makes last-minute dessert a snap!
Final Thoughts
There’s something a little magical about baking a Mixed Berry Crisp. It’s that irresistible combination of bubbling fruit, buttery crunch, and nostalgia that makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it become a sweet staple in your kitchen too!
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Mixed Berry Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this Mixed Berry Crisp. A medley of fresh mixed berries topped with a sweet and crunchy oat topping, this dessert is a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Ingredients
Mixed Berry Filling:
- 4 cups mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and sliced strawberries)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Oat Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the berry filling: In a large bowl, toss the mixed berries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Pour the berry mixture into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
- Make the oat topping: In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the berries.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the berry filling is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen berries. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
