This easy Blackberry Crisp is one of those desserts that checks every box: easy, crowd-friendly, and packed with rich, fruity flavor. You can use fresh or frozen berries, and the topping comes together in minutes with just a few pantry staples.
Blackberry Crisp Recipe
Toss this simple crisp in the oven and let it bubble away while you’re making dinner. What comes out is golden brown, juicy, and the kind of dessert that barely makes it to the table before someone grabs a spoon. Top it with ice cream or whipped cream, and you’ve got a classic that never goes out of style.
It’s all about that oat topping. Cold butter and brown sugar create big, crunchy chunks that contrast perfectly with the soft, baked berries. You’ll want to scoop from the edge to get that caramelized bit where the juices meet the topping.
The filling thickens naturally as it bakes, no complicated steps required. Just toss, top, and bake.
This is a great make-ahead dessert too. Reheats well, and it’s just as good the next day, if it lasts that long.
Why You'll Love This Dish
- Simple Ingredients – Mostly pantry staples and fruit. Nothing fancy needed.
- Feeds a Crowd – Fills a 10×13 pan, perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Great warm or cold, and easy to reheat.
- Freezer-Ready – Use frozen berries right out of the bag.
- Crispy Topping – Buttery, brown sugar oat topping holds up beautifully.
Try my Apple Crisp, too!
Recipe Shopping List
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here's the list of items you'll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Blackberries – The star of the dish. Use frozen or fresh berries that have been slightly frozen to keep them firm during baking.
- Sugar (Granulated) – Sweetens the filling and helps create a syrupy texture as the berries cook down.
- Flour (All-Purpose) – Helps thicken the berry juices to create that classic crisp consistency.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the berries.
- Oatmeal (Old-Fashioned Oats) – Builds the base of the crisp topping; gives texture and crunch.
- Flour (Again, for Topping) – Binds the topping and helps it brown up in the oven.
- Butter (Cold) – Creates flaky, crisp crumbles when cut into the oat topping.
- Brown Sugar – Adds caramel-like flavor and helps the topping brown and crisp.
Have a Blackberry Jam Daiquiri!
How To Make This Recipe
This is just the overview so you can see what you're actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you'll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Preheat Your Oven – Set it to 350°F and spray a 10×13 cake pan with baking spray.
- Prep the Filling – Mix flour and sugar, spread berries in the pan, and pour sugar mixture over. Stir gently. Sprinkle lemon juice over the top.
- Make the Topping – Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly and the butter is in pea-sized chunks.
- Assemble the Crisp – Spread the oat mixture evenly over the berries.
- Bake – Cook for about 1 hour, or until the berries are bubbly, the sauce has thickened, and the topping is golden.
Recipe FAQ
Yes! Just pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes first. It helps keep their shape and gives a better texture during baking.
Definitely. You can bake it earlier in the day and warm it up before serving. It’s also great cold or room temp.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole pan in the oven at 300°F.
Yes, both before and after baking. If freezing before, assemble but don’t bake. Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Absolutely. This base works with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix. Adjust the sugar slightly based on the fruit's tartness.
Blackberry Crisp
Delicious fresh or frozen berries are topped with a cripsy oat topping and then baked for one of the best (and easiest) dessert recipes around.
Ingredients
Berries:
- 8 cups blackberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Topping:
- 1 cups oatmeal
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter, cold and cut into chunks
- 3/4 cups brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Liberally spray a 9x9 cake pan with baking spray.
- Combine the cornstarch and sugar, and stir until fully combined. Toss the berries with the sugar and cornstarch mixture. Stir gently to evenly coat. Some of the sugar may sit on the bottom of the pan. This is okay! Sprinkle lemon juice evenly over the berries.
- Place the oatmeal, flour, butter, and brown sugar into a mixing bowl. Mix until the butter is in pea-sized chunks and the mixture is crumbly.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture over the berries and spread it to cover them evenly.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately one hour. Crisp is done when the berries are bubbly, the mixture has thickened, and the topping is lightly browned. Watch carefully! Baking times will vary depending on your oven and the degree of freezing of your berries.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 537Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 113mgCarbohydrates: 102gFiber: 14gSugar: 67gProtein: 6g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
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