Easy 5-Ingredient Vegan Strawberry Crumble: Your Perfect Summer Dessert Recipe

Experience the pure joy of summer in every bite with this incredibly simple **5-ingredient strawberry crumble recipe**! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can assemble this delightful dessert. Featuring luscious, syrupy strawberries nestled under a golden, crispy oat topping, it’s the quintessential treat for warm weather gatherings or a cozy night in. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce, made even better with minimal effort and common pantry staples. Plus, it’s entirely vegan, ensuring everyone can indulge in its sweet, comforting goodness.

Strawberries hold a special place in my heart – they’re truly my favorite fruit! From a refreshing 3-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Smoothie to an adventurous Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa, their versatility is unmatched. However, when the craving for an effortlessly sweet strawberry dessert strikes, nothing beats this easy strawberry crumble. It’s a true kitchen marvel, coming together in a flash. Beyond the star ingredient – fresh strawberries – you’ll likely find all the other simple components already stocked in your pantry, making it a spontaneous sweet escape without a last-minute grocery run.

And let its humble ingredient list not deceive you! This isn’t just *any* strawberry dessert; it’s arguably the *best* way to savor the peak flavor of fresh strawberries when they’re in season. As they bake, the berries transform into a tender, luscious, and deeply syrupy filling, their natural sugars concentrating to an intense sweetness. This soft, warm fruit filling creates a delightful contrast with the irresistibly crispy, golden oat topping – a textural symphony that makes every spoonful utterly heavenly. This balance of textures and flavors elevates a simple fruit dessert into something truly extraordinary.

This remarkable strawberry crumble isn’t just for special occasions. It’s the perfect weeknight indulgence when you’re yearning for a comforting treat, requiring minimal fuss and maximum reward. Yet, it’s equally impressive and versatile enough to scale up for entertaining; simply triple the recipe for a party-sized delight. No matter the occasion, remember the ultimate finishing touch: a generous scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream melting slowly over the warm crumble, creating an unforgettable experience. For another equally delightful and easy strawberry dessert, consider trying this 7-Ingredient Strawberry Crisp recipe – another fantastic way to enjoy fresh berries!

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Strawberry Crumble

There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for this particular strawberry crumble recipe! Here’s a deeper dive into why I believe it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your dessert repertoire:

• Unforgettable Sweet Strawberry Flavor: At the heart of this dessert are vibrant, freshly-picked strawberries. When baked, these beautiful berries release their juices, mingling with a touch of sugar and flour to create a rich, concentrated, and intensely sweet filling. If you could capture the essence of summer in a single taste, it would undoubtedly be these succulent, sugary berries perfectly complemented by the comforting, buttery oats of the topping. It’s a pure, unadulterated strawberry experience.
• A Symphony of Terrific Textures: The magic of a good crumble lies in its textural contrasts, and this recipe delivers beautifully. Imagine sinking your spoon through the delicate, slightly crunchy layer of the golden oat topping, revealing the soft, tender, and wonderfully syrupy strawberries beneath. Every single bite is a harmonious blend of crisp and smooth, sweet and fruity, making for a truly heavenly and satisfying dessert experience.
• Remarkably Simple Ingredients & Preparation: Forget long shopping lists and complicated techniques. This homemade crumble requires just 5 core ingredients, most of which are likely already in your kitchen. This minimalist approach means assembly takes only a few minutes, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous baking or busy schedules. It proves that extraordinary flavor doesn’t always require extraordinary effort.
• Perfect for Any Occasion (or No Occasion!): This crumble is incredibly versatile. It’s comforting enough to be a simple weeknight treat, yet elegant enough to be served at dinner parties or family gatherings. Its ease of preparation means you can whip it up on a whim, or effortlessly scale it to feed a crowd.
• Naturally Vegan and Delicious: This recipe is designed to be completely vegan, using plant-based butter to achieve the rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture without any dairy. It’s a fantastic option for those following a vegan diet or anyone looking for a lighter, plant-forward dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Essential Ingredients & Key Notes

Before you dive into baking, let’s take a closer look at the simple yet crucial ingredients for this strawberry crumble. The full quantities and detailed recipe instructions can be found in the recipe card further down this page.

