A decadent twist on a summer classic, this strawberry goat cheese crumble with a basil balsamic reduction is everything your ice cream needs. You’ll fall in love with farm fresh strawberries and raspberries, maple goat cheese, and the spelt pecan crumble.
I am a crumble girl. I can’t even count the number of times I have made Smitten Kitchen’s Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble. It’s all a blur to me now. A wonderful, euphoric blur. The recipe is plastered on the inside of my head I love it so much. But I am also a creative. Which means I just can’t help fixing something that isn’t broken.
This strawberry goat cheese crumble is a result of a conscious effort to play around with flavors and textures. It hones in on the sweetness of fresh farm raspberries and strawberries, the creamy tang of goat cheese, and the nutty, cookie-like crunch of the spelt and pecan crumble. It’s like pie met cheesecake, and then had the tastiest baby around. And if that, and a large scoop of vanilla, weren’t enough, cuz it never is with me, it’s drizzled with a basil infused balsamic reduction. 
One taster commented that it had the flavor notes of witchcraft with a little hint of magic. Best compliment ever!
Whether you’re up to your elbows with fresh picked berries or are a crumble addict like I am, this strawberry goat cheese crumble goes above and beyond the ability to not disappoint.
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Strawberry Goat Cheese Crumble
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and tangy crumble topping baked atop a summer berry filling. Drizzle with basil-infused balsamic for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- 0.75 cups (178 ml) spelt flour
- 0.25 cups (59 ml) oats
- 1 cups (237 ml) raw pecans
- 3 Tbsp coconut or cane sugar
- 0.25 cups (59 ml) butter
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.25 tsp sea salt
- 1 quarts (946 ml) strawberries
- 2 cups (473 ml) fresh raspberries
- 2 Tbsp tapioca or 3 Tbsp corn starch
- 0.33 cups (79 ml) maple syrup
- 1 lbs (140 g) goat cheese
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) fresh basil
Instructions
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
CRUMBLE
- In a medium bowl, toss together crumble ingredients (except melted butter) until incorporated.
- Pour in butter and mix until combined.
- Refrigerate crumble.
FILLING
- In another medium bowl, fold together filling ingredients until coated with tapioca/cornstarch and maple syrup.
- Add medium chunks of goat cheese and gently fold to distribute evenly.
- Pour filling into a 9-inch (23 cm) pie pan or 2-quart (2 L) casserole.
BALSAMIC REDUCTION
- Add balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat slightly to maintain a simmer.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add basil, and stir.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Strain out basil.
BAKE
- Remove crumble from refrigerator and break it apart over the filling.
- Place in oven on a sheet pan to catch drips.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Let sit for at least 20 minutes before serving.
- Serve with balsamic reduction and ice cream.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For a richer crumble, use cold butter straight from the refrigerator and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingers.
- To prevent a soggy bottom, pre-bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the berry filling.
- Substitute other berries like blueberries or blackberries for some or all of the raspberries and strawberries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven-Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 20
Find it online: https://honestcooking.com/strawberry-goat-cheese-crumble/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese instead of goat cheese?
While goat cheese adds a creamy tang that complements the strawberries and raspberries, you could substitute with cream cheese or mascarpone for a different flavor profile.
What can I use instead of spelt flour for the crumble?
You can substitute all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend if you prefer, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How do I make the basil balsamic reduction?
To make the basil balsamic reduction, simmer balsamic vinegar with fresh basil leaves until it reduces by half and thickens slightly, then strain out the basil before drizzling over the crumble.
