When the winter chill sets in across Melbourne, nothing beats the warm, fragrant comfort of a berry crumble fresh out of the oven. At Gertrude Grocer, we believe that great desserts begin with great ingredients. Our shelves are stocked with the winter produce, gourmet pantry items, and finishing touches you need to make a perfectly balanced crumble — tart, sweet, buttery and golden.
Here’s your guide to crafting a winter berry crumble that feels like a hug in dessert form.
Choosing the Right Berries for Winter Baking
While summer may be known for fresh berries, winter has its own bounty — and frozen berries, preserved fruits, and winter-hardy varieties make this dessert possible year-round.
Our favourite berry options available at Gertrude Grocer:
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Frozen Mixed Berries – A blend of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries for flavour and colour.
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Frozen Blueberries – Juicy and vibrant, perfect for thickening naturally.
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Poached or Preserved Berries – Look for imported berry preserves with minimal sugar.
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Seasonal Rhubarb – Not a berry, but a perfect tart partner to add depth and texture.
Tip: Combine a few different berries for a more complex flavour — like sweet blueberries with tart raspberries.
Crafting the Perfect Crumble Topping
The crumble topping should be buttery, crisp, and golden. Here's our go-to formula:
Ingredients:
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1 cup plain flour (we stock high-quality European flour for a premium finish)
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½ cup rolled oats
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½ cup brown sugar
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125g cold butter, cubed
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Pinch of salt
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Optional: Chopped roasted hazelnuts or almonds, available in our dry goods section
Method:
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Combine flour, oats, and sugar in a bowl.
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Rub butter in with fingertips until it forms coarse crumbs.
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Stir in nuts for added crunch and flavour.
For extra indulgence, you can swap out part of the flour for almond meal or a tablespoon of our Ridiculously Delicious Peanut Butter (yes, it works!).
Building Your Crumble: Step-by-Step
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Preheat oven to 180°C (fan-forced).
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In a baking dish, toss 3 cups of berries with 1 tablespoon of cornflour and 2 tablespoons of raw sugar.
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Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a touch of vanilla extract (stocked in our baking section).
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Top generously with your crumble mixture.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes or until topping is golden and berries are bubbling.
Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy It Best
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Slightly warm, straight from the oven.
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Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of double cream, or a drizzle of pouring custard — all available at Gertrude Grocer.
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Sprinkle over cinnamon or nutmeg from our spice aisle for added winter warmth.
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Serve leftovers for breakfast (we won’t tell), topped with Greek yoghurt.
Shop the Crumble Essentials at Gertrude Grocer
You’ll find everything you need for your winter crumble at Gertrude Grocer, including:
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Frozen and preserved berries
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European flours and pantry staples
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Artisanal butters and creams
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Spices, sugar, and oats
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Nut toppings and preserves
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Gourmet custards and local dairy
Explore our full selection here.
Final Tip: Make It Yours
Berry crumble is endlessly customisable. Add rhubarb, drizzle with honey, or make it gluten-free by swapping out flour for almond meal or gluten-free flour. Keep it classic or make it gourmet — the choice is yours, and the ingredients are right here at Gertrude Grocer.