Blueberry Crisp is a timeless dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer with its juicy, sweet-tart blueberries and crunchy, buttery topping. This easy-to-make dessert is a favorite for many, as it combines the richness of a crisp with the vibrant flavor of fresh blueberries. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to whip up for a weeknight treat or a crowd-pleaser for a summer gathering, this blueberry crisp is the perfect choice. Best of all, it requires minimal ingredients and comes together in no time, making it an ideal recipe for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients for Blueberry Crisp
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 5 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)
How to Make Blueberry Crisp
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the crisp bakes evenly and develops that delicious, golden-brown topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Blueberry Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if using). Gently toss the mixture until the blueberries are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the blueberry juices as the crisp bakes, creating a luscious filling. Once mixed, pour the blueberry filling into a 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are well combined. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until the ingredients form a crumbly texture. If you like a little extra crunch, you can also fold in the chopped nuts at this stage.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the blueberry filling. Make sure to cover the blueberries completely, but don’t press the topping down too firmly—keeping it light and crumbly will help it bake into a perfectly crispy layer.
Step 5: Bake the Blueberry Crisp
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbling around the edges. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the blueberry crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Blueberry crisp is best enjoyed warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
About the Main Ingredients
Blueberries: Blueberries are the star of this recipe, offering a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, blueberries are not only delicious but also nutritious. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries in this recipe, making it versatile and accessible year-round.
Rolled Oats: The oats in the crisp topping provide a delightful texture contrast to the soft, juicy blueberries. They also add a hint of nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the berries.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives the crisp topping its characteristic caramel-like sweetness and helps it achieve a golden brown color as it bakes.
Butter: Butter is essential for creating that irresistible, buttery crisp topping. When melted and combined with the dry ingredients, it helps bind the topping together and allows it to bake into a deliciously crunchy layer.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice in the blueberry filling brightens the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the berries. The acidity also helps balance the richness of the topping.
This easy Blueberry Crisp is the perfect way to celebrate the season’s best berries, and with just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether served as a casual weeknight treat or a special dessert for guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!
