Delightful Mixed Berry Crisp, Tangy and Crunchy
There’s nothing better than a go-to dessert recipe that feels impressive yet is incredibly easy to make. This mixed berry crisp is exactly that. One Saturday afternoon, with friends dropping by unexpectedly, I whipped this up using a mix of fresh and frozen berries I had on hand. The beauty of this crisp lies in its simplicity—you can use whatever berries are available, and within minutes, the kitchen will be filled with the inviting aroma of baked fruit and cinnamon. In no time, I had a golden, bubbly dessert on the table. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the crisp was a hit, and my friends couldn’t believe how effortless it had been. Sometimes, the simplest dishes make the biggest impact.
Did You Know?
Berries are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. This makes them a great choice for desserts that are both tasty and nutritious. Mixed berry crisps are a popular choice because they allow you to combine different berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, each contributing its own unique flavor and texture. This variety not only enhances the taste but also provides a colorful and visually appealing dessert.
Recipe: Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
Filling:
- 4 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup granola (your favorite variety)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
Personal Tip: Make sure to grease the dish well to prevent the filling from sticking and make for easier cleanup.
Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, gently toss the mixed berries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly coated. Pour the berry mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Personal Tip: If using frozen berries, there’s no need to thaw them before baking; just add an extra 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch to compensate for the additional moisture.
Make the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the granola, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. If using, stir in the sliced almonds.
Personal Tip: For an even crunchier topping, toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the mixture.
Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the granola and almond flour mixture evenly over the berries.
Personal Tip: Press down lightly on the topping to ensure it adheres well to the filling and creates a solid crust when baked.
Bake:
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the berries are bubbly.
Personal Tip: Check the crisp around the 30-minute mark to prevent over-browning. If needed, cover it loosely with foil to avoid burning the top.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. It’s perfect on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Personal Tip: Letting the crisp cool allows the filling to thicken, making it easier to serve.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 280 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Sugars: 22g | Total Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Fiber: 6g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Choosing the Right Berries: Use a mix of your favorite berries for a well-balanced flavor. If using frozen berries, add 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch to compensate for the extra moisture.
- Reducing Sugar: If your berries are naturally sweet, consider reducing the sugar in the filling to let the fruit’s natural sweetness shine.
- Adding Citrus: Lemon juice adds a zesty brightness to the filling, balancing the sweetness of the berries and enhancing their natural flavors.
- Customize the Granola: Choose a granola that complements the berries, such as one with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit, for added flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the granola is gluten-free if needed. Almond flour is already a gluten-free alternative to traditional flour.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Freezing Tips: This crisp can be frozen either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Enhance the Crunch: Adding sliced almonds to the topping provides extra crunch that pairs beautifully with the softness of the baked berries.
- Cost-Saving Tips: Buy berries in bulk when they’re in season and freeze them for use throughout the year. You can also make your own granola at home to save money.
Can I Use Frozen Berries, If So What Compensations Do I Need to Make?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen berries in your mixed berry crisp. In fact, frozen berries can be a more convenient and economical option, especially when fresh berries are out of season. However, because frozen berries release more liquid as they bake, it’s important to adjust your recipe to prevent the filling from becoming too watery. To compensate, add an extra 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch to the filling. This will help thicken the juices as the crisp bakes, ensuring a perfect consistency. Additionally, there’s no need to thaw the berries before using them—just toss them directly into the filling mixture and proceed with the recipe as usual.