Why You’ll Adore This Easy Vegan Strawberry Crisp

This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Here are the top reasons why this vegan strawberry crisp has earned a permanent spot in my heart and recipe rotation:

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Citrusy: Imagine tender, soft strawberries, beautifully macerated and infused with a bright citrus note, creating a vibrant explosion of flavor. This fruity delight is then crowned with a sweet, perfectly crispy oat topping. The contrast in textures and the complementary flavors are simply beyond words – a symphony for your taste buds!
• Incredibly Quick and Effortless: Who said delicious desserts have to be complicated? This recipe empowers you to prepare a show-stopping dessert in just about 20 minutes of active prep time, using only 7 staple ingredients. After a short baking period and a brief cool-down, you’ll be ready to savor a homemade treat without the stress. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• The Ultimate Versatile Summer Dessert: While this strawberry crisp shines as a relaxed, comforting treat on a warm summer evening, its elegance and irresistible flavor make it suitable for almost any occasion. Planning a larger dinner party? Simply double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish to serve a crowd. It’s adaptable, impressive, and always a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a casual family meal or a festive celebration.

I’m thrilled to share this completely revamped and updated version of a beloved classic. As a proud Bob’s Red Mill ambassador, I’m especially happy to recreate this recipe using their exceptional products. My journey as an ambassador has allowed me to witness firsthand how many of you have embraced the quality of Bob’s Red Mill, and it’s truly rewarding. I delve into the specific products I use in this recipe below, highlighting why their high quality, consistent performance, and superior taste and texture make them indispensable in my kitchen. They truly are the secret to the perfect crisp!

P.S. Do you call it a crisp or a crumble? While I refer to this particular recipe as a crisp, I also have a fantastic recipe for a strawberry crumble if you’re curious to try both!

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Strawberry Crisp

Crafting this delightful vegan strawberry crisp is straightforward, especially when you understand the role each ingredient plays. Below are some detailed notes to help you choose the best components for an exceptional dessert. You’ll find the precise quantities and full recipe instructions on the recipe card further down the page.

• Brown Sugar: This provides a wonderful depth of caramel-like sweetness to both the filling and the topping, complementing the natural tartness of the strawberries beautifully. While brown sugar is preferred for its rich flavor and moisture, you can certainly substitute it with regular granulated sugar, coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option, or any other non-liquid granular sweetener you prefer.
• Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour: This is my absolute go-to gluten-free flour blend! Its balanced composition works wonders in creating a beautifully thick, juicy, and perfectly set strawberry filling. In the crisp topping, it contributes to that desirable crunchy texture without any grittiness. For those who aren’t gluten-free, Bob’s Red Mill Unbleached White All Purpose Flour is an excellent alternative that will yield equally fantastic results.
• Strawberries: The star of our show! You have the flexibility to use either fresh or frozen strawberries. When selecting fresh berries, look for ones that are vibrant red, plump, and fragrant. If opting for frozen strawberries, ensure they are thawed completely before use, and follow my additional tips below to manage any excess liquid, which is crucial for the perfect filling consistency.
• Orange Juice: A splash of orange juice is a game-changer, adding a bright, zesty punch of tangy flavor that elevates the strawberries and balances the sweetness. It truly makes the fruit filling sing! If orange juice isn’t available, lemon juice (use half the amount due to its higher acidity) or even pineapple juice can be used as alternatives for a different, yet equally delicious, citrusy twist.
• Sea Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of a tiny pinch of sea salt in sweet recipes! It’s not just for savory dishes; salt is essential for enhancing and bringing all the individual flavors of the crisp together, making them pop. If you’re using kosher salt, which has larger granules and is less dense, use slightly less than the specified amount for sea salt to prevent over-salting.
• Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: These are my absolute favorite oats for their incredible texture and quality. I especially appreciate that they are certified gluten-free, making this dessert accessible to everyone. For the best crisp topping, I highly recommend sticking with old-fashioned rolled oats. Their heartier structure holds up beautifully during baking, providing that classic chewy-crispy texture. Quick oats might dissolve too rapidly, leading to a less satisfying topping, and steel-cut oats are too firm for this application.
• Melted Vegan Butter: Vegan butter is key to achieving that rich, authentic buttery flavor and the desired crisp, crumbly consistency in our topping. I typically use a salted vegan butter, as the hint of salt further enhances the overall flavor profile. If your vegan butter is unsalted, simply add an extra pinch of sea salt to the topping mixture. For an oil-based alternative, you could use melted coconut oil or a neutral-flavored vegetable oil, remembering to add a pinch of salt if using unsalted oil.

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Crisp?

Absolutely, you can! Frozen strawberries work wonderfully in this crisp recipe, making it a perfect year-round treat. However, there’s one important step to ensure the best results: always allow your frozen strawberries to thaw completely before incorporating them into the recipe. Once thawed, you’ll notice a significant amount of liquid. It’s crucial to drain off this excess liquid to prevent a watery filling. If, after draining, the filling still appears a bit too loose or liquidy compared to the photos, simply add an extra tablespoon or two of Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour until you achieve a beautifully thick, saucy consistency that clings to the berries.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Easy Vegan Strawberry Crisp

You’ll be amazed at how quickly this delightful strawberry crisp comes together. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bake every time:

• Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your crisp is ready to bake, promoting an even cook and perfectly golden topping.
• Macerate and Coat the Strawberries: In your designated 8×8 inch baking dish, combine the brown sugar, Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour, and sea salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until well mixed. Next, add your chopped fresh (or thawed and drained frozen) strawberries and the orange juice. Gently toss everything together until all the strawberries are thoroughly coated. Now, let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the sugar to draw out the natural juices from the strawberries, creating a luscious, flavorful syrup, and gives the flour time to start thickening those juices, ensuring a perfectly rich filling.

• Craft the Irresistible Crisp Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, the remaining Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour, and the measured amount of brown sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients together until evenly distributed. Then, pour the melted vegan butter over the mixture. Using a fork or your fingertips, gently mix bit by bit until a crumbly texture begins to form. For larger, more satisfying clumps, you can lightly squeeze sections of the mixture between your fingers. Be mindful not to over-mix, as this can lead to a tough topping; we’re aiming for distinct crumbles.

• Assemble for Baking: Carefully sprinkle the prepared oat-flour mixture evenly over the macerated strawberries in the baking dish. Ensure the topping covers the fruit filling entirely, creating a uniform layer that will bake into a beautiful golden crust.
• Bake to Golden Perfection: Place your assembled crisp into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. After this initial baking period, turn on your oven’s broiler to a low setting for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it during broiling, as it can brown quickly; you’re looking for a lovely golden-brown finish on the topping. Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This cooling time is essential, as it allows the filling to set properly and prevents it from being too runny. Scoop generously into bowls and, for an absolutely divine experience, serve warm with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream!

Expert Tips for the Best Vegan Strawberry Crisp

Achieving the perfect strawberry crisp is simple with these additional tips and tricks:

• Adjust Sweetness to Your Berries: Strawberries vary in sweetness depending on their ripeness and variety. If you’re using particularly fresh and tart strawberries, don’t hesitate to increase the brown sugar in the fruit filling by 1 or 2 tablespoons. A great way to check is to taste a small amount of the fruit mixture after its 10-minute resting period – it will give you a good indication if it’s sweet enough for your preference.
• For an Extra Thick Crisp Topping: Do you love a generous, hearty crisp topping? Feel free to scale up the topping ingredients by about 25-50% to create an even thicker, more substantial golden crust over your strawberries. Simply ensure you have enough melted vegan butter to bind the extra dry ingredients into a delicious crumble.
• Flour Substitutions: While Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour is perfect for a gluten-free option, if you don’t require a gluten-free dessert, Bob’s Red Mill Unbleached White All Purpose Flour is an excellent and reliable substitute that will work beautifully for both the filling and the topping.
• Individual Servings for Special Occasions: For a charming presentation or portion-controlled desserts, consider baking this crisp in individual ramekins. This recipe’s quantities typically work well when divided among 4-5 individual ramekins. Adjust baking time slightly if needed, but keep an eye on the golden-brown topping.
• Don’t Overcrowd Your Baking Dish: Using an 8×8 inch baking dish is ideal for the recommended servings, allowing the strawberries to cook evenly and the topping to crisp up without steaming. If you’re doubling the recipe, opt for a larger dish (like a 9×13 inch) to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to a less crispy topping and a mushier filling.
• Allow Proper Cooling: While tempting to dive in immediately, allowing the crisp to cool for at least 10 minutes after baking is essential. This brief resting period gives the fruit filling a chance to set, preventing it from being overly runny when scooped, and intensifies the flavors.

Delightful Ways to Serve Your Vegan Strawberry Crisp

While this strawberry crisp is undeniably fantastic on its own, there are several wonderful additions you can include to elevate your dessert experience even further. These optional accompaniments are perfect for indulging your sweet tooth or impressing guests:

• With Vegan Ice Cream: A warm, bubbly strawberry crisp paired with a cold, creamy scoop of vegan ice cream is a match made in heaven. My homemade cashew ice cream would be an absolutely incredible complement, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures. Vanilla bean or strawberry vegan ice cream are also excellent choices.
• Creamy Toppings: For an extra touch of luxury, a dollop of fluffy cashew whipped cream or light and airy coconut whipped cream would be simply divine. These rich, dairy-free creams add a wonderful smoothness that beautifully balances the crisp’s texture.
• Fresh Fruit Medley: Brighten up your plate by serving your crisp alongside a handful of fresh berries. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries offer a refreshing counterpoint and an extra burst of vibrant flavor.
• A Drizzle of Sauce: Consider adding a light drizzle of vegan caramel sauce or a simple berry syrup for an added layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Chopped Nuts: For an extra crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle a few toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the crisp just before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Your Strawberry Crisp

This vegan strawberry crisp is so delicious, you might not have many leftovers! But if you do, here’s how to store and reheat it to keep it tasting its best:

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Any leftover strawberry crisp can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for at least 4 days. To reheat, you have a couple of options: for a quick warm-up, place a serving in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warmed through. For a crispier topping reminiscent of freshly baked, reheat individual portions in the oven at 350ºF (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed and the topping is lightly re-crisped.
• Freezing for Later Enjoyment: This crisp also freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a taste of summer any time of year. Once the crisp has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for 2 to 3 months without losing much of its quality. When you’re ready to enjoy it, remember to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it using the oven method for the best texture.

More Delightful Strawberry Desserts to Explore

If you’ve loved this vegan strawberry crisp, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic strawberry-focused recipes from my kitchen:

• Strawberry Banana Bread: A wonderfully moist and fruity quick bread, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
• Strawberry Cream Pie: A luscious, creamy, and refreshing pie that’s surprisingly easy to make.
• Strawberry Granita: A light, icy, and intensely flavored dessert, ideal for hot days.
• Vegan Strawberry Coconut Ice Cream: A creamy, no-churn ice cream bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.