Name: Irresistible Summer Strawberry Crumble That Everyone Will Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Chopped Strawberries (Use fresh for the best flavor.); 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar (A splash enhances the sweet-tart profile.); 1 cup Whole Rolled Oats (Ensure they're certified gluten-free.); 1/2 cup Chopped Pistachios (Feel free to swap with walnuts or pecans.); 1 cup Almond Flour (Serves as a gluten-free binder.); 1/2 cup Brown Coconut Sugar (Regular brown sugar can work as a substitute.); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Optional, but highly recommended.); 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt (Kosher salt is an acceptable alternative.); 1/3 cup Hardened Coconut Oil (Vegan butter can also be used.); 1 tablespoon Water (Add if the mixture seems too dry.)

The sunbeams danced through my kitchen window as I whipped up a simple yet splendid dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer—my beloved Summer Strawberry Crumble. This gluten-free and vegan delight transforms juicy strawberries into a sweet-tart filling, elevated with a splash of balsamic vinegar for that unexpected twist. It’s a quick-prep dish, making it the ideal choice for spontaneous gatherings with friends or those cozy nights when you crave something sweet. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite nuts or fruits! Who says you can’t indulge while sticking to healthier choices? Get ready to savor every delightful bite of this summery treat—what fruits will you toss in to make it your own?

Why is this Summer Strawberry Crumble special?

Vibrant Flavors: This dessert combines fresh, juicy strawberries with a splash of balsamic vinegar, creating a dazzling sweet-tart experience that dances on your taste buds.

Effortless Preparation: Simple instructions and minimal ingredients make it an easy go-to recipe for unexpected guests or those late-night cravings.

Customizable Goodness: You can easily tailor this crumble to your liking—swap strawberries for peaches or blueberries and experiment with your favorite nuts.

Healthy Indulgence: With gluten-free and vegan ingredients, you can enjoy this dessert guilt-free, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious fans.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether at a summer BBQ or a cozy movie night, this crumble is sure to impress. Pair it with coconut whipped cream for a delightful finish!

Summer Strawberry Crumble Ingredients

• Discover the simplicity of a delightful dessert.

For the Filling

Chopped Strawberries – The star of the show, bringing natural sweetness and vibrant color; use fresh for the best flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar – A splash enhances the sweet-tart profile of the filling; start small if you’re sensitive to acidity.

For the Crumble Topping

Whole Rolled Oats – Forms the base of the topping, providing delightful texture; ensure they’re certified gluten-free if needed.
Chopped Pistachios – Adds an irresistible crunch; feel free to swap with walnuts or pecans based on your preference.
Almond Flour – Serves as a gluten-free binder, helping the crumble hold together beautifully.
Brown Coconut Sugar – Offers natural sweetness; regular brown sugar can work as a convenient substitute.
Cinnamon – Infuses a warmth and depth to the crumble; optional, but highly recommended for an extra flavor kick.
Sea Salt – Elevates all the flavors, enhancing your crumble; kosher salt is an acceptable alternative.
Hardened Coconut Oil – This is what creates a crunchy topping; vegan butter can also do the trick if you prefer.
Water – Helps bind the crumble mixture; omit if the mix looks moist enough on its own.

Feel free to mix and match ingredients to put your unique spin on this Summer Strawberry Crumble—it’s all about enjoying the season’s best in a warm and comforting dessert!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Summer Strawberry Crumble

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ramekins
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease your ramekins or mini-skillets with a light coating of coconut oil to prevent sticking. This quick task ensures your Summer Strawberry Crumble bakes evenly and comes out effortlessly when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Process the Dry Ingredients
In a food processor, combine whole rolled oats, chopped pistachios, almond flour, brown coconut sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse the mixture until evenly blended, being careful not to over-process; aim for a coarse texture. This dry mix creates the irresistible crunchy topping that pairs perfectly with the soft strawberry filling.

Step 3: Add Coconut Oil and Form Crumble
Next, add the hardened coconut oil to the dry mixture. Pulse again until the blend resembles coarse crumbs, incorporating the coconut oil throughout. If the crumble mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water and pulse until it holds together. The right texture will lead to a delightful, crunchy topping in your Summer Strawberry Crumble.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a medium bowl, gently mix the chopped strawberries with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Allow the strawberries to sit for a few minutes, soaking in the flavor as the natural juices combine with the vinegar. Once mixed, divide the luscious filling evenly among your greased ramekins, ensuring even distribution for a balanced taste.

Step 5: Top with Crumble and Bake
Generously sprinkle the crumble mixture over the strawberries in each ramekin, covering the filling completely. Place the filled ramekins on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, creating an enticing aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove the Summer Strawberry Crumble from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling period allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve. Pair with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a drizzle of coconut whipped cream for an extra indulgence that will delight everyone at your table.

Summer Strawberry Crumble Variations

Get ready to explore delightful ways to personalize this scrumptious treat!

Fruit Swap: Replace strawberries with peaches or blueberries for a fresh twist. Each fruit brings its own sweetness and character, ensuring there’s always something new to enjoy.
Nut Alternatives: Use walnuts or pecans in place of pistachios to suit your taste. Each nut offers a unique flavor and crunch, making it easier to cater to preferences.
Spice it Up: Introduce nutmeg or allspice to the crumble mixture for an unexpected flavor depth. Just a pinch can elevate the entire dessert and make it even more enticing.
Raw Delight: Crumble the mixture over fresh slices of fruit or layer it with yogurt for a refreshing parfait. This raw option allows the bright strawberry flavors to shine while adding a creamy texture.
Sweetener Choice: For a refined sugar alternative, try maple syrup or agave nectar in place of brown coconut sugar. These sweeteners can give a liquid twist and a distinct taste.
Choco-licious: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an added richness and a hint of decadence. Choco-strawberry combinations are always a crowd favorite!
Nut Butter Drizzle: Add a touch of almond or cashew butter atop the warm crumble before serving for a creamy, indulgent finish. The contrast of temperatures makes for a delightful experience.
Add Heat: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some cayenne or jalapeño for a spicy kick! This unexpected heat complements the sweetness beautifully, adding depth to each bite.

Try these variations and discover a new favorite way to enjoy your Summer Strawberry Crumble—just like my Spicy Jalapeno Corn or mix up beverages with an Iced Raspberry Vanilla. The possibilities are endless, and your taste buds will thank you!

Make Ahead Options

These Summer Strawberry Crumbles are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the crumble topping up to 3 days in advance by mixing the oats, pistachios, almond flour, coconut sugar, and spices, then storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can chop the strawberries and mix them with balsamic vinegar up to 24 hours before baking, keeping them in the fridge to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the prepared filling in your ramekins, top with the crumble mixture, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy a warm, delightful dessert that feels homemade with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for the Best Summer Strawberry Crumble

Don’t Over-Process: Ensure you pulse the oat and nut mixture just until combined to maintain a delightful crunchy texture in your Summer Strawberry Crumble.
Chill the Oil: Keep your coconut oil chilled before using to achieve an optimal crumble consistency, enhancing the final texture.
Check Your Oven: Verify your oven temperature with an oven thermometer; baking too long can dry out the topping or filling.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your strawberries first! You may need to adjust the sweetness of the crumble based on their ripeness, offering a balanced flavor.
Customize Wisely: Feel free to mix in other fruits or nuts, but be cautious about overloading the filling to keep it perfect and not mushy.

What to Serve with Summer Strawberry Crumble

Transform your delightful dessert into a full dining experience with these scrumptious accompaniments.

Coconut Whipped Cream: This creamy topping adds a rich, velvety texture that complements the fruity filling. A delightful way to indulge while keeping it vegan!
Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: The coolness of this ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm crumble, providing a refreshing balance of flavors in every bite.
Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of mint gives a burst of freshness that enhances the fruity profile. Add it as a garnish for a pop of color and flavor.
Berry Salad: Light and refreshing, a salad made of mixed berries offers both sweetness and acidity, rounding out the dessert perfectly.
Chilled Rosé Wine: A glass of chilled rosé beautifully complements the sweet-tart notes of the crumble. Its fruitiness and crispness make for an elevated finish after your meal.
Lemonade Spritzer: Refreshing and fizzy, a lemonade spritzer can cleanse the palate, preparing you for the next delightful bite. It’s a perfect drink for sunny days.

Whatever you choose to serve alongside your Summer Strawberry Crumble, these pairings will enhance your dessert and create a memorable meal!

How to Store and Freeze Summer Strawberry Crumble

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. This way, you can enjoy the delightful crumble a little longer!

Freezer: Freeze the fully baked crumble in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven until warm and crisp.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This helps restore the lovely crunch of the topping, keeping that delicious taste intact.

Summer Strawberry Crumble Recipe FAQs

What type of strawberries should I use for the crumble?
Absolutely! For the best flavors, I recommend using fresh, ripe strawberries. Look for ones that are bright red with a sweet aroma and avoid any with dark spots or mold. If fresh isn’t available, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but they should be thawed and drained to reduce excess moisture.

How should I store leftovers of my Summer Strawberry Crumble?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep the crumble fresh and maintain its delicious flavor. Enjoy it cold, or warm it up in the oven for a comforting treat!

Can I freeze the Summer Strawberry Crumble?
Yes, you can! To freeze your fully baked Summer Strawberry Crumble, simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to a sealed container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore its crunchy topping.

What if my crumble topping doesn’t come out crunchy?
Not to worry! If you find your topping is too soft or mushy, it may have been over-processed or not baked long enough. Next time, ensure you pulse the oat mixture only until it resembles coarse crumbs and keep an eye on the baking time. If your strawberries exude a lot of water, try adjusting the amount of water you add to the topping mixture for better texture.

Are there any allergens I should be aware of?
Yes, this recipe uses nuts (pistachios) and coconut oil, which can be allergens for some individuals. If creating this dessert for someone with allergies, feel free to substitute the pistachios with seeds, like sunflower seeds, and opt for another oil, like vegetable oil, if coconut oil is a concern. Always double-check the labels to ensure they meet dietary requirements.

Can I use different fruits in this recipe?
The more the merrier! This crumble is super versatile. You can swap strawberries for other seasonal fruits like peaches, blueberries, or even mixed berries. Just be sure to adjust any acidity or sweetness based on the fruit’s natural flavors, especially with fruits that are less sweet than strawberries.