If you’re chasing that perfect blend of sweet, juicy fruit and golden, buttery crunch, look no further than Blueberry Crisp. This classic dessert is the essence of summer comfort in every bite: bubbling blueberries thickened just right, tucked beneath a cinnamon-scented oat topping that’s crisp at the edges and tender in the middle. Whether you make it for a weekend treat or bring it to a backyard gathering, Blueberry Crisp makes everyone smile—and it’s easier to pull together than you might believe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather just a handful of simple staples and you’re halfway there. Each ingredient plays a key role, turning fresh or frozen blueberries into a crowd-pleasing Blueberry Crisp with vibrant flavor and beautiful texture you can’t resist.
- Blueberries: This dish sings with 5 cups of fresh or frozen berries—don’t thaw if using frozen, so your filling stays thick and jammy.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the berries without overpowering their natural flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Just a splash brightens the entire dessert, making the berry flavor pop.
- Cornstarch: The secret to a perfectly gooey, thick berry filling that scoops beautifully and isn’t runny.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: For that signature crisp, buttery, and chewy topping—quick oats won’t give you the same bite!
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the oat topping, making sure every bite has the right amount of crunch.
- Brown Sugar: The molasses notes bring warmth and depth to the topping, pairing perfectly with cinnamon.
- Ground Cinnamon: Just enough spice to add coziness and complement the berries without taking over.
- Salt: A pinch rounds out flavors and enhances both the fruit and the crumble topping.
- Unsalted Butter: Cold and cubed, it gives that irresistible crispiness and richness to the topping—don’t skimp!
How to Make Blueberry Crisp
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a moment to generously grease your 8×8-inch baking dish, or one of a similar size. This ensures effortless serving later and helps the crisp bake evenly—no stuck-on fruit to fuss with!
Step 2: Toss the Blueberry Filling
In a large bowl, combine your blueberries with the granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss them gently but thoroughly, making sure each berry gets coated. This way, you’ll get beautiful, glossy berries and a filling that thickens up just right in the oven.
Step 3: Layer the Berries in the Dish
Pour your sweetened, lemony blueberry mixture straight into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to level them out, so every scoop later will have plenty of juicy berries and that luscious syrup beneath the topping.
Step 4: Make the Oat Crisp Topping
In another bowl, stir together the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it in until it’s crumbly like coarse wet sand. This is the heart of your Blueberry Crisp—don’t rush this part, and keep the butter cold for the best texture!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the berries, making sure you cover them all but don’t press the crumbs down. Bake your Blueberry Crisp for 35–40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the berry filling bubbles up around the edges. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes, which allows the juices to thicken and makes scooping much easier.
How to Serve Blueberry Crisp
Garnishes
A warm Blueberry Crisp is heavenly on its own, but the right garnish takes it straight over the top. Add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for that dreamy hot-cold contrast, or give each serving a billowy dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar is a nice bright touch!
Side Dishes
For a weekend brunch or light summer meal, pair your Blueberry Crisp with a platter of fresh fruit, tangy Greek yogurt, or even a slab of banana bread. The dessert is rich, so anything creamy or a little tart provides great balance and keeps things feeling light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve your Blueberry Crisp in individual ramekins for dinner parties—it feels extra special and makes plating easy. You could also spoon it over waffles or pancakes for a decadent breakfast! Or pack chilled squares into mason jars for a picnic-friendly twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Blueberry Crisp keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the fridge. Cover the dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The topping will soften slightly, but the flavor stays incredible—sometimes even better as the berries soak into the crumb.
Freezing
Want to make it ahead? Assemble your Blueberry Crisp right up to the baking part, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to three months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the bake time. Baked leftovers can also be frozen, though the topping may lose a bit of crunch after thawing.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked magic, reheat your Blueberry Crisp in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through—this revives the topping’s crunch. Microwaving works for single portions if you’re in a hurry, though the crisp might be softer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for Blueberry Crisp?
Absolutely! There’s no need to thaw them—just toss straight from the freezer with your other filling ingredients. This keeps the filling from getting watery.
How do I make the topping extra crunchy?
Keep your butter very cold and avoid over-mixing. Using old-fashioned oats (not quick oats) and a little bit more flour will also give more crunch.
Can I swap in other fruits?
You sure can! Blueberry Crisp is delicious with a mix of berries, diced apples, peaches, or even cherries. Just keep the overall fruit volume about the same, and adjust sugar if your fruit is very tart or sweet.
Is Blueberry Crisp gluten-free?
If you substitute the flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free, this dessert easily becomes gluten-free—no other changes needed.
What’s the difference between a blueberry crisp and a blueberry crumble?
The main difference is the topping: a crisp features oats and is, well, crispier, while a crumble is typically made with flour and sugar only, resulting in a cakier, more streusel-like texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like digging into a spoonful of homemade Blueberry Crisp—fragrant, bubbling, and just the right amount of cozy. Give it a try and you might just find yourself making this simple, sensational dessert on repeat all year long!
Print
Blueberry Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of this easy-to-make Blueberry Crisp. A perfect balance of juicy blueberries topped with a crispy oat mixture, this dessert is a sure crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 5 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Filling: Toss blueberries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Make Topping: Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle topping over blueberries. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Try with other berries or mix with apples/peaches.
- If using frozen blueberries, no need to thaw.
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