Skillet Berry Crisp

This easy fruit crisp is bursting with juicy berries and topped with a sweet, buttery oat topping. It’s the kind of dessert that feels rustic and effortless—but delivers big on flavor.

And did I mention it’s all made right in a skillet? That makes prep and cleanup easy and gives this dessert a rustic, straight-from-the-oven charm. A cast iron skillet works especially well, but any oven-safe skillet will do.

Why You’ll Love This Berry Crisp Recipe

• Easy to make. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a go-to dessert for busy days or last-minute guests.
• Big berry flavor. Use your favorite mix of berries for a juicy, vibrant filling that shines.
• Crispy, buttery topping. Oats, brown sugar, and cold butter create a topping with just the right crunch.
• Skillet baked. Everything comes together in one pan for easy baking and serving.
• Great warm or cold. Enjoy it straight from the oven or chilled the next day. It’s delicious either way!

Crisps vs Crumbles

You might also hear this kind of dessert called a crumble. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but technically, a crisp includes oats in the topping, while a crumble usually doesn’t. Since this topping has plenty of oats for that signature crisp texture, we’re calling it what it is—a crisp! If you’re curious about how crisps, crumbles, cobblers, and other fruit desserts compare, I break it all down in this guide to fruit desserts.

Key Ingredients

• Old-fashioned oats – The star of the topping! They give it that classic crisp texture and a hearty bite.
• Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor, plus it helps the topping brown beautifully.
• Cold butter – Essential for creating those buttery, crumbly bits in the topping. It melts as it bakes, giving the topping its texture.
• Assorted berries – Use your favorites! Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries—any mix will work. They break down into a jammy filling as they bake.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the filling so it’s not too runny once the berries release their juices.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the fruit filling.

How to Make Skillet Berry Crisp

• Make the topping. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps ensure even distribution before cutting in the butter. Cold butter is key to getting that perfect crumbly texture.
• Chill the topping. A short chill keeps the butter firm, which helps create a crisp, golden topping as it bakes.

• Mix the filling. Toss the berries gently with the sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla to evenly coat without breaking down the fruit.
• Assemble in a skillet. Using an oven-safe skillet gives the crisp a rustic look and makes it easy to bake and serve from one dish.
• Bake until bubbly. Look for the filling to bubble around the edges and the topping to turn golden brown—signs it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a spoonful of crème fraîche. It’s also great on its own, especially if you sneak a bite for breakfast the next day.

Variations

• Change up the fruit. Try chopped apples, peaches, or plums instead of berries. Use a mix of favorites or just choose one.
• Add nuts. Mix in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds with the topping for extra crunch.
• Add citrus zest. A bit of lemon or orange zest brightens the filling and adds a fresh twist.
• Spice it up. Swap the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile.

How to Store

• Refrigerator: Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or warm the whole skillet in a low oven.
• Freezer: You can also freeze the baked crisp: let it cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.