• Sugar: This recipe calls for granulated sugar, which provides a clean sweetness and helps the strawberries macerate beautifully. For a slightly different flavor profile and a less refined option, you can easily substitute with coconut sugar. Both will yield delicious results, so choose according to your preference and what you have on hand.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour is absolutely essential in the strawberry filling. Its primary role is to act as a thickening agent, ensuring that the delicious juices released by the strawberries as they bake transform into a luscious, syrupy consistency rather than a watery mess. This makes every bite rich and flavorful.
• Strawberries: The undisputed star of the show! While fresh, ripe strawberries are highly recommended for their vibrant flavor and natural sweetness, you can absolutely use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available or in season. The key is to add them to the recipe *frozen*, not thawed. Thawing them first can make them too watery and mushy. If using frozen, you might need to extend the baking time slightly.
• Sea Salt: Though technically optional, a tiny pinch of sea salt in the strawberry mixture is a game-changer. It doesn’t make the dessert salty; instead, it cleverly enhances and balances the sweetness of the strawberries, bringing out their natural fruitiness and adding depth to the overall flavor profile. Don’t skip it if you want the best possible taste!
• Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice for the crispy crumble topping. Their larger, flatter flakes provide a superior texture compared to quick oats, which can become too soft or powdery. Rolled oats retain a wonderful chewiness and crispness when baked, creating that perfect contrast with the soft fruit filling.
• Vegan Butter: To keep this dessert entirely plant-based and incredibly flavorful, a good quality vegan butter is a must. You can use your favorite store-bought brand, or even try making your own homemade vegan butter for a truly from-scratch experience. The melted butter binds the oats and flour, creating that irresistible golden, crumbly topping.

Selecting the Best Strawberries for Your Crumble

Since this recipe truly shines when the strawberries are at their peak, selecting high-quality fruit is paramount. Don’t compromise by using bland or nearly spoiled berries, as the final dessert will only be as good as its main ingredient! Here’s how to pick the perfect strawberries:

• Appearance: Look for strawberries that are plump, firm, and have a vibrant, deep red color all over. Avoid any with white tops, green patches, or dull spots, as these indicate under-ripeness.
• Aroma: The best indicator of ripeness is their scent. Give them a sniff! Ripe strawberries will have a strong, sweet, and fragrant aroma. If they don’t smell like much, they likely won’t taste like much either.
• Texture: They should be firm to the touch but not hard. Avoid berries that are mushy, shriveled, or show any signs of mold.
• Local is Best: Whenever possible, opt for local, in-season strawberries from farmers’ markets or local growers. These berries are typically harvested at their peak ripeness and haven’t endured long-distance shipping, which often results in firmer, blander supermarket varieties designed for durability rather than flavor. Local berries will always offer a superior taste experience for your crumble!

How to Make a Heavenly 5-Ingredient Strawberry Crumble

Get ready to create a sweet, fruit-filled dessert that’s both simple and utterly satisfying! Follow these straightforward steps to make your delicious strawberry crumble:

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dishes. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot and ready when your crumble is assembled. If you’re using ramekins, have them ready.

• Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries for Enhanced Flavor. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ tablespoons of the sugar, 1 ½ tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and the sea salt. This dry mixture will help coat the berries and thicken their juices. Next, add your chopped strawberries to the bowl and gently toss them until they are evenly coated. Now, let the berries sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes. This crucial step, known as maceration, allows the sugar to draw out the natural juices from the strawberries, creating a rich, flavorful syrup and softening the fruit slightly before baking.

• Step 3: Craft the Perfect Crispy Oat Topping. While your strawberries are macerating, prepare the irresistible crumble topping. In a separate, second bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, the remaining ½ cup of all-purpose flour, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir these dry ingredients together. Then, slowly pour in the melted vegan butter, adding it bit by bit. Use a fork or your fingertips to mix until a loose, crumbly mixture forms. The goal is a texture that resembles coarse breadcrumbs, holding together slightly when pressed. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage; overworking the dough can lead to a tough topping instead of a perfectly crisp one.

• Step 4: Assemble Your Crumbles. Carefully divide the macerated strawberry mixture evenly between your two prepared ramekins. Ensure the fruit is distributed nicely. Then, gently sprinkle the oat crumble mixture over the top of the strawberries in each ramekin, making sure to cover the fruit completely. You want a good, even layer of that glorious crumble!
• Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection and Serve. Place the filled ramekins onto a half sheet pan. This step is important as it will catch any delicious juices that might bubble over during baking, preventing a mess in your oven. Transfer the sheet pan to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly and tender. Once baked, remove the crumbles from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes. This cooling period is crucial; it allows the hot strawberry juices to thicken into a rich, syrupy consistency, creating the perfect texture for serving. Then, dig in and enjoy!

