The Best Mixed Berry Crisp (With Frozen or Fresh Berries)

Savor the flavors of a mixed berry crisp, featuring fresh or frozen berries and a golden crumble that is simply irresistible.

There’s something undeniably comforting about a fruit crisp—especially when it’s brimming with juicy berries and topped with a golden, buttery crumble. This mixed berry crisp is a seasonal favorite that works beautifully with either fresh or frozen fruit and is made just a little more special with a few unexpected twists like balsamic vinegar and cardamom. It’s the kind of dessert that feels rustic and refined all at once.

Why We Love This Mixed Berry Crisp

We love a mixed berry crisp because it’s the perfect blend of ease, comfort, and vibrant flavor. Here’s why it’s a dessert worth swooning over:

It celebrates the beauty of summer berries.

Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries are the best thing about summer, and they each bring their own unique sweetness, tartness, and color in this classic crisp recipe. Together, they create a naturally balanced, jewel-toned filling that’s juicy, bright, and deeply flavorful.

It’s quick, rustic, and unfussy.

No need to roll out dough or master a crust—just toss the filling, mix the topping, and bake. It’s a low-effort dessert with high reward, ideal for spontaneous baking or last-minute guests.

It’s the ultimate warm-and-cold dessert.

Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or tangy Greek yogurt, the crisp becomes a perfect balance of temperatures and textures.

It’s endlessly adaptable.

Fresh or frozen berries, oats or nuts, butter or coconut oil—the best part this dish works with what you have on hand. You can make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or refined sugar-free with simple swaps.

It tastes like home.

The crisp topping made with golden oats, the bubbling fruit, the scent of vanilla and spice—it all combines into something that feels both nostalgic and comforting, like a dessert passed down through generations but with a modern twist.

In short, mixed berry crisp is the kind of dish that feels special without trying too hard—making it one of the most beloved and versatile desserts out there.

Key Ingredients for this Easy Mixed Berry Crisp

Filling:

Fresh berries

The star of the show. Using a medley of mixed berries like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries creates a dynamic blend of tart, sweet, and juicy textures. Frozen berries work just as well—no need to thaw for this berry crisp recipe!

Honey

Naturally sweetens the berries without overpowering them. Honey also helps the juices thicken slightly when baked.

Balsamic vinegar

Adds depth and a subtle tang that enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit. It brings out the darker, richer notes in berries—especially blackberries and strawberries.

Corn starch

Corn starch thickens the berry juices as they bubble in the oven, preventing a watery filling and giving the crisp a spoonable, jammy texture.

Vanilla Extract

Rounds out the flavors and brings warmth and familiarity to the berry mixture.

Salt

Enhances and balances the sweetness in the filling.

Lemon Zest

A bright citrusy note that cuts through the richness and complements the berries beautifully.

Topping

Old-Fashioned Oats

Gives the crisp its iconic chewy-crunchy texture and a hearty bite.

All-Purpose Flour

Provides structure and helps bind the topping into golden, crisp clumps.

Almonds

Adds crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with both the berries and oats.

Brown Sugar

Adds sweetness and caramel-like depth.

Cardamom

Cardamom adds a warm, floral twist that pairs beautifully with berries. For a more traditional flavor, a pinch of cinnamon is a great swap.

Salt

Again, balances the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors in the topping.

Unsalted butter

The fat that binds everything together and helps the topping crisp up in the oven. Butter gives a rich, classic flavor, while coconut oil keeps it dairy-free and slightly tropical. Use Cold butter so it stays solid as you mix it into the flour, oats, and sugar, forming coarse crumbs or clumps. These pockets of fat create that signature crisp and crunchy topping when baked.

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Step by Step Instructions to Make a Mixed Berry Crisp

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Make the filling: In a large bowl, gently toss the berries with honey, balsamic vinegar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest if using. Pour into a 9-inch baking dish or similar-sized ovenproof dish.

Make the topping: In a separate medium bowl, combine oats, flour, almonds, sugar, cardamom (or cinnamon), and salt. Cut in the butter or coconut oil with your fingers or a fork until the mixture is crumbly and clumps form.

Assemble: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the berry mixture.

Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the berries are bubbling around the edges.

Cool slightly before serving. This gives the juices time to set up.

Additional Recipes to Try

Looking for more summer fruit recipes? Check out these yummy ideas:

Easy Fruit Pizza with Brownie Crust – A decadent brownie crust with a buttercream frosting topped with fresh fruit. A showstopping perfect summer dessert!

The Best Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream – Creamy vanilla ice cream swirled with tart and sweet cherries and a Biscoff cookie crumble, it’s a mouthwatering flavor combination you’ll need a double scoop of!

Grilled Peaches with Honey Mascarpone –  the perfect way to enjoy your favorite summer fruit! This dessert is simply delicious!

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