Apple Strawberry Crisp: Your Go-To Recipe for a Bubbly, Sweet Treat

Nothing evokes comfort and pure delight quite like a warm, bubbling **apple strawberry crisp**. This exquisite dessert perfectly marries the vibrant sweetness of fresh, juicy strawberries with the tender tartness of baked apples, all crowned with a golden, buttery oat crumble. Each spoonful delivers an irresistible symphony of flavors and textures, making it a beloved choice for any gathering, from casual summer cookouts to cozy fall evenings.

Forget the fuss of traditional fruit pies! An **apple berry crisp** offers all the deliciousness without the need for intricate pastry work. Its simplicity is part of its charm; the fruit filling comes together effortlessly, and the oat streusel topping is a breeze to prepare. This winning combination creates a crunchy, golden crust that beautifully contrasts with the soft, caramelized fruit beneath. It’s truly the ultimate **summer fruit crisp**, adaptable enough to grace your table any time of year.

Beyond its ease, this crisp is wonderfully versatile. While strawberries and apples create a classic pairing, you can easily experiment with other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries to customize the flavor profile to your liking. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dessert, often tasting even better the next day—simply reheat gently and savor every bite.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Apple Strawberry Crisp

There are countless reasons why this **strawberry apple crisp** will become a staple in your dessert rotation:

• Seasonal Versatility: This recipe shines during summer when strawberries are at their peak and transitions beautifully into fall with abundant apple harvests. If fresh strawberries are out of season, simply use frozen ones to enjoy this delightful treat year-round. It’s a fantastic addition to any collection of easy summer desserts or comforting fall recipes.
• Effortless Preparation: Unlike the labor-intensive process of making a pie, a crisp requires no rolling of dough, making it incredibly quick and simple to assemble. You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the delicious results.
• Perfect Texture & Flavor: The combination of tender, juicy apples and sweet strawberries, gently cooked with sugar and lemon, creates an irresistible fruit filling. This soft, warm base is then perfectly complemented by the crunchy, buttery oat topping, offering a dynamic contrast in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, a festive holiday gathering, or simply looking for a sweet indulgence, this **apple strawberry crisp** is always a hit. Its comforting aroma and delightful taste appeal to everyone.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm fruit crisp straight from the oven. It’s a nostalgic dessert that brings warmth and joy, perfect for ending any meal.

For a dessert that’s super simple yet incredibly memorable, don’t miss our cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling recipe. It requires just two ingredients and delivers all the beloved flavors of apples and cinnamon rolls!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Crisp

Crafting the perfect **apple strawberry crisp** begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can make smart substitutions:

For the Sweet & Tangy Fruit Filling

• Fruits: We recommend a blend of fresh strawberries and apples. For the best flavor and texture, choose ripe, firm strawberries. For apples, varieties like Granny Smith, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Golden Delicious work exceptionally well. Granny Smith adds a desirable tartness that balances the sweet strawberries, while others offer a softer texture and mild sweetness. If your fruit isn’t overly ripe, you might want to slightly increase the sugar content.
• Sweetener: Granulated sugar and pure vanilla extract provide the core sweetness and aromatic depth to the fruit. Feel free to substitute with natural alternatives like maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar if you prefer. Adjust the amount to your taste and the natural sweetness of your fruit.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is crucial for brightness and acidity, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the fruit’s natural flavors. Lemon zest adds an aromatic lift. While other citrus fruits like oranges or limes can be used, lemon offers the most harmonious balance in this recipe.
• Cornstarch: This acts as a thickener, preventing the fruit filling from becoming too watery during baking. While you can technically omit it, your crisp will have a runnier, more saucy filling. For a firmer, more cohesive fruit layer, cornstarch is highly recommended.

