**Strawberry Crisp Dessert Recipe: A Sweet and Simple Treat**
If you are in search of a delectable and straightforward dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, your search ends here with a homemade strawberry crisp. This traditional dessert fuses luscious strawberries with a rich, crumbly oat topping for a comforting and tempting delight. Whether you’re throwing a dinner gathering or just in the mood for something sweet, this strawberry crisp is guaranteed to be a hit.
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### Why This Dessert Will Charm You
– **Easy Ingredients**: The majority of the components are kitchen staples.
– **Quick to Make**: Minimal preparation time and no complex procedures.
– **Flexible**: Easily modified with other fruits such as rhubarb, blueberries, or peaches.
– **Ideal for Any Event**: Perfect for casual weeknight desserts or festive occasions.
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### Ingredients
#### For the Strawberry Filling:
– 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (or quartered if large)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
#### For the Crisp Topping:
– 3/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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### Directions
#### 1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish or a similarly sized oven-safe dish.
#### 2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a large mixing bowl, mix the strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Gently toss until the strawberries are well coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
#### 3. Prepare the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
#### 4. Assemble and Bake
Distribute the crisp topping evenly over the strawberry filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
#### 5. Cool and Serve
Let the crisp cool for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and enhances flavor. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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### Suggestions and Variations
– **Use Frozen Strawberries**: If fresh strawberries are unavailable, you can use frozen ones. Just thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture.
– **Incorporate Nuts**: Chopped pecans or almonds can be added to the topping for added crunch.
– **Make it Gluten-Free**: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
– **Include Other Fruits**: Add rhubarb, blueberries, or raspberries for a twist on the traditional recipe.
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### Storing and Reheating
Keep any leftover strawberry crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
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### Final Thoughts
A homemade strawberry crisp is a classic dessert that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. With its juicy fruit base and crunchy topping, it achieves the perfect harmony between sweet and tart, soft and crisp. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, this dessert is an enjoyable way to savor the best strawberries of the season.
So grab a basket of fresh berries and start baking—your taste buds will appreciate it!