Expert Tips for a Flawless Strawberry Crumble Every Time

While this recipe is incredibly simple, these expert tips will help ensure your strawberry crumble turns out perfectly delicious and memorable on every single attempt:

• Prioritize the Quality of Your Berries: Many believe that crumbles, pies, and other baked fruit desserts are ideal for using up overripe or slightly bland fruit. However, this is a common misconception! The truth is, a fruit dessert is only ever as good as the fruit you put into it. Subpar, flavorless strawberries will inevitably result in a subpar strawberry crumble. Invest in the freshest, ripest, and most fragrant berries you can find, especially when they are in season, for a truly exceptional flavor experience.
• Avoid Over-Mixing the Crumble Topping: The goal for your oat topping is a loose, crumbly texture – not a dense dough. Once you’ve added the melted butter to the dry ingredients, mix just until the butter is incorporated and the mixture forms distinct crumbles that hold together slightly when gently pinched between two fingers. Overworking the topping can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough, bready crust instead of the desired light and crispy texture.
• Patience is a Virtue (Especially After Baking!): It can be incredibly tempting to immediately dig into your warm, fragrant crumble straight out of the oven. However, resisting this urge for just 10 minutes makes a world of difference. This crucial cooling time allows the hot, bubbly strawberry juices to settle and thicken to that desired luscious, syrupy consistency. Without it, your filling might be too runny. This short wait ensures you get the perfect balance of tender fruit and rich sauce with every bite.
• Don’t Forget the Sheet Pan: Always place your ramekins (or baking dish) on a rimmed baking sheet before putting them in the oven. This simple step acts as a safety net, catching any fruit juices that might bubble over during baking. It saves you from a messy oven clean-up and ensures all the delicious, syrupy goodness stays contained.
• Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking: The amount of sugar in the recipe is a guideline. If your strawberries are particularly sweet and ripe, you might want to slightly reduce the sugar. Conversely, if they’re a bit tart, you could add a little more. Taste your strawberries before mixing them to gauge their natural sweetness.

Creative Substitutions & Delicious Recipe Variations

This 5-ingredient strawberry crumble recipe is wonderfully adaptable! While it’s perfect as written, don’t hesitate to unleash your culinary creativity and experiment with different flavors and textures to make it uniquely yours. Here are some inspiring ideas to get you started:

• Enhance the Crumble Topping:
  • **Nuts:** For added crunch and a nutty flavor, fold in ¼ to ½ cup of finely chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the oat mixture. Toasting them lightly beforehand can enhance their aroma.
  • **Coconut Flakes:** Add a tropical twist by mixing in ¼ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut flakes. These will toast beautifully in the oven, adding a lovely texture and flavor.
  • **Almond Meal/Flour:** Replace a small portion (e.g., ¼ cup) of the all-purpose flour in the topping with almond meal or almond flour for a richer flavor and slightly more tender crumb.
  • **Spices:** Elevate the topping with warm spices. A pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom can complement the strawberries beautifully, especially if you’re making this in the cooler months.
  • **Citrus Zest:** For a brighter topping, finely grate some lemon or orange zest into the crumble mixture.
• Explore the Fruit Filling Options:
  • **Other Berries:** If strawberries aren’t your absolute favorite, or if you have an abundance of other fruits, feel free to use them! Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries all make excellent crumbles.
  • **Mixed Berry Crumble:** Combine strawberries with other in-season berries for a delightful mixed berry crumble. A 50/50 mix often works wonderfully.
  • **Stone Fruits:** Peaches, nectarines, plums, or cherries are fantastic in crumbles. If using softer fruits like peaches, you might want to slightly reduce the maceration time.
  • **Apple or Pear:** For a heartier crumble, especially in autumn, diced apples or pears can be used. These might require a longer baking time to become tender. You might also want to add a pinch of cinnamon or apple pie spice to the fruit.
  • **Rhubarb & Strawberry:** A classic combination! The tartness of rhubarb beautifully balances the sweetness of strawberries. If using rhubarb, you may need a little extra sugar.