For the Irresistible Golden Oat Topping

• Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the crisp topping, ensuring a perfectly crumbly and golden texture. For a gluten-free option, almond flour or oat flour can be successfully substituted, creating a delicious alternative.
• Brown Sugar: This provides a rich, earthy sweetness and helps create that desirable caramelized flavor in the topping. Dark or light brown sugar both work well. Coconut sugar or granulated white sugar can be used as alternatives, though they may alter the depth of flavor slightly.
• Rolled Oats: Essential for the characteristic “crisp” texture, rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) add a wonderful chewiness and rustic appeal. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but may result in a slightly less robust texture.
• Salted Butter: Melted salted butter is key to bringing the topping ingredients together, providing richness and promoting that beautiful golden-brown crispiness. If using unsalted butter, simply add a pinch of salt to the topping mixture. For a dairy-free or vegan option, coconut oil or plant-based butter alternatives work wonderfully.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Once you master the basic **apple strawberry crisp**, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

• Apple Cherry Crisp: Replace strawberries with an equal amount of fresh or frozen pitted cherries for a delightful tart-sweet combination.
• Apple Blueberry Crisp: Swap the strawberries for blueberries to create a classic **apple blueberry crisp** that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Spiced Fruit Layer: Enhance the fruit’s warmth by adding 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the fruit mixture before baking. This is particularly lovely for a fall-themed crisp.
• Nutty Topping: Introduce an extra layer of crunch and flavor by incorporating 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds into the oat topping mixture.
• Mixed Berry Crisp: Don’t limit yourself to just two fruits! Combine apples with a medley of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a vibrant and complex flavor profile.

Gather Your Equipment

Preparing this **apple strawberry crisp** requires only a few basic kitchen tools:

• Large mixing bowl: For combining the fruit filling.
• Small mixing bowl: For preparing the oat crumble topping.
• Ramekins or Baking Dish: 4 (6-8 ounce) ramekins for individual servings, or a 9×9 inch casserole dish for a larger family-style dessert.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Your Apple Strawberry Crisp

Follow these simple instructions to create a perfectly baked, golden-brown **apple strawberry crisp**:

Preparing the Flavorful Fruit Layer

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your chosen baking vessel—either four 6-8 ounce ramekins or a single 9×9 inch casserole dish—with butter or nonstick baking spray. This prevents sticking and makes for easy serving.
2. Combine Fruit Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the chopped apples, hulled and chopped fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, cornstarch, pure vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices as it bakes, creating a rich sauce. If you’re using cherries or blueberries for a variation, substitute them at this stage.
3. Fill Baking Dishes: Divide the prepared fruit mixture evenly among the greased ramekins, or pour it into your 9×9 inch casserole dish. Ensure the fruit layer is relatively even for consistent baking.

Crafting the Crunchy Oat Topping

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and rolled oats. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well distributed.
2. Add Melted Butter: Pour the melted salted butter into the dry mixture. Use a fork or your fingertips to mix until the ingredients are well combined and resemble coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix; you want distinct crumbles, not a paste.

3. Top the Fruit: Evenly sprinkle the oat crumble topping over the fruit mixture in each ramekin or across the entire surface of the casserole dish. Ensure a good, thick layer for maximum crunch.

Baking to Golden Perfection

4. Bake: Place the ramekins or casserole dish on a baking sheet (to catch any potential overflow) and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-22 minutes for individual ramekins, or 40-45 minutes for a large casserole dish. The crisp is ready when the fruit filling is visibly bubbly around the edges and the oat crumble topping has turned a beautiful golden brown.
5. Cool & Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the crisp from the oven. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and preventing burns from the hot fruit.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Crisp Experience

A freshly baked **apple strawberry crisp** is a dessert marvel on its own, but a few thoughtful additions can elevate it to an extraordinary culinary experience. Serve this crisp warm, straight from the oven, allowing its comforting aroma to fill the room.

• Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The quintessential pairing! A generous scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream slowly melting over the warm, bubbly fruit and crunchy streusel topping creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy richness that complements the fruit without being overly sweet. For an extra touch, infuse the cream with a hint of vanilla or a dash of cinnamon.
• Greek Yogurt: For a slightly healthier and tangier option, serve with a spoonful of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt. Its creamy texture and tart notes provide a lovely counterpoint to the sweet fruit.
• Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and a hint of sophistication.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle a few toasted chopped pecans or walnuts on top just before serving for an additional textural element and nutty flavor.
• Spice Enhancement: If you didn’t add cinnamon to the fruit layer, a small sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the crisp as it bakes will infuse it with warm, inviting spices.

This **apple berry crisp** is just as delicious the next day. Simply reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and enjoy with your favorite toppings!

