There’s nothing quite like the first bite of a summer dessert that captures the essence of the season. As I sliced into a warm, bubbly serving of Summer Strawberry Pistachio Crumble, the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries mingled with the nutty fragrance of roasted pistachios, instantly lifting my spirits. This delightful dish is more than just a treat; it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty, delivering a burst of flavor with every spoonful.
With just ten simple ingredients, this crumble is a breeze to whip up—perfect for those busy nights when you crave something sweet yet wholesome. The unexpected tang of balsamic vinegar brings a unique twist, enhancing the sweetness of ripe strawberries while ensuring each crumb is gluten-free and vegan. Whether you serve it oven-baked or fresh as a parfait, this dessert hits all the right notes. So let’s get cooking and make this summer unforgettable!
Why is this Summer Strawberry Crumble a Must-Try?
Deliciousness in Every Bite: The Summer Strawberry Crumble perfectly balances sweet strawberries with a nutty, crunchy topping that’s hard to resist.
Easy to Prepare: With only ten ingredients, anyone can enjoy making this delightful dish without a fuss.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether baked warm or set as a no-bake parfait, it’s adaptable to your cravings.
Wholesome Ingredients: This dessert is gluten-free and vegan, making it a tasty treat you can feel good about indulging in.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Bring it to your next summer gathering, and watch it disappear in no time!
Summer Strawberry Crumble Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create this delightful dessert!
For the Filling
- Chopped Strawberries – Use fresh strawberries for the best sweetness and juicy texture.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness; can be substituted with lemon juice if desired.
For the Crumble Topping
- Whole Rolled Oats – Forms the hearty base for the crumble; quick oats work in a pinch.
- Chopped Pistachios – Provides a rich, nutty flavor; feel free to swap them with walnuts or pecans.
- Almond Flour – Acts as the gluten-free counterpart; alternative gluten-free flour blends are also suitable.
- Brown Coconut Sugar – Sweetens the topping with a hint of caramel flavor; regular brown sugar can be a substitute.
- Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the flavors; nutmeg can be used for a different taste twist.
- Sea Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste; kosher salt is a great alternative.
- Hardened Coconut Oil – Serves as the vegan fat in the crumble; unsalted vegan butter could work too.
- Water – Helps bind the crumble mixture together for that perfect texture.
Optional Serving
- Ice Cream – Add a scoop of your favorite flavor for a delightful contrast to the warm crumble; it’s optional but highly recommended!
Now that you have the ingredients for this Summer Strawberry Crumble, gather your supplies and make magic happen in your kitchen!
How to Make Summer Strawberry Crumble
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Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your mini-skillets or ramekins with a bit of coconut oil to prevent sticking.
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Pulse Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the oats, pistachios, almond flour, brown coconut sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt. Pulse until everything is evenly combined and resembles a coarse mixture.
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Add Coconut Oil: Incorporate the hardened coconut oil into the mixture. Pulse again until the mixture forms a crumbly texture, like damp sand.
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Mix with Water: Drizzle in a little water, pulsing briefly just until everything is combined—make sure it remains crumbly!
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Prepare Strawberries: In a medium bowl, toss your chopped strawberries with the balsamic vinegar to give them a delightful zing of flavor.
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Assemble: Divide the strawberry mixture among your prepared skillets. Top each one generously with the crumble mix, ensuring an even layer over the strawberries.
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Bake: Place your skillets in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the fruit starts bubbling and the crumble topping turns a lovely golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the crumble to cool for about 10 minutes before serving it warm. For the ultimate treat, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. For a no-bake version, simply layer the fresh strawberries with the crumble in a glass.
Optional: Drizzle with a bit more balsamic vinegar for an extra burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for the Best Summer Strawberry Crumble
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Use Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, in-season strawberries for maximum sweetness and juiciness. Overripe or dried strawberries can affect the overall taste and texture.
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Adjust Crumble Consistency: Ensure your crumble mixture is crumbly but not wet. If it seems too moist, add a little more oats or almond flour for the right texture.
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Experiment with Fruits: While strawberries shine in this Summer Strawberry Crumble, don’t hesitate to try other berries or fruits, like peaches or blueberries, for a delightful twist.
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Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the crumble soon after baking; this keeps the texture crunchy. The no-bake version can also be enjoyed fresh for a raw treat.
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Layered Parfait Option: Get creative by making a parfait! Layer the crumble with yogurt or whipped coconut cream for a refreshing summer dessert.
Summer Strawberry Crumble Variations
Embrace your creativity and customize this sweet delight every time you make it!
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Berry Swap: Use blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a different berry flavor profile. The combination is delightful and visually appealing!
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Nut Alternatives: Swap out pistachios for walnuts or pecans to explore new nutty textures. Each nut adds its signature taste, making every bite unique!
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Gluten-Free Flour: If almond flour isn’t available, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture. Your crumble will still be deliciously crumbly!
