Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the sliced strawberries with half of the sugar and the lemon zest until evenly coated. The strawberries should start to release their juices and look glossy.
Spread the berry mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, creating a vibrant, juicy layer that will bake into a bubbling filling.
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well to incorporate all the dry ingredients uniformly.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should see pea-sized bits of butter coated with dry ingredients.
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the strawberries, covering the fruit completely. Gently press down to help the topping adhere slightly to the berries.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes. The juices will thicken a bit as it cools, making it easier to serve.
Scoop warm servings onto plates, ensuring each portion has plenty of juicy berries and a crunchy topping. Enjoy the cozy aroma and warm textures.
