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If you’re looking for a deliciously sweet breakfast or dessert without any added sugar or oil, this recipe is for you. I’m typically not a sweet breakfast kind of gal, but this healthy apple blueberry crisp is something I will gladly eat any morning. Late summer or early fall is my favorite time to make this recipe because that’s when the apples and berries are in season and at their peak when it comes to quality and flavor. The mashed banana and maple syrup add just enough sweetness to the crumbly oat topping to satisfy that sweet tooth while also filling your body with essential nutrients that will energize and fuel your body. No need to feel guilty for overindulging on this one!
Below is an informational list of ingredients and step-by-step guide to making this apple and blueberry crisp, with a full recipe summary and measurements at the bottom of the page.
Let’s talk about the ingredients and their benefits:
- Apples: Like many other fruits, apples are loaded with fiber and antioxidants, specifically polyphenols and help to lower your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. They also contain pectin, which is great for promoting a healthy gut.
- Blueberries: Berries are a fantastic source of antioxidants and health-promoting vitamins and nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K and fiber. They support heart health, brain health, gut health, and bone health and help lower blood sugar
- Banana: This fantastic fruit can help lower blood pressure and is rich in the antioxidant lectin, which has been shown to lower the risk of cancer.
- Oats: These fantastic whole grains are incredibly beneficial and for our health. Oats are among the most nutrient-dense foods available to us and have been found to lower cholesterol and decrease your risk of heart disease due to all the nutrients, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals they provide us with. We are recommended to consume three servings of whole grains per day, so oats are an excellent source to meet your daily requirements!
- Almