This mixed berry crumble for one is bursting with juicy berries and a buttery topping. It gives you the perfect cozy dessert anytime without the leftovers.
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There's just something about a warm fruit crumble that feels like comfort in a bowl. For me, it's the kind of dessert I crave when I want something sweet without the fuss. It's easy, quick, and uses simple ingredients I typically have in the kitchen, which means I can enjoy it without planning ahead.
Fresh or frozen berries can be used in the recipe, so you can enjoy it year round. Around the holidays, it makes a lovely small-batch dessert when you want that cozy, homemade flavor. Just like my strawberry crisp for one, it's perfect when I want an impressive but low-effort treat.
Ingredients
FILLING
- Blackberries - Add tartness, juiciness, and a deep berry flavor.
- Blueberries - Bring sweetness and a pop of color while holding shape when baked.
- Raspberries - Provide a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar - Sweetens the berries and helps release their juices.
- Lemon juice - Enhances the berries' natural flavors and adds brightness.
- Ground cinnamon - Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
- Vanilla extract - Gives a sweet, aromatic note that ties the flavors together.
- Cornstarch - Thickens the berry juices so the filling isn't runny.
- Water - Dissolves the cornstarch to make an easy thickening slurry.
CRUMBLE
- All-purpose flour - Forms the base of the crumbly topping.
- Cold unsalted butter - Creates a rich, buttery texture with crisp crumbles.
- Light brown sugar - Adds sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.
- Vanilla extract - Boosts flavor and gives the crumble a cozy aroma.
- Baking powder - Helps lighten the crumble so it's not too dense.
- Kosher salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTION
- Vanilla ice cream - Melts into the warm crumble, adding creaminess and satisfaction.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Gather the ingredients and preheat the air fryer to 370°F (193°C). Then, follow these simple directions to make the berry crumble recipe.
Add berries to a medium bowl, then sprinkle sugar and pour freshly squeezed lemon juice on top of the fresh berries. Gently combine the sugar and lemon juice with the berries and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Once the berries are ready, assemble the crumble mixture. Mix flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl, then mix well.
Add cold cubed butter and use the back of a fork to create clumps with the flour mixture.
Sprinkle cinnamon on the berries and add the cornstarch slurry into the mix. Then transfer to an oven-safe ramekin. Add crumble topping.
Air fry for 12 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the sides are bubbling.
Allow the crumble to cool for at least 10 minutes, then top with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Hint: Use cold butter when making the crumble topping. It helps create that perfect crisp, buttery texture instead of a greasy or cakey one.
Variations
Here are some easy ways to customize the recipe so it feels fresh every time you make it:
- Swap the fruit - Try apples, peaches, pears, or cherries if you're out of berries, or mix in seasonal fruit for variety.
- Add crunch - Stir chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the crumble topping.
- Play with spices - Use cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
- Make it boozy - Add a splash of rum, brandy, or bourbon to the filling for a grown-up twist.
- Change the sweetener - Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a different sweetness.
- Go gluten-free - Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour, oat flour, or a gluten-free blend.
- Try dairy-free - Replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly crumble.
- Top it differently - Serve with dairy-free whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or even a drizzle of chocolate instead of ice cream.
Tips
Top tip: Keep your butter cold when making the crumble topping. This is the secret to getting that perfectly crisp, golden texture instead of something dense or greasy.
- Use a mix of fresh and frozen berries if that's what you have on hand; no need to thaw frozen ones.
- Taste your berries before adding sugar. If they're really sweet, you can cut back on the sweetener a little.
- Bake the crumble on a baking sheet to catch any juicy overflow and save cleanup.
- Let the crumble cool for a few minutes before digging in; this helps the filling thicken up.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the crumble topping for an extra layer of flavor.
- Bake in a ramekin for an easy-to-serve, elegant presentation.
Serving suggestions
A warm mixed berry crumble is a delicious treat on its own, but pairing it with add-ons can make it feel extra special. I like to top it with a scoop of almond milk ice cream that melts into the crumble, creating the perfect balance of warm and cold. You could also try whipped cream or Greek yogurt if you'd like a lighter option.
For an extra indulgent touch, consider pairing this dessert with a drink that complements the berries. My Korean strawberry milk is a great option, especially if want a double dose of berry goodness. For adults, a glass of sparkling wine or even a berry-infused cocktail can tie the whole experience together beautifully.
Storage
Let the berry crumble cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days. If you'd like to keep it longer, you can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheating is simple. For the best texture, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until the topping is crisp and the filling is bubbly. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, but the crumble topping won't be as crunchy as when reheated in the oven.
FAQs
Yes! Frozen berries work just as well and there's no need to thaw them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
The crumble is ready when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges, usually after about 10 to 15 minutes in the air fryer.
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients and bake in a larger dish, adjusting the bake time as needed until the topping is crisp and the fruit is bubbly.
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Recipe
Mixed Berry Crumble
Ingredients
FILLING:
- ¼ cup fresh blackberries 12 pieces
- ¼ cup fresh blueberries 35 pieces, mostly small
- ¼ cup fresh raspberries 11 pieces
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
SLURRY:
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 to 2 teaspoons water
CRUMBLE:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
SERVING SUGGESTION:
- scoop of vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, macerate fresh berries. Add fresh blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries, then sprinkle sugar and pour freshly squeezed lemon juice on top of the fresh berries. Gently combine the sugar and lemon juice with the berries and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Once the fresh macerated berries are ready, assemble the crumble mixture. In a small bowl, combine flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, and salt, then mix well.
- Add cold cubed butter and use the back of a fork to create clumps with the flour mixture.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on the macerated berries and add the cornstarch slurry into the mix. Then transfer to an oven-safe ramekin.
- Top the macerated berries with the crumble topping.
- Pre-heat Air Fryer at 370°F (193°C).
- Gently transfer the ramekin onto the Air Fryer tray and slowly insert tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch.
- Air fry for 12 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the sides are bubbling.
- Allow the Air Fryer Mixed Berry Crumble to cool for at least 10 minutes, then top with vanilla ice cream if preferred.
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