Perfect Serving Suggestions for Your Strawberry Crumble

While this warm, bubbling strawberry crumble is undeniably delicious on its own, pairing it with a complementary topping can elevate it to an even more divine dessert experience. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this treat:

• Classic Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: The ultimate pairing! A generous scoop of cold, creamy vegan vanilla ice cream melting over the warm crumble creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. The simplicity of vanilla perfectly complements the rich strawberry flavor.
• Light & Airy Whipped Coconut Cream: For a lighter, dairy-free alternative to whipped cream, a dollop of fluffy whipped coconut cream adds a delicate richness and a subtle hint of coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with berries.
• Tangy Vegan Yogurt: For a slightly healthier or breakfast-friendly option, serve your warm crumble with a spoonful of plain or vanilla vegan yogurt. The tanginess cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
• Fresh Mint Garnish: A few fresh mint leaves, finely chopped or simply placed on top, add a pop of color and a refreshing aromatic note that brightens the entire dessert.
• A Drizzle of Maple Syrup or Balsamic Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness or a sophisticated tang, a light drizzle of maple syrup or a reduction of balsamic vinegar can enhance the flavors of the strawberries.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

Should you be fortunate enough to have any leftover strawberry crumble (a rare occurrence, I assure you!), proper storage ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days to come. Here’s how to handle your leftovers:

• Storing in the Refrigerator: Once the crumble has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it airtight prevents the crumble topping from becoming soggy and the fruit from drying out.
• Reheating Leftovers:
  • **Oven Method (Recommended for Crispiness):** For the best results and to revive that desirable crispy topping, reheat the crumble in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is crisp once more. If reheating individual ramekins, you can place them directly in the oven.
  • **Microwave Method (Quick & Easy):** If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warm. Be aware that the topping might lose some of its crispiness with this method, but the fruit filling will still be wonderfully tender.
• Enjoy Chilled: Don’t feel obligated to reheat! This strawberry crumble is also absolutely delightful served chilled straight from the refrigerator, especially on a hot summer day. It transforms into a refreshing, fruit-forward treat.

Can You Freeze Strawberry Crumble?

Yes, absolutely! This vegan strawberry crumble freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping or having a quick dessert ready whenever a craving strikes. Here’s how to freeze and thaw it effectively:

• To Freeze: Allow the baked crumble to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, you can either wrap the entire baking dish tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or divide it into individual portions in freezer-safe airtight containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• To Thaw and Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen crumble (still wrapped) to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the topping has re-crisped. Alternatively, individual portions can be gently reheated in the microwave if you don’t mind a softer topping.

Enjoy, friends! If you create this delightful vegan strawberry crumble, please capture a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We genuinely love seeing your culinary creations. We’d also be incredibly grateful if you would take a moment to leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating. Your feedback is invaluable! Thanks so much for being a part of our kitchen community!

More Irresistible Easy Fruit Desserts to Try

Craving even more effortless dessert ideas featuring fresh, wholesome fruit? You’re in luck! Explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate the natural sweetness and vibrant flavors of fruits:

• Wholesome Banana Oatmeal Cookies: A perfect guilt-free treat or breakfast option, packed with natural sweetness.
• No-Bake Mango Coconut Chia Seed Pudding: A refreshing and creamy tropical delight that requires no baking.
• Grilled Peaches with Coconut Ice Cream: Caramelized peaches served warm with a scoop of cool, creamy coconut ice cream – a heavenly combination.
• Refreshing Strawberry Granita: A light, icy, and intensely flavorful frozen dessert, perfect for hot days.

5-Ingredient Strawberry Crumble

Servings: 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

A sweet, syrupy strawberry crumble that’s so easy to make! The perfect light, fruity dessert for summer.

5 (from 7 ratings)

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Ingredients

• 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 1/2 pounds strawberries, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup oats
• 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 tablespoons of the sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons flour, and the sea salt. Add the strawberries and toss to coat. Allow to sit for 10 minutes to bring out the flavor of the strawberries and to thicken their juices.
• In another bowl, mix together the oats, remaining 1/2 cup flour, and 1 tablespoons sugar. Add the melted butter bit by bit until a loose crumble forms. Don’t over mix it.
  
• Divide the strawberry mixture evenly between two ramekins. Top with the oat mixture, dividing the topping equally between the two ramekins.
  
• Place the ramekins on a half sheet pan to catch any juices that bubble out of the ramekin. Bake for 30 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

To store: Leftover strawberry crumble can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or a 350ºF oven when ready to eat, or enjoy it chilled. 

To freeze: You can freeze this vegan strawberry crumble for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or eating.

Calories: 452kcal, Carbohydrates: 79g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 678mg, Potassium: 627mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 33g, Vitamin A: 41IU, Vitamin C: 200mg, Calcium: 65mg, Iron: 4mg

Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

Cuisine: American

Course: Desserts

Author: Jessica Hylton