Mixed Berry Crisp with Frozen Berries

There's nothing quite like the smell of a berry crisp bubbling away in the oven when you're craving that perfect comfort dessert but don't want to deal with washing and prepping fresh berries. I discovered this mixed berry crisp with frozen berries recipe during one of those cold winter nights when I desperately needed something warm and fruity, and it turns out frozen berries actually work better than fresh ones because they hold their shape and create the most amazing juicy filling. Now it's my go-to dessert because you can literally make it any time of year with whatever frozen berries are in your freezer.

What is Mixed Berry Crisp with Frozen Berries

Mixed berry crisp with frozen berries is a warm, comforting dessert that combines a variety of frozen berries with a golden, buttery oat topping that gets perfectly crispy while the fruit underneath becomes tender and bubbly. Unlike fresh berry crisps that can sometimes get watery, using frozen berries creates a thicker, more concentrated filling as the berries release their juices slowly during baking. The result is a dessert with beautiful jewel-toned berries nestled under a crunchy, cinnamon-scented topping that's perfect with vanilla ice cream.

How To Make Mixed Berry Crisp with Frozen Berries

Our frozen berry crisp uses a no-thaw method that lets you go straight from freezer to oven, plus a foolproof oat topping that gets golden and crunchy every time. The secret is adding just a touch of cornstarch to help thicken the berry juices and using a mix of oats, flour, and brown sugar for that perfect crispy-chewy topping texture. This technique ensures you get consistent results with beautiful presentation and amazing flavor every single time.

Mixed Berry Crisp with Frozen Berries Ingredients

Berry Filling:

• 6 cups frozen mixed berries (don't thaw)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Crispy Oat Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Hannah's Step by Step Method

Prepare Berry Base

• Preheat oven to 375°F and grease 9x13 inch baking dish
• Toss frozen berries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla
• Don't thaw berries - use them straight from the freezer
• Spread berry mixture evenly in prepared baking dish

Create Perfect Crumble Topping

• Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in large bowl
• Cut in cold butter using pastry cutter or forks until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
• Some larger butter pieces are good - they create flaky texture
• The mixture should hold together when squeezed but still be crumbly

Assemble and Bake

• Sprinkle oat topping evenly over berry mixture
• Don't pack it down; loose topping gets crispier
• Bake 45-50 minutes until topping is golden brown and berries are bubbling
• The edges should be actively bubbling for properly cooked fruit

Cool and Serve

• Let cool 15-20 minutes before serving for best texture
• The filling will be very hot and continue thickening as it cools
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Leftover crisp is amazing reheated the next day

What Pairs Well With Mixed Berry Crisp?

This warm mixed berry crisp pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream for the ultimate comfort dessert experience. Try it alongside a cup of coffee or black tea for afternoon treats that feel extra cozy. For special occasions, serve with a dollop of mascarpone or crème fraîche for elegant presentation that elevates the homey dessert.

Mixed Berry Crisp Variations

Apple Berry Harvest:

• Replace half the berries with diced apples
• Add extra cinnamon and nutmeg to topping
• Creates fall-inspired flavor combination
• Perfect bridge between summer and autumn

Tropical Berry Twist:

• Add frozen pineapple chunks to berry mix
• Include shredded coconut in oat topping
• Use coconut oil instead of some butter
• Island vibes with familiar comfort

Chocolate Berry Decadence:

• Fold dark chocolate chips into berry mixture
• Add cocoa powder to oat topping
• Drizzle with chocolate sauce after baking
• Ultimate indulgent dessert experience

Healthy Whole Grain:

• Use whole wheat flour and add chopped nuts
• Reduce sugar and add natural maple syrup
• Include chia seeds for extra nutrition
• Guilt-free comfort without sacrificing taste

Equipments

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or forks for butter mixing
• Measuring cups and spoons

Pro tip: A pastry cutter makes the perfect crumbly topping texture, but two forks or even your hands work great for cutting in the butter.

Storage Tips

Best Fresh

Serve warm from the oven for the most appealing contrast between crispy topping and tender fruit. Fresh crisp has the best texture combination.

Leftover Magic

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or warm whole dish in 350°F oven until heated through.

Make-Ahead Method

Assemble completely and refrigerate overnight before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time if starting from cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cozy Comfort Made Simple

Now you have the secret to creating this amazing mixed berry crisp that turns your freezer stash into a restaurant-quality dessert any time you're craving something warm and fruity. This recipe proves that sometimes the most satisfying desserts are the ones you can make spontaneously with ingredients you already have on hand.

Ready for more fruit desserts? Try our Pineapple Dump Cake for tropical comfort with minimal effort, or explore our Grandma's Blackberry Cobbler for timeless homemade sweetness. For nutty indulgence, our Pecan Pie Dump Cake uses similar easy techniques with rich Southern results.

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