Summer Berry Crumble
This is one of those recipes that was given to my Mom from a friend all the way back in the summer of 1994. And then it was given to me 10 years ago when I got married, and now I've given it my neighbors and friends, and now to you. :) It's the perfect summer fruit and berry dessert, in my opinion. And that topping? Well, good luck not eating all of it right out of the bowl after you mix it up!
The original recipe called for a box of frozen cherries and a large can of crushed pineapple, but that's not really my favorite combo. So! Over the years it's morphed into whatever fresh or frozen fruit you've got on hand, and some pineapple. The can of crushed is preferred since the topping will soak up it's juices, but sometimes I'll cube a fresh pineapple if that's all I've got.
I've done peaches and raspberries together, frozen strawberries and fresh blueberries together, or blackberries and fresh cherries together. You really can't go wrong! Just keep the pineapple as part of the base ingredients and you'll be good to go.
And assuming you won't eat the entire pan at your next family gathering, any leftover pieces are delicious the following day, warm or cold, with your morning coffee. I mean, it's got oatmeal in it... so... that's breakfast in my book.
INGREDIENTS:
20 oz can Crushed Pineapple (in juice)
20 oz (or so) Strawberries (Fresh or Frozen)
Additional Fruit if you have it — I used 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries for this one!
18 oz Yellow Cake Mix
1 1/4 cups Quick Cooking Oatmeal
2 cups chopped nuts (I prefer walnuts)
3/4 cups butter (melted)
*Best served with Vanilla Ice Cream.
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350.
Spray 9x13 baking pan. Spread crushed pineapple with juice in the bottom of the pan. Top with whatever fresh or frozen fruit you’ve decided to use!
In a separate bowl, combine cake mix, oatmeal, nuts, and melted butter. Mix well to create a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle mixture evenly on top of fruit layer in baking dish. Press the top layer down firmly.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing or scooping into bowls. Serve with vanilla bean ice cream. Enjoy!