Name: Triple Berry Bliss
Ingredients: For the Berry Filling: Fresh Strawberries (2 cups, hulled and halved or quartered if large): Strawberries provide a beautiful sweetness and juicy texture. They are the backbone of our berry trio. When selecting strawberries, look for bright red, firm berries with fresh green caps. Avoid berries that are bruised or mushy.; Fresh Blueberries (2 cups): Blueberries bring a slightly tart and earthy sweetness, along with a delightful pop of texture. Choose plump, firm blueberries with a deep blue color and a silvery bloom (a natural protective coating). Smaller blueberries tend to be sweeter.; Fresh Raspberries (2 cups): Raspberries add a vibrant tartness and delicate floral aroma that perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberries and blueberries. Opt for bright red, plump raspberries that are not too soft or mushy. They are more delicate than other berries, so handle them gently.; Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup, plus more to taste): Sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the berries and helps to create a syrupy sauce as they bake. The amount can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your berries and your personal preference. Taste your berry mixture before baking and add a little more sugar if needed.; Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Cornstarch is the secret ingredient to thickening the berry juices as they bake, preventing a watery dessert and creating a lovely, luscious berry sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder as a substitute in equal amounts.; Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, fresh): Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors of the berries, adds a touch of acidity, and prevents the dessert from being overly sweet. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its vibrant flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.; Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon, pure): Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the berry filling. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor; imitation vanilla can be used, but the flavor will be less complex.; For the Crumble Topping: All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): All-purpose flour provides the structure for the crumble topping. Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping it directly from the bag, which can pack the flour and lead to a drier topping.; Oats (1 cup, rolled oats, not instant): Oats add a wonderful chewy texture and nutty flavor to the crumble topping. Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, are preferred for their texture. Instant oats will become too mushy. You can use quick-cooking oats if that’s all you have, but the texture will be slightly different.; Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed light or dark brown sugar): Brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to the topping, contributing to its delicious caramel-like notes. Light or dark brown sugar will both work; dark brown sugar will result in a slightly richer flavor. Make sure to pack the brown sugar firmly when measuring.; Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): A small amount of granulated sugar adds extra sweetness and crispness to the crumble topping.; Cold Unsalted Butter (1 cup, 2 sticks, cut into small cubes): Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly texture. The cold butter, when mixed with the dry ingredients, creates pockets of fat that melt during baking, resulting in a tender and crumbly topping. Make sure your butter is very cold. You can even cube it and put it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes before using.; Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, ground): Cinnamon adds warmth and a classic spice flavor that complements the berries beautifully. Freshly ground cinnamon will have the most potent flavor, but pre-ground cinnamon is perfectly fine.; Pinch of Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and balances the sweetness. A pinch of salt is all you need.; Frozen Berries: While fresh berries are ideal for Triple Berry Bliss, you can use frozen berries if fresh berries are not in season or readily available. Do not thaw frozen berries before using them. Add them to the recipe frozen and you may need to bake the dessert for a slightly longer time to ensure the berries are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.; Other Berries: Feel free to experiment with other types of berries, such as blackberries, marionberries, or even a mix of different berry varieties. The key is to maintain a balance of sweet and tart flavors.; Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour in the crumble topping with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or guar gum for binding. Also, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, as oats can sometimes be processed in facilities that also handle wheat.; Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter in the crumble topping with a vegan butter alternative. Make sure to use a vegan butter that is solid at cold temperatures and behaves similarly to dairy butter in baking. Coconut oil (solid form) can also be used, but it will impart a slight coconut flavor.; Nut Topping: For added crunch and flavor, you can incorporate chopped nuts into the crumble topping. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be delicious additions. Add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the topping mixture.; Spice Variations: Instead of cinnamon, you could use other warm spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom, or a combination of spices to create a different flavor profile.

Ingredients

The magic of Triple Berry Bliss truly lies in the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Let’s break down each component and discuss why they are crucial and what substitutions you can consider if needed.

