Triple Berry Crisp with Frozen Berries

Do you have an abundance of summer berries on hand? Fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all delicious in this mixed berry crumble recipe.

But if you're craving this fruity dessert in the middle of winter, don't despair! This easy recipe shines with frozen berries, too, making it a healthy and versatile dessert option all year round.

In fact, using frozen fruit may be the better option any time of year.

Frozen berries are picked at their peak and immediately frozen. They're often sweeter than fresh ones sitting in the fridge for a few days and retain more nutritional benefits.

Save the fresh fruit to make chocolate-covered blueberries and frozen chocolate-covered raspberries. And use your favorite frozen berry blend to make this simple dessert.

Ingredients and Variations

Here's what you'll need to make this triple berry crisp recipe, plus notes on healthy swaps you can make:

• Assorted frozen berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. My favorite mixture from Costco has raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
  • Fresh fruit works equally well in this recipe.
  • Of course, you don't have to use a mixture at all. Just use your favorite fruit!
• Lemon juice brightens the flavor. If using a fresh lemon, add the zest too.
• Granulated sugar - A small amount is added to offset tart berries, such as raspberries. It draws out the juices while the dish bakes.
• Cornstarch absorbs the juices and thickens the berry mixture as it bakes. Flour can be used instead.

The oatmeal crisp topping is made with the following ingredients:

• Oatmeal - Use old-fashioned oats (a.k.a. rolled oats.) For a nuttier topping, you can replace about ¼ cup of the oats with chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.
• Flour - White whole wheat is a great choice and is a little healthier than all-purpose four. A gluten-free flour blend will work. It should also work with almond flour or almond meal instead.
• Brown sugar - Low-carb sweeteners may be used but may cook differently. I use a combination of regular and alternative sweetener to lower the sugar amount!
• Butter - I keep unsalted butter on hand, so that's what I used. Salted butter shouldn't make a noticeable difference. Use plant-based butter to make this recipe vegan.

Please refer to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions.

Directions with Pictures

Here's how to make mixed berry crisp using frozen berries:

1. Combine frozen berries with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a large bowl, then set aside. Do not defrost frozen berries.
2. Mix flour, brown sugar, and oatmeal in a separate medium-sized bowl. Melt butter in the microwave and drizzle it over the top. Stir with a fork until the topping becomes crumbly.
3. Divide the fruit mixture between 6 ramekins or layer in the bottom of an 8 x 11-inch pan.
4. Evenly sprinkle the oatmeal crumb topping over the berries.
5. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the berries are tender and begin to bubble.

Allow the dish to rest for at least 5 minutes so the berries cool and the juices set. Serve warm.

Serving Ideas

Forks? Spoons? Are you wondering how to serve triple berry crisp? Here are some ideas:

1. A la Mode: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between the warm, tangy berries and the cold, sweet ice cream is delightful.
2. With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy, light contrast to the dish.
3. With a Side of Yogurt: Serve the fruit crisp with plain or flavored Greek yogurt. It will add creaminess and protein to the dish and would be delicious at a brunch.
4. With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust it with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and a touch of added sweetness.
5. With a Sprinkling of Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
6. With a Spoonful of Lemon Curd: The tanginess of lemon curd pairs wonderfully with the berries' sweetness and the oat topping's crunchiness.

Storage

To store leftover triple berry crisp:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the berry crisp to cool completely to room temperature.
2. Cover: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and/or plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate: Store the covered dish or airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
4. Freezing: If you want to store it longer, freeze the berry crisp. Make sure it is completely cooled and covered tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and then store it in an airtight container for 2-3 months.
5. Reheating: To reheat the berry crisp, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the foil or plastic wrap and bake the crisp for about 15-20 minutes or until it is heated and the topping is crispy again.
   • If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
   • An air fryer can be used. The container must be safe for this appliance and small enough to fit inside.

Freezer Instructions

Mixed berry crumble is an outstanding make ahead and freeze recipe, whether you're using frozen or fresh berries.

Prepare the recipe, but don't cook it! Cover the baking dish or ramekins with aluminum foil and/or plastic wrap, then store it in an airtight container for 2-3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy it, move it to the refrigerator to defrost overnight and cook as usual.