Small-Batch Berry Gratins – Sweet, Juicy, and Golden

Small-Batch Berry Gratins are a simple and elegant dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh berries. Lightly sweetened berries are topped with a crisp, golden sugar crust and baked just until bubbly. Perfect for individual servings, brunch, or a light dessert, these gratins are quick to make and bursting with fresh berry flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Juicy – Ripe berries are the star of the dish.
Golden & Crunchy – A sugar crust adds texture and a caramelized finish.
Quick & Easy – Perfect for small batches with minimal prep.
Versatile & Elegant – Ideal for dessert, brunch, or as a sweet snack.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries, halved if large)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for extra juiciness)
  • 2 tsp turbinado or coarse sugar for topping
  • Optional: fresh mint for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease two small ramekins or an oven-safe dish.
  2. Prepare the Berries
    In a bowl, toss berries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch if using. Divide evenly among ramekins.
  3. Add Topping
    Sprinkle coarse sugar evenly over the berries. This will create a caramelized, crunchy crust.
  4. Bake
    Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until berries are bubbly and the sugar crust is golden.
  5. Serve
    Let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh mint if desired and serve warm, with cream or yogurt if preferred.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~150
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Sugar: 25g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

  • Use Ripe Berries – Ensures natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Coarse Sugar for Crunch – Turbinado or raw sugar creates a perfect caramelized crust.
  • Serve Warm – Best enjoyed right out of the oven, optionally with whipped cream or yogurt.

Why This Recipe Works

The natural sweetness of fresh berries pairs beautifully with a lightly crunchy, caramelized sugar topping. Baking in small ramekins concentrates the flavor and allows for quick, even cooking, making this a perfect dessert for two or a few guests.

Small-Batch Berry Gratins are a quick, elegant, and naturally sweet dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Juicy berries, a golden sugar crust, and simple preparation make this dish both delightful and satisfying.

Small-Batch Berry Gratins – Sweet, Juicy, and Golden

Servings

2-4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

150

kcal

Individual baked berry gratins with a golden, caramelized sugar crust — sweet, juicy, and perfect for a quick dessert or brunch treat.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries, halved if large)

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for extra juiciness)

  • 2 tsp turbinado or coarse sugar for topping

  • Optional: fresh mint for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease two small ramekins or an oven-safe dish.
  • Prepare the Berries
    In a bowl, toss berries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch if using. Divide evenly among ramekins.
  • Add Topping
    Sprinkle coarse sugar evenly over the berries. This will create a caramelized, crunchy crust.
  • Bake
    Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until berries are bubbly and the sugar crust is golden.
  • Serve
    Let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh mint if desired and serve warm, with cream or yogurt if preferred.

Notes

  • Use Ripe Berries – Ensures natural sweetness and vibrant color.
    Coarse Sugar for Crunch – Turbinado or raw sugar creates a perfect caramelized crust.
    Serve Warm – Best enjoyed right out of the oven, optionally with whipped cream or yogurt.

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