This tangy, sweet, and savory balsamic strawberry crisp turns ripe strawberries into a dreamy dessert with goat cheese and a golden oat topping. Perfect for springtime!
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There are some dishes that come about purely by accident, born out of the need to use up what’s left in the fridge or to find a solution for wilting ingredients. This balsamic strawberry crisp is one of those happy accidents. And it all started with a few strawberries that had seen better days. Soft, a little overripe, but still holding on to the hope of being something delicious.
I was staring at them one afternoon, trying to figure out what to do, when a friend casually suggested adding balsamic vinegar and goat cheese to the mix. I wasn’t sure how it would all turn out, but it was the perfect challenge to break up a dull kitchen routine.
To my surprise, what came out of that day was a dessert that has quickly become one of my springtime favorites. The combination of balsamic vinegar and goat cheese with strawberries created a unique twist on a classic fruit crisp. It wasn’t overly sweet, but instead, it was balanced and rich in a way that only a good combination of flavors can achieve.
New Sweet Discovery in the Kitchen
What I love most about this balsamic strawberry crisp is how the tartness of the balsamic vinegar and the creamy goat cheese perfectly complement the sweetness of the strawberries. It creates a flavor profile that is both surprising and comforting at the same time. And when paired with the crunch of the oat-based crisp topping, it became a dessert that felt like a celebration of spring.
That first bite was unlike any crisp I had made before. The balsamic vinegar, subtle yet bold, brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit while cutting through its juiciness.
The goat cheese adds a creamy, savory layer that perfectly contrasts with the fruit, making every bite more complex and satisfying. The oats form a golden, crunchy top that gives this dessert a bit of heartiness, making it feel like a meal in itself.
Ever since that day in the kitchen, I’ve been making this dish whenever strawberries are in season. The flavor combination has been so well-loved that it’s become a go-to recipe for family gatherings or when I’m craving something light but comforting.
It pairs wonderfully with other spring favorites, think paleo strawberry scones or a fresh lemon almond yogurt cake with strawberries, and always gets compliments for its unique flavor.
A Berry Delicious Seasonal Favorite
Strawberries have always held a special place in our kitchen. During the spring months, Leo and Lin are the first to spot the ripe berries at the local farmer’s market. They eagerly pluck them from baskets, their hands stained with juice as they munch on them right there in the sun. And there was something magical about strawberries, whether fresh and unadorned or turned into strawberry-rhubarb compote for chia pudding, they always remind me of the fleeting sweetness of spring.
But it’s not just about enjoying them fresh. This balsamic strawberry crisp celebrates the season by using strawberries in a way that highlights their versatility. I’ve made honey strawberry jam with oregano blossoms and thyme to preserve their flavor throughout the year, and when we have leftovers of this crisp, I love to use it as a topping for toast or stirred into yogurt.
The combination of flavors in this dish, especially with the subtle balsamic and the creamy goat cheese, takes the simple strawberry to new heights. It reminds me of those early days of experimenting in the kitchen, the excitement of making something unexpected and realizing it had turned into something delicious.
Ingredients
- Strawberries – Overripe or wilting strawberries are perfect for this balsamic strawberry crisp! The balsamic vinegar and baking bring out their natural sweetness, turning them jam-like. You can always use frozen strawberries, though I recommend thawing them and draining off excess moisture before use.
- Oats and Oat Flour – The combination of oats and oat flour forms the perfect crisp topping. Oats provide a hearty, chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft strawberries. I use gluten-free oats for their ability to crisp up nicely in the oven, but if you don't need a gluten-free option, old-fashioned rolled oats work just as well. Oat flour helps bind the topping and adds a light, fine texture, balancing the hearty oats. If you don’t have oat flour, regular all-purpose or almond flour can be used as a substitute.
- Balsamic Vinegar – The balsamic vinegar is what sets this recipe apart. It’s not overly sweet, but it adds an earthy depth to the dish. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, a splash of red wine vinegar can be used, but the flavor will be slightly sharper.
