Sometimes, the sweetest things come from what's already in your kitchen — a handful of berries, a bit of butter, and a cozy oven hum in the background. This crumble is one of those soft, slow recipes that feels like a little pause, no matter what the day looks like.

A simple crumble, golden and warm

This is the kind of dessert that doesn’t ask for a lot — just a few berries (frozen or fresh), a buttery oat topping, and a quiet little bake in the oven. It bubbles and browns into something softly sweet, with crisp edges and jammy fruit beneath. It’s lovely warm, spooned straight into bowls with a little cream, yogurt, or ice cream — or just as it is. Whether you’ve got a summer glut of berries or a few frozen stragglers, this crumble will meet you where you are.

Ingredients:

For the berry filling

• 4 cups (about 500 g) mixed berries – fresh or frozen
• 3–4 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch or plain flour
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Oat crumble topping (rustic texture)

• 100 g rolled oats
• 75 g plain flour
• 100 g light brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 100 g cold unsalted butter, cubed

Oat-free crumble topping (short and buttery)

• 150 g plain flour
• 100 g light brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 100 g cold unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
Set it to 180°C (350°F). Lightly butter a medium baking dish (about 20 cm square or 8-inch square).

2. Toss the berries:
Mix them with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Spread evenly in the dish.

3. Make the crumble topping:
Combine your chosen dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the butter and rub it in with your fingertips until crumbly.

4. Cover the fruit:
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the berries.

5. Bake for 35–40 minutes:
It should be golden on top, with fruit bubbling at the edges.

6. Let it cool slightly:
Serve warm. It’s perfect with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or thick yogurt.

Storage:

• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Note:

• Use one kind of berry or mix a few — both work well.
• Frozen berries release more juice as they bake. Add 1 extra teaspoon of cornstarch to help thicken the filling.
• Add nuts or semolina to the topping for extra texture.
• Oats are optional — both versions bake up beautifully.

Thank you for being here as I start this journey. I can’t wait to share more recipes, tips, and stories with you — one crumb at a time.

Stay tuned,
~ Clever Crumbs