Peanut Butter And Strawberry Crisp

Peanut Butter and Strawberry Crisp is a delightful dessert that balances the hug of creamy peanut butter with the sweet tang of fresh strawberries. This comfort food classic features a juicy layer of vibrant, bubbling strawberries beneath an irresistible crisp topping that is crunchy, nutty, and slightly chewy. It is a versatile dish that charms any crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or an indulgent weeknight treat. With its warm, inviting flavors and soul-satisfying texture, this dessert not only appeals to comfort food lovers but also provides a decadent ending to any meal.

What You’ll Need for Peanut Butter And Strawberry Crisp

Complete Ingredients List

1. 3 lb. strawberries, hulled and halved
2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
3. Juice of 1/2 lemon
4. 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
5. Pinch kosher salt
6. 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
7. 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
8. 1/2 cup granulated sugar (additional)
9. 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
10. 1/2 tsp. kosher salt (additional)
11. 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
12. 4 Tbsp. butter, melted
13. Ice cream, for serving

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

For those with dietary restrictions, several ingredients can be substituted:

• Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-free: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free spread in place of butter, and consider coconut or nut-based ice cream.
• Sugar alternatives: Use coconut sugar or a sweetener of choice, keeping in mind it may alter flavors slightly.

Feel free to add flavor variations such as a handful of nuts for an added crunch, or spices like nutmeg or allspice for warmth.

How to Make Peanut Butter And Strawberry Crisp

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 13” by 9” baking dish, take your hulled and halved strawberries. Toss them with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of kosher salt. This mixture should sit for a moment, allowing the strawberries to release their juices and the sugar to dissolve, creating a sweet, tangy syrup for the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Crisp Topping

In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, additional granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir the dry mixture together to evenly distribute the ingredients. Next, add the creamy peanut butter and melted butter, mixing until the blend forms large clumps. This creates a crunchy texture that’s essential for the topping.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

After allowing the strawberry mixture to rest, it’s time to build your crisp. Pinch pieces of the topping mixture together to create larger clumps, ensuring a nice texture when baked. Scatter this topping evenly over the strawberry mixture, covering it generously but not completely to allow steam to escape as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake the Crisp

Place the 13” by 9” baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping turns a golden brown color and the strawberry mixture is bubbling invitingly, with the edges looking jammy. If you notice the topping browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Once baked, allow the crisp to cool for about 15 minutes before serving, letting the juices thicken slightly.

Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter And Strawberry Crisp

How to Serve Peanut Butter And Strawberry Crisp

This dessert is best served warm, straight from the oven, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. For an appealing presentation, use a large spoon to scoop out generous portions onto individual dessert plates, making sure to include both the strawberry filling and topping in each serving. Topping your Peanut Butter and Strawberry Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast that beautifully complements the crunch of the crisp.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

Beyond vanilla ice cream, consider drizzling some chocolate sauce over the top for a decadent touch, or serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. Fresh mint leaves can serve as an elegant garnish, providing a pop of color and a refreshing flavor. Pair this dessert with a cup of tea or coffee to balance its sweetness, or even a glass of cold almond milk for a cozy evening treat.

Storing & Preserving Peanut Butter And Strawberry Crisp

Best Storage Methods

To store any leftovers of your Peanut Butter and Strawberry Crisp, cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. For long-term storage, the crisp can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. Ensure to allow it to cool completely before freezing.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

When you decide to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the desired portion to an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before baking or microwaving.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter And Strawberry Crisp Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

1. Overmixing the topping: This can result in a dense texture instead of a crumbly, crisp topping.
2. Using unripe strawberries: Ensure your strawberries are ripe and sweet; this dramatically impacts flavor.
3. Ignoring oven temperature: An oven that is too hot or too cool can lead to uneven cooking or burnt topping.

Helpful Tricks for Success

• Use fresh, organic strawberries for the best flavor.
• Leave the strawberries to macerate for at least 15 minutes to enhance sweetness and create more juice.
• Experiment with spices: A pinch of nutmeg or clove can elevate the flavor profile of both the strawberries and the topping.

Fun Variations of Peanut Butter And Strawberry Crisp

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

While this recipe shines in its classic form, the beauty lies in its versatility. Consider adding a layer of sliced bananas or diced apples for additional fruit flavors. Pecans or walnuts can be incorporated into the topping for added texture and richness.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

For those following specific diets, consider making the recipe vegan by substituting butter with coconut oil and replacing the dairy-based ice cream with a vegan alternative. To create a lower-sugar version, you can use stevia or erythritol in place of granulated sugar, modifying the quantities to taste.

FAQs

What If My Peanut Butter And Strawberry Crisp Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your crisp doesn’t set properly and is overly soupy, it might be due to too many strawberries or not enough cornstarch. Don’t panic; if it’s not firm, you can always place it back in the oven to help set or add a little extra cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken. If the crisp appears dry, a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of sauce will enhance the moisture.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Yes! You can prepare the strawberry filling and the crisp topping separately ahead of time. Store the strawberry mixture in the refrigerator for up to a day and keep the topping in a cool, dry place. When ready to bake, layer them together in your baking dish and follow the baking instructions. You can also assemble the whole dish ahead and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

Many ingredients offer room for swaps: agave syrup can substitute for sugar, almond butter can replace peanut butter, and various types of flour can be used to suit gluten sensitivities. Don’t hesitate to get creative with add-ins like dried fruits, alternate spices, or other nut butters depending on your preference or dietary needs.

This Peanut Butter and Strawberry Crisp is not just a comforting dessert but a canvas for creativity and adaptation, allowing you to celebrate flavors that satisfy your taste buds while nourishing the soul. Enjoy the baking journey and the delightful moments shared over this heartwarming dessert!

Print