Can I use only one type of berry, or do I need a mix?

Absolutely, you can use any combination you like. The variety adds depth, but if you’ve got just blueberries or raspberries, go ahead—your crumble will still be delicious and bursting with flavor.

My crumble seems runny—how can I fix this?

If using especially juicy or frozen berries, double the cornstarch to help set the filling. Also, let your crumble cool for 10-15 minutes before serving; the filling thickens as it rests.

Can I prepare the crumble ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the crumble (unbaked), cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes, then bake as directed.

Is it possible to make this vegan or dairy-free?

Of course. Swap in your favorite plant-based butter for the regular butter—everything else is naturally dairy-free.

Mixed Berry Crumble Recipe

Name: Mixed Berry Crumble Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups blueberries; 2 cups raspberries; 2 cups blackberries; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

Need a quick dessert that’s full of bright, juicy flavor and practically effortless to make? This Mixed Berry Crumble is a total game-changer. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and tart, bubbling berries under a buttery, cinnamon-kissed golden topping. Best of all, you can throw it together in just about an hour, making it an unbeatable option for those busy weeknights or as a show-stopping treat for spontaneous get-togethers. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe gives you the comfort of homemade dessert with very little fuss—and maximum delicious reward.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Fuss-Free: With just a little chopping and mixing, you’re ready to pop this dessert in the oven. It’s genuinely that simple.
Bursting with Flavor: The mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries means every bite is bursting with sweet-tart goodness, balanced by a hint of vanilla and cinnamon.
Family-Friendly Comfort: There’s something so cozy about a bubbling crumble straight from the oven. It feels special and nostalgic, but it’s super easy to whip up.
Customizable: Love strawberries? Prefer gluten-free? This recipe is easy to adapt and welcomes whatever berries you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what you need and why it matters for the best possible berry crumble.

For the Mixed Berry Filling:

Blueberries: Add incredible color and sweetness; hold their shape well when baked.
Raspberries: Bring a burst of tartness and vivid flavor.
Blackberries: Contribute an earthy, juicy depth—don’t skip these!
Lemon Juice: Fresh citrus brightens the berries and gives the filling zing.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps the berries release their juices.
Cornstarch: Thickens the berry juices so you don’t end up with soup at the bottom.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice that plays off the sweet-tart berries.
Vanilla Extract: Lends a mellow sweetness and rounds out the flavors.

For the Crumble Topping:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crumble, creating that classic, hearty texture.
Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness and a caramel-like richness.
Ground Cinnamon: Repeats for extra warmth.
Butter (Cold and Cubed): This is the secret to an irresistible, crumbly topping—cold is key for perfectly crisp crumbles.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour in the topping for your favorite gluten-free blend.
Add Oats or Nuts: For extra crunch, mix rolled oats or chopped pecans into the crumble.
Change Up the Fruit: Toss in strawberries, cherries, or even sliced peaches depending on the season or what you have lurking in the fridge.
Go Vegan: Use a plant-based butter, and you’ll never notice the difference.
Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom would make things even cozier.

How to Make Mixed Berry Crumble

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Mix the Berry Filling

In a large bowl, gently toss together all your berries with lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Don’t worry if the berries start to look a little juicy—that’s exactly what you want for a bubbling filling. Turn this mixture (juices and all) into your prepared pan.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl (or a food processor, if you like things speedy), combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add in the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter, your fingers, or quick pulses in the processor to blend everything together until the mixture is crumbly with a few larger clumps.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the berry mixture, covering every bit—it’ll look like a lot, but trust me, this is what gives you that bakery-style crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and you see bubbling juices around the edges.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Butter: Keep some larger clumps in your topping—this is where the melt-in-your-mouth magic happens.
Let It Rest: Give the crumble a few minutes to cool before serving. That time allows the filling to thicken, so you get nice, neat servings.
Frozen Berries? No problem! Double your cornstarch to prevent a runny filling.
Customize the Sweetness: Taste your berries first—if they’re especially tart, add a little more sugar to the filling.

How to Serve

Few things beat a warm berry crumble straight from the oven! Spoon generous helpings into bowls:

With Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy ice cream melting into the warm crumble is pure dessert heaven.
With Whipped Cream: Homemade or store-bought, a dollop adds lushness.
With Greek Yogurt: For a breakfast-y treat or a lighter dessert, a creamy tang is perfect.

It’s also delicious just as it is—let the berries and crumble shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the pan or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The crumble will retain its texture and flavor.

Freezing

Mixed Berry Crumble freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To re-crisp, warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Individual servings also reheat well in the microwave (about 40 seconds), though the topping softens a bit.

FAQs

Can I use only one type of berry, or do I need a mix?

Absolutely, you can use any combination you like. The variety adds depth, but if you’ve got just blueberries or raspberries, go ahead—your crumble will still be delicious and bursting with flavor.
My crumble seems runny—how can I fix this?

If using especially juicy or frozen berries, double the cornstarch to help set the filling. Also, let your crumble cool for 10-15 minutes before serving; the filling thickens as it rests.
Can I prepare the crumble ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the crumble (unbaked), cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes, then bake as directed.
Is it possible to make this vegan or dairy-free?

Of course. Swap in your favorite plant-based butter for the regular butter—everything else is naturally dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

This Mixed Berry Crumble is all about relaxed, joyful baking—big rewards for just a small investment of time and effort. The combination of juicy berries and a crisp, buttery topping makes this a go-to dessert for any busy night or special occasion. Don’t be afraid to make it your own, share it with someone you love, and get ready for rave reviews. Enjoy every crumb!