In celebration of Canada Day today, I decided to make a healthy alternative to the traditional fruit crumble. I created the base using a few favourite summer fruits, such as: strawberries, cherries and apples (using festive red colours of course!). Whether you are hosting a bbq, visiting friends or having a quiet weekend at home, this healthy summer dessert is sure to please everyone.
I love this dessert for so many reasons. I learned how to make a healthy version of the traditional fruit crumble when I studied to become a Culinary Nutrition Expert last fall. This version is adapted from the program. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, and refined-sugar free, making it low-glycemic. Plus it’s full of fresh ingredients, healthy fat and fibre. Who wouldn’t love this delicious, nutrient-dense dessert? It’s also great for guests who have food restrictions or allergies.
You can also change up the fruit or make a personalized version, like I did for my husband. Unfortunately, since I’m currently on contest prep, I could not indulge in dessert today. So I made him his own modified, two-serving version. If you want a larger amount, just increase the ingredients, while keeping the ratios the same. For example, to make 4 servings, simply double the amount of everything.
I hope you enjoy this easy, yummy crumble. You can serve it with whipped cream at room temperature or heated up.
Ingredients
The bottom:
2 cups of diced fruit (I used fresh strawberries, apple and cherries)
2 tbsp of honey
1 tsp of cornstarch or arrowroot starch
The topping:
1/4 cup of rolled oats
1/4 cup of brown rice flour
1-2 tbsp of honey
1-2 tbsp of coconut oil
a sprinkle of shredded coconut
a dash of cinnamon
a dash of all spice
Coconut Whipped Cream:
1 can of coconut cream (refrigerate overnight)
1-2 tbsp of honey
1 tsp of vanilla
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1. Dice/rough chop fruit
2. Place in an oven safe dish (size is based on portion). Mix with starch and honey.
3. Combine topping ingredients
4. Place crumble (topping) over fruit layer
5. Place in oven for 45 minutes
Optional: Coconut Whipped Cream
1. Separate the water and coconut cream
2. Place in large bowl
3. Add honey and vanilla
4. Combine with electric mixer