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

This **apple strawberry crisp** is an excellent dessert for preparing in advance, making entertaining a breeze. Here’s how to make it ahead and store any leftovers:

Make Ahead Instructions:

• Prepare Separately: You can prepare the fruit filling and the oat topping components separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store the fruit mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and the dry topping mixture in a separate airtight container at room temperature. Melt the butter and combine with the dry topping just before baking.
• Assemble and Refrigerate: Assemble the crisp completely (fruit in the dish, topping sprinkled on top) and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 12-24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
• Freeze Unbaked: For longer storage, assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and bake from frozen (this may take 60-90 minutes, or longer, depending on the size, covering with foil if the topping browns too quickly), or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.

Storage of Leftovers:

• Refrigerate: To store leftover fruit crisp, allow it to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The topping may soften slightly after refrigeration, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
• Freeze Baked: Baked crisp can also be frozen. Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• From Refrigerator: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm larger portions in an oven-safe dish covered with aluminum foil at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
• From Freezer: For frozen baked crisp, reheat covered in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm in the center, typically 25-40 minutes for individual servings or longer for a whole dish. Uncover for the last 5-10 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Strawberry Crisp

What’s the best apple for apple crisp?

The best apples for an **apple strawberry crisp** are those that are firm and have a good balance of tartness, as they hold their shape well during baking and prevent the crisp from becoming overly sweet. Granny Smith apples are often considered ideal due to their tartness and ability to maintain texture. Other excellent choices include Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Golden Delicious, which offer a range of sweetness and firmness.

How do you keep apple crisp topping crisp?

Keeping your **crisp topping** perfectly crisp is all about the technique and ingredients. Ensure your butter is melted and thoroughly combined with the dry ingredients (flour, brown sugar, oats) last. This creates distinct, buttery crumbs rather than a uniform paste. Also, ensure the crisp is baked long enough for the moisture to evaporate from the topping, allowing it to become golden brown and crunchy. Avoid covering the crisp immediately after baking, as condensation can make it soggy.

Why is my apple strawberry crisp soggy?

A soggy **apple strawberry crisp** can be disappointing, but it’s usually due to a few common reasons. Over-mixing the topping ingredients can incorporate too much air or develop gluten, leading to a softer, less crisp texture. The most frequent culprit is not baking the crisp long enough. The fruit filling needs to be thoroughly cooked and bubbly, and the topping must be deeply golden brown. If the crisp is removed from the oven too soon, excess moisture from the fruit can remain, leading to a soggy bottom and a soft topping. Using too much cornstarch or not enough can also affect the moisture balance. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate and bake until visually golden and bubbly.

How do I store this?

To store your **apple strawberry crisp**, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the crisp in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the crisp by covering an oven-safe dish with aluminum foil and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

More Easy Desserts To Love…

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Apple Strawberry Crisp

By Renae Gerhardstein

Summary: Craving a fruity dessert? This apple strawberry crisp combines sweet, juicy fruit with a buttery, golden crisp topping for the perfect treat!

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 561

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Ramekins

Ingredients

For the Fruit Layer

• 2 cups apple (chopped)
• 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ lemon (juiced)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest

For the Oat Crisp Topping

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup rolled oats
• 6 tablespoons salted butter (melted)

Instructions

For the Fruit Layer

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 4 (6-8 ounce) ramekins or a 9” x 9” casserole dish with butter or nonstick baking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine all of the fruit layer ingredients (apples, strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon zest). Divide the fruit mixture between the ramekins or pour into the casserole dish.

For the Oat Topping

1. Combine the flour, brown sugar, and oats in a small bowl.
2. Add the melted butter and mix to combine until crumbly.
3. Divide the crumble over the top of each ramekin or evenly over the casserole.
4. Bake at 350ºF (175°C) for 20-22 minutes for individual ramekins, or 40-45 minutes for the casserole. The crisp is done when the crumble is golden brown and the fruit layer is hot and bubbly.
5. Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving (about 10 minutes). Top with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Notes

• For the best flavor, mix tart apples with ripe strawberries. Combining tart fruits like apples or raspberries with sweeter options like strawberries or peaches creates a well-balanced, delicious fruit crisp!

Recipe Variations:

• Apple cherry crisp: Use equal parts of apples and cherries in the fruit layer.
• Apple blueberry crisp: Swap blueberries for the strawberries in the recipe.
• Add some cinnamon or nutmeg to the fruit layer for extra flavor.
• Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or other nuts will give your oats a bit of a crunch for the topping.

Storing Instructions:

• To store fruit crisp, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
• You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 561kcal | Carbohydrates: 95g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 54g | Vitamin A: 570IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 3mg