- Goat Cheese – Goat cheese adds a creamy, savory element to this crisp. I prefer soft, fresh goat cheese for this dish, as it melts beautifully and adds depth. If goat cheese isn’t your thing, you can try mascarpone or cream cheese, but the flavor will be milder.
- Honey– A drizzle of honey at the end adds a natural sweetness and a little shine to the crisp. You can adjust the amount depending on your sweetness preference, and if you don’t have honey, maple syrup works as a great substitute.
See the recipe card for full list and exact quantities.
How to Make Balsamic Strawberry Crisp Recipe
This balsamic strawberry crisp is the perfect way to rescue those overripe strawberries, turning them into a dessert that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors all at once. It’s simple, yet full of character, and the perfect recipe for spring. Here's how you can make this delicious dessert:
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the crisp will bake evenly and develop a perfect golden top.
Prepare the Oat Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine oats, oat flour, butter, sugar, and salt. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a crumbly, slightly moist mixture. It should form into little clumps that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Prepare the Strawberries
Next, wash and slice your strawberries. Arrange them in a 9-inch baking pan. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the fruit, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, and give it a gentle toss to coat the strawberries evenly. The balsamic vinegar not only intensifies the sweetness of the berries but also adds a subtle depth that makes this dessert special.
Top with Goat Cheese
Dot the strawberry mixture with small spoonfuls of goat cheese. The creaminess of the goat cheese pairs beautifully with the strawberries, adding a savory touch that balances the dessert’s natural sweetness.
Top with Oat Mixture
Evenly spread the oat topping over the strawberries and goat cheese, ensuring the fruit is well-covered. This will bake into a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft, juicy strawberries beneath.
Bake the Mix
Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbly.
Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle more fresh thyme leaves over the top, along with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Drizzle with honey to add a final touch of sweetness. The thyme, salt, and honey will elevate the flavor and balance the richness of the goat cheese.
Serve and Enjoy!
For a fun and different take on serving, try pairing this crisp with some lightly salted crackers. The crisp’s sweet and savory elements are a great contrast to the crackers’ crunch. Alternatively, you can enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Storage
If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Simply let the crisp cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual servings for about 30 seconds. The crisp topping will soften slightly after being stored, but don’t worry! The flavors will continue to meld which makes it just as comforting the next day.
Top Tips
Use Ripe Strawberries, Even If They're Slightly Overripe – not all strawberries need to be perfectly fresh. If they’re too soft to eat, toss them into this crisp! The balsamic vinegar and goat cheese bring out their sweetness, creating a perfect texture. Just avoid overly mushy berries that won’t hold up in the topping.
Try Different Cheese Options - if goat cheese isn’t your thing, feel free to try mascarpone or ricotta cheese. They’ll give the crisp a different, but still rich, texture. Keep in mind, goat cheese adds a tangy depth that these cheeses won’t quite replicate.
Balance the Balsamic - balsamic vinegar can be a strong flavor, so don’t overdo it! A little goes a long way, and it should complement the sweetness of the strawberries rather than overpower them. I’ve found that drizzling just enough to coat the fruit and give it that touch of acidity works best.
Recipe
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Balsamic Strawberry Crisp Recipe
Equipment
- 9x9 baking dish
- Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats gluten-free oats or old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup oat flour or up to 2 tablespoon more as needed
- ½ cup butter cubed
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 4 tablespoon goat cheese
- 2 cups strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 10 thyme sprigs leaves removed, plus more for topping
- Honey to taste
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat up while you prepare the crisp topping and strawberries.
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, oat flour, butter, brown sugar, and flaky sea salt. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms a crumbly, clumpy texture.
- Spray a 9-inch baking dish with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the sliced strawberries in the dish, and drizzle balsamic vinegar over them. Sprinkle the coarsely ground black pepper for added depth, then dot the strawberries with small spoonfuls of goat cheese.
- Evenly spread the oat mixture over the top of the strawberries and goat cheese, covering them well.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle more fresh thyme leaves on top, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and drizzle with honey to taste. This step enhances the flavor balance and adds a sweet, glossy finish. Serve warm with crackers for a savory contrast, or enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
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