For the Berry Filling:
- Fresh Strawberries (2 cups, hulled and halved or quartered if large): Strawberries provide a beautiful sweetness and juicy texture. They are the backbone of our berry trio. When selecting strawberries, look for bright red, firm berries with fresh green caps. Avoid berries that are bruised or mushy.
- Fresh Blueberries (2 cups): Blueberries bring a slightly tart and earthy sweetness, along with a delightful pop of texture. Choose plump, firm blueberries with a deep blue color and a silvery bloom (a natural protective coating). Smaller blueberries tend to be sweeter.
- Fresh Raspberries (2 cups): Raspberries add a vibrant tartness and delicate floral aroma that perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberries and blueberries. Opt for bright red, plump raspberries that are not too soft or mushy. They are more delicate than other berries, so handle them gently.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup, plus more to taste): Sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the berries and helps to create a syrupy sauce as they bake. The amount can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your berries and your personal preference. Taste your berry mixture before baking and add a little more sugar if needed.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Cornstarch is the secret ingredient to thickening the berry juices as they bake, preventing a watery dessert and creating a lovely, luscious berry sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder as a substitute in equal amounts.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, fresh): Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors of the berries, adds a touch of acidity, and prevents the dessert from being overly sweet. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its vibrant flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon, pure): Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the berry filling. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor; imitation vanilla can be used, but the flavor will be less complex.
For the Crumble Topping:
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): All-purpose flour provides the structure for the crumble topping. Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping it directly from the bag, which can pack the flour and lead to a drier topping.
- Oats (1 cup, rolled oats, not instant): Oats add a wonderful chewy texture and nutty flavor to the crumble topping. Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, are preferred for their texture. Instant oats will become too mushy. You can use quick-cooking oats if that’s all you have, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed light or dark brown sugar): Brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to the topping, contributing to its delicious caramel-like notes. Light or dark brown sugar will both work; dark brown sugar will result in a slightly richer flavor. Make sure to pack the brown sugar firmly when measuring.
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): A small amount of granulated sugar adds extra sweetness and crispness to the crumble topping.
- Cold Unsalted Butter (1 cup, 2 sticks, cut into small cubes): Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly texture. The cold butter, when mixed with the dry ingredients, creates pockets of fat that melt during baking, resulting in a tender and crumbly topping. Make sure your butter is very cold. You can even cube it and put it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes before using.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, ground): Cinnamon adds warmth and a classic spice flavor that complements the berries beautifully. Freshly ground cinnamon will have the most potent flavor, but pre-ground cinnamon is perfectly fine.
- Pinch of Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and balances the sweetness. A pinch of salt is all you need.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations:

Frozen Berries: While fresh berries are ideal for Triple Berry Bliss, you can use frozen berries if fresh berries are not in season or readily available. Do not thaw frozen berries before using them. Add them to the recipe frozen and you may need to bake the dessert for a slightly longer time to ensure the berries are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
Other Berries: Feel free to experiment with other types of berries, such as blackberries, marionberries, or even a mix of different berry varieties. The key is to maintain a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour in the crumble topping with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or guar gum for binding. Also, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, as oats can sometimes be processed in facilities that also handle wheat.
Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter in the crumble topping with a vegan butter alternative. Make sure to use a vegan butter that is solid at cold temperatures and behaves similarly to dairy butter in baking. Coconut oil (solid form) can also be used, but it will impart a slight coconut flavor.
Nut Topping: For added crunch and flavor, you can incorporate chopped nuts into the crumble topping. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be delicious additions. Add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the topping mixture.
Spice Variations: Instead of cinnamon, you could use other warm spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom, or a combination of spices to create a different flavor profile.

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Instructions

Making Triple Berry Bliss is surprisingly easy, and these detailed instructions will guide you through each step to ensure perfect results.

Step 1: Prepare the Berry Filling

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar sized oven-safe dish. This size is ideal for the amount of filling and topping.
Combine Berries: In a large bowl, gently combine the fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Be careful not to crush the delicate raspberries.
Add Sugar, Cornstarch, Lemon Juice, and Vanilla: Sprinkle the granulated sugar and cornstarch over the berries. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract over the top.
Gently Toss to Combine: Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract together until the berries are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the berries to release too much juice prematurely. The cornstarch will help to thicken the juices as the berries bake.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the berry mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly in a single layer.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined.
Cut in Cold Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients.
Cut Butter into Dry Ingredients: Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or two knives, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and the largest pieces of butter are no bigger than pea-sized. The goal is to have small pockets of butter throughout the dry ingredients. If using your fingertips, work quickly to keep the butter cold. If using a pastry blender or knives, use a rocking motion to cut the butter into smaller pieces.
Crumble Topping Texture: The mixture should be crumbly and slightly clumpy. Avoid overworking the mixture, as this can make the topping tough rather than crumbly.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Distribute Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the berry filling in the baking dish. Make sure to distribute it so that it covers most of the berries, but some berries can peek through.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the berry filling is bubbly and heated through. The bake time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Check for Doneness: The crumble topping should be nicely browned and crisp, and you should see the berry juices bubbling around the edges of the dish. You can gently insert a toothpick into the center of the berry filling to check if it is heated through; it should come out warm.
Cool Slightly: Remove the Triple Berry Bliss from the oven and let it cool slightly for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the berry filling to thicken a bit and prevents burning your mouth with hot berries.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serving Options: Triple Berry Bliss is delicious served warm. Serve it as is, or with your favorite toppings (see the “How to Serve” section for detailed serving suggestions).
Storage: Leftover Triple Berry Bliss can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving. The topping may lose some of its crispness upon refrigeration, but it will still be delicious.

Tips for Success:

Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter is crucial for a crumbly topping. Make sure your butter is very cold before cutting it into the dry ingredients.
Don’t Overmix Topping: Avoid overmixing the crumble topping mixture. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher topping. Mix just until the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Use Fresh, Ripe Berries: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe berries. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them beforehand and bake for a slightly longer time.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your berry mixture before baking and adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, depending on the sweetness of your berries.
Prevent Over-Browning: If the crumble topping starts to brown too quickly before the berry filling is cooked through, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 450
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg