Easy Mixed Berry Crisp with Fresh or Frozen Berries

This delicious mixed berry crisp recipe is made with a juicy berry mixture—whether you use fresh berries or frozen berries, it works beautifully. The golden crisp topping paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes this easy berry crisp recipe the perfect summer dessert.

One of the reasons I love making this crisp is that frozen berries are a lifesaver! They bake up just as well as fresh berries

But if there’s one major takeaway from this post, it’s always to add a bit of cornstarch to your berry mixture—it thickens the juices and ensures a perfectly textured crisp every time.

Ingredients

For the Berry Filling:

• 400g frozen mixed berries (no need to thaw)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
• 2 tsp cornstarch (or 1 tbsp tapioca flour)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Crisp Topping:

• ⅓ cup rolled oats
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for a vegan option)
• 2 tbsp chopped nuts (optional)

Ingredient Notes:

• Frozen Mixed Berries: Both fresh or frozen berries work well for this recipe (I am using frozen berries today) —no need to thaw frozen berries before baking.
• Cornstarch: This is essential for thickening the berry juices. If you prefer, you can substitute with tapioca flour, which works similarly but has a slightly smoother texture.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the berries. Fresh lemon juice is best for a zesty kick.

Crisp Topping:

• Rolled Oats: These give the topping a nice texture and chew. Don’t substitute with quick oats as they may become too soft while baking.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deeper sweetness and slight molasses flavor. You can substitute with granulated sugar for a lighter crisp topping.
• Chopped Nuts: Adding nuts like almonds or pecans brings a satisfying crunch and flavor contrast to the soft berries. Feel free to skip them if you prefer a simpler topping.

The best thing about this dessert? It uses simple ingredients you likely already have; doesn't it?

Step by Step Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Bake:

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the berry filling is bubbling around the edges.

Serve:

Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this summer perfect dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of yogurt for the ultimate cozy dessert.

This is one of those fruit recipes you'll keep coming back to.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Once cooled, store the berry crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until heated through and the topping crisps up again.
• Freezer: You can freeze the fully baked crisp for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly or store it in a freezer-safe container. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through and bubbly.

Make ahead Instructions

• Berry Filling: You can mix the berry filling a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Crisp Topping: The topping can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
• Assemble & Chill: Assemble the entire crisp (unbaked), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Berry Filling: You can mix the berry filling a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Crisp Topping: The topping can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
• Assemble & Chill: Assemble the entire crisp (unbaked), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Best Tips for a Delicious Mixed Berry Crisp:

• No need to thaw frozen berries – just mix and bake! Thawing can lead to extra moisture and a soggy crisp.
• Taste your berries (if using fresh) and adjust sugar accordingly.
• Cornstarch is important to help thicken the berry juices—don’t skip it!
• For added brightness, a little lemon zest makes the fruit crisp more flavorful.
• Don’t overmix the topping—you want a crumbly texture, not a paste.
• Let it cool slightly before serving so the juices can settle.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cozy dessert experience!
• Feel free to experiment with crumble recipes or even a berry cobbler next time for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Recipes

1. Fresh Fruit Cobbler
2. Apple Crisp

Wish to Join US for the love of BAKING? Subscribe to our newsletter and Youtube channel. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!