Mixed Berry Crumble Pie with Easy Press-in Crust

Why You’ll Love This Mixed Berry Crumble Pie

This recipe starts with a press-in crust that skips the rolling pin entirely. Just mix, press into the pie plate, and you’re done. Just like my Vegan Pear-Cranberry Tart, it’s a forgiving base that delivers crisp results without needing a traditional pie shell. 

The filling combines fresh or thawed frozen berries with lemon juice, a touch of sweetener, and just enough thickener to make the slices hold. A buttery streusel acts as the top of the pie, giving you all the comfort of a classic double crust without the extra effort. If you love fruit-forward bakes, my Strawberry-Rhubarb Cornmeal Crisp delivers similar flavor and crunch.

This pie is equally welcome at summer picnics or weeknight dinners and is especially good with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s easy enough for beginners and flexible for seasonal swaps. If you’re a berry lover, you’ll also enjoy my Whole Grain Mixed Berry Buckle or Blueberry Spelt Muffins with Flax for quick weekday treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust

• Unbleached all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend): This is the sturdy foundation of your crust; think of it as the canvas for all the flavors to come. Choosing a gluten-free blend makes this pie accessible to everyone at your table.
• White whole wheat flour (or whole wheat pastry flour): Just a sprinkle of whole grain kicks up the nutrition and gives you that cozy, nutty taste without weighing you down.
• Cane sugar: A touch of natural sweetness to complement our vibrant berries, just enough to feel indulgent, not overdone.
• Sea salt: A tiny pinch of salt sharpens every flavor note, from buttery crust to juicy filling.
• Aluminum-free baking powder: This little helper puffs up the crust perfectly, with all the lift you need and no metallic aftertaste.
• Ground cinnamon: A warm hug in spice form; cinnamon deepens the berry flavors and makes every bite feel like home.
• Unsalted butter (or plant-based butter), melted and cooled: Butter coats the flour for a tender, flaky texture, while a plant-based alternative gives you all the richness with a vegan twist.
• Cold water: Keeps the dough cool and shy, so it bakes up tender instead of tough, using just the right amount to bring everything together.

For the Crumb Topping

• Unbleached all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend): The backbone of your crumble, creating those irresistible golden clusters on top.
• Cane sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes into crunchy pockets that play off the tart berries below.
• Sea salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the butter’s creamy notes.
• Unsalted butter (or plant-based butter), melted: Binds the topping into perfect crumbs without clumps or dryness.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma that makes the whole kitchen smell like comfort.
• Almond extract (optional): A few drops bring a whisper of nutty elegance that highlights the berries’ natural sweetness.
• Diced candied ginger or chopped nuts (optional): For an extra surprise, ginger adds a bright zing and nuts lend a satisfying crunch and extra nutrition.

For the Berry Filling

• Mixed berries (fresh or thawed frozen): A vibrant blend of sweet, tart, and juicy flavors. Use peak-season berries for the best taste or frozen ones year-round for consistent quality.
• Lemon zest: The bright spark that keeps the filling fresh and lively on your palate.
• Lemon juice: Natural acidity to balance sweetness and make each berry pop.
• Cane sugar: Just enough to sweeten without masking the true berry taste.
• Arrowroot or corn starch: Thickens to a glossy, slice-worthy filling, with arrowroot for clarity or corn starch for a creamier look.
• Sea salt: Enhances every fruity note, like a secret ingredient that brings harmony.
• Berry liqueur (optional): A splash of Chambord or your favorite berry cordial adds warmth and depth, turning this into a truly elevated dessert.

Feel free to swap in plant-based ingredients or gluten-free flours to suit your kitchen — every choice brings both flavor and nourishment to the table.

How to Make This Mixed Berry Crumble Pie

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F and place a rack at the bottom. If you have a baking steel or pizza stone, place it on the rack now to help ensure the bottom of the crust bakes crisp.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add cold water to lukewarm melted butter, stir, and pour into the flour mix. Combine with a fork until clumpy and press evenly into a pie plate. Chill for 10 to 20 minutes while you make the filling and topping.

Step 3: For the crumble, mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Stir vanilla and optional almond extract into melted butter and pour over the dry ingredients. Use a fork to make coarse crumbs. Add candied ginger or chopped nuts if using. Set aside.

Step 4: Toss your mix of berries with lemon zest and juice. In a separate bowl, stir together sugar, arrowroot or tapioca flour, and salt. Sprinkle over the fruit and gently combine until no dry spots remain.

Step 5: Pour the berry mixture into the chilled crust and spread into an even layer. This step transforms the filling into a classic mixed berry pie before adding the streusel topping. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit.

Step 6: Place pie on a baking sheet and set it on the oven rack. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F. If the top of the pie or edges darken too quickly, shield them with aluminum foil. Bake another 45 to 50 minutes, or until juices are bubbling near the edge and the topping is golden brown.

Step 7: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely. This helps the filling ingredients set and slice neatly.

Pro Tip: Always place the pie on a baking sheet on the bottom oven rack. This ensures the bottom of the crust bakes through and catches any bubbling juices.

Recipe FAQs

Mixed berry crumble pie is the kind of dessert that looks impressive but feels easy. With a no-fuss crust, a flavorful mix of berries, and a crispy crumble topping, it’s the perfect way to celebrate summer fruit. Let me know in the comments if you try it, or check out my Apple Tart Cherry Pie with Crumble Topping for another simple option.

More Summer Dessert Recipes

• Grain-Free Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Tart
• Spiced Peach Shortcake Recipe with Homemade Whipped Cream
• Strawberry-Yerba Mate Popsicles
• Key Lime Pie Recipe