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Sugar Alternatives: Use regular brown sugar instead of coconut sugar if that’s what you have on hand. It won’t change your ultimate enjoyment!
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Citrus Zing: Replace balsamic vinegar with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright citrus twist that balances the sweetness beautifully. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, spicy kick that complements the crumble. The warm aroma will fill your kitchen!
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Creamy Layer: Create a parfait by layering the crumble with Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream for a refreshing and satisfying dessert. Perfect for hot summer days!
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Frozen Treat: For a no-bake delight, freeze the strawberry mixture and enjoy it as a sorbet-like treat. Blend with a splash of juice for extra flavor!
Make Ahead Options
These Summer Strawberry Crumbles are absolutely perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the crumble topping up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its crispiness. Additionally, the chopped strawberries can be mixed with balsamic vinegar and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before assembly. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dessert, simply divide the strawberry mixture into your ramekins, top with the prepared crumble, and bake as directed. Doing this not only saves time on busy nights but ensures you indulge in a fresh, warm dessert that tastes just as delicious!
How to Store and Freeze Summer Strawberry Crumble
Fridge: Store the crumble in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked crumble in a covered dish for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven or microwave. For a fresh taste, reheat in the oven until warmed through; this will revive some of that crispy topping.
No-Bake Storage: If you’ve prepared the no-bake version, store the layers in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving. Assemble just before enjoying to keep things fresh!
What to Serve with Summer Strawberry Crumble?
A warm, glorious dessert deserves the perfect accompaniments to elevate your dining experience.
- Velvety Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and a refreshing coolness, balancing the warmth of the crumble beautifully.
- Fresh Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and fluffy, this dairy-free option brings a touch of sweetness and richness that enhances the fruit flavors.
- Crispy Mint Salad: A light, fruity salad with fresh mint not only adds a burst of color but also a refreshing contrast to the rich crumble.
- Zesty Lemonade: This tangy, refreshing drink cleanses the palate between bites, making every spoonful of crumble feel just as exciting as the first.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp, slightly sweet wine pairs wonderfully with the fruity notes, adding a touch of sophistication to your dessert.
- Balsamic-Glazed Grilled Peaches: Bring out the balsamic notes of the crumble by serving it alongside these luscious, grilled fruits for a delightful flavor harmony.
- Crunchy Granola: Adding a sprinkle of granola not only enhances the texture but also introduces another layer of nutty goodness that complements the pistachios.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a light drizzle of chocolate sauce over the crumble creates an indulgent twist, enhancing the sweetness.
- Herbal Iced Tea: A chilled tea infused with herbs like mint or basil brings an aromatic freshness that revitalizes your taste buds.
- Coconut Water: Light and hydrating, this tropical drink complements the coconut oil in the crumble while keeping things refreshing and guilt-free.
Summer Strawberry Crumble Recipe FAQs
What kind of strawberries should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Summer Strawberry Crumble, use fresh, ripe strawberries from your local market. Look for strawberries that are bright red, plump, and fragrant. Avoid those with dark spots or that are mushy, as they can lead to a soggy crumble.
How should I store the crumble after baking?
Store your strawberry crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to reheat it in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F, which helps revive that lovely crispy topping. If you prefer to enjoy it cold, that can be a delicious breakfast option too!
Can I freeze the crumble?
Of course! You can freeze the unbaked crumble for up to 2 months. Just scoop the strawberry mixture and crumble topping into a covered dish. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time until everything is bubbly and golden brown.
What if my crumble mixture is too wet?
No worries! If your crumble mixture turns out too wet, you can add in more oats or almond flour to achieve that desired crumbly texture. Simply mix it in gradually until the mixture resembles damp sand, ensuring it holds its shape without being overly soggy.
Is this recipe safe for people with nut allergies?
It’s important to note that while the Summer Strawberry Crumble is delicious, it does contain nuts in the form of pistachios. If you’re cooking for someone with nut allergies, feel free to substitute the nuts with additional oats or seeds like sunflowers or pumpkin seeds to maintain that crunchy texture without the allergens.
Can I make this crumble gluten-free?
Absolutely! The Summer Strawberry Crumble is already gluten-free, thanks to the use of almond flour and rolled oats. Just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination. Enjoy this delightful dessert without worry!
Delicious Summer Strawberry Crumble You’ll Want Every Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your mini-skillets or ramekins with a bit of coconut oil.
- In a food processor, combine the oats, pistachios, almond flour, brown coconut sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt. Pulse until everything is evenly combined.
- Incorporate the hardened coconut oil into the mixture and pulse until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Drizzle in water, pulsing briefly just until everything is combined—keep it crumbly!
- In a medium bowl, toss your chopped strawberries with the balsamic vinegar.
- Divide the strawberry mixture among your skillets and top each with the crumble mix.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the fruit starts bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Allow the crumble to cool for about 10 minutes before serving warm. Optionally, add a scoop of ice cream.