Name: Easy Strawberry and Apple Crumble Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Golden Delicious apples (1½ pounds, peeled, cored, and cut into ¼-inch slices); 2 cups fresh strawberries (12 ounces, washed, hulled and cut into ⅛-inch slices); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup old-fashioned oats; 1 cup brown sugar (packed, light or dark); ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon table salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If comfort food had a shining star, this Easy Strawberry and Apple Crumble Recipe would steal the spotlight every time. Picture juicy, tender apples mingling with sweet, vibrant strawberries, all covered by a buttery, golden oat crumble that’s perfectly crisp and irresistibly crumbly. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert after dinner or a weekend treat to share, this recipe hits just the right notes of sweetness and texture, making it an absolute favorite to keep in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white deep plate holds two layers of fresh fruit; the bottom layer is made of pale yellow apple slices arranged evenly, while the top layer is strewn with bright red strawberry halves and quarters, creating a colorful contrast. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. The strawberries are glossy and juicy, covering the apple slices in a casual, scattered way. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is refreshingly simple, relying on a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture you’ll fall in love with. Each element plays its part — from the tart sweetness of Golden Delicious apples and fresh strawberries to the rich crumble topping that brings that perfect crunch and buttery goodness.

4 Golden Delicious apples: These apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and firmness, holding their shape beautifully when baked.

2 cups fresh strawberries: Fresh and juicy, they add vibrant color and natural tartness to complement the apples.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps to thicken the delicious fruit juices as the crumble bakes, keeping it from becoming watery.
2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed): Adds subtle caramel notes and sweetness to the fruit mixture.

1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the crumble, providing structure and that tender bite we all love.
1 cup old-fashioned oats: Adds rustic texture and wholesome chew to the crumble topping.
1 cup brown sugar (packed, light or dark): Brings a deep, molasses sweetness that enhances the crumble’s rich flavor.

½ cup unsalted butter (melted): The secret to rich, golden crispness in the topping.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, making the crumble smell utterly irresistible while baking.
¼ teaspoon table salt: Balances all the sweetness and brightens the individual flavors.

How to Make Easy Strawberry and Apple Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Heat the oven and prep the apples

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, setting the stage for some fruit magic. While it warms up, peel, core, and cut your Golden Delicious apples into thin ¼-inch slices. Layer these slices evenly in a beautiful 12-inch deep dish ceramic or glass pie plate — this will be the solid, juicy foundation of your crumble.

Step 2: Prep the strawberries

While the oven preheats and apples rest, slice the strawberries into delicate ⅛-inch slices. Pop them into a small bowl so they’re ready to mingle with the apples shortly. Their luscious color and tangy sweetness will brighten up the whole dish.

Step 3: Add cornstarch and brown sugar to strawberries

To your bowl of strawberries, sprinkle in the cornstarch and the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Let this mixture rest for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the cornstarch to absorb some liquid, creating a luscious, thick berry syrup that will soak into the apples.

Step 4: Make the crumble mixture

In a separate small bowl, combine your flour, old-fashioned oats, remaining brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir vigorously until you have a crumbly mixture that looks like a sandy, golden mess — each element working together to create that perfect crunchy topping.

Step 5: Assemble the layers

Now, pour your strawberry mixture right over the bed of sliced apples in the pie plate. This is where the bright red berries start their transformation with the sweet apples, teasing your taste buds just before the oven magic begins.

Step 6: Top with crumble and bake

Finally, sprinkle the crumble evenly over the fruit layers, covering every inch with those delightful oats and buttery goodness. Pop your pie plate onto the bottom rack of the oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour. When the crumble turns a gorgeous golden brown, edges bubble with sweet juices, and a knife slides into the center without resistance, it’s time to pull it out and get ready to indulge.

How to Serve Easy Strawberry and Apple Crumble Recipe

A white round dish holds a three-layer strawberry crumble with the top layer showing a thick, brown oat and crumb topping sprinkled with whole oats, one section scooped out revealing the juicy red strawberry filling beneath. The crumble is garnished with sliced fresh strawberries arranged in a fan shape at the center. Next to it, two smaller white bowls contain similar servings topped with oat crumble and a small fan of strawberry slices. Fresh whole strawberries are scattered on a white marbled surface around the dishes. A shiny metal fork is placed inside the large dish with a bit of crumble on it. Nearby, a white cloth napkin holds a few silver spoons. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serving this easy strawberry and apple crumble recipe warm from the oven is pure joy. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top adds cool creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy topping. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.

Side Dishes

This crumble pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or strong coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. For brunch, enjoy it alongside some lightly whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness and add a tangy kick.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Serve the crumble in individual ramekins or mason jars that guests can enjoy straight from. Layer it with whipped cream or custard for a beautiful parfait-style dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover crumble (though it’s hard to resist), store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, and it reheats nicely, making it a convenient treat whenever a craving strikes.

Freezing

This Easy Strawberry and Apple Crumble Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen—just add extra baking time until bubbly and golden.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a portion in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15–20 minutes until warmed through and crisp on top. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch but might soften the crumble’s delightful crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this crumble?

Absolutely! While Golden Delicious apples are great for their sweetness and texture, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples also work well if you prefer a tarter or crispier bite in your crumble.

Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the fruit mixture?

Cornstarch helps thicken the juices released by the strawberries and apples as they bake, preventing the crumble from turning soggy. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with arrowroot powder or flour, but cornstarch typically yields the best results.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply swap out the unsalted butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil to keep the crumble rich and delicious without any animal products.

How do I know when the crumble is done baking?

Look for a golden brown topping and bubbling edges. Also, insert a paring knife into the center; if it slides in easily without resistance, your crumble is perfectly cooked.

Can I prepare this crumble in advance?

Definitely. Assemble the fruit and topping, then refrigerate uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy days or special occasions.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing this Easy Strawberry and Apple Crumble Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that invites smiles, friendly conversation, and seconds. If you want to create a dessert that’s not only simple but bursting with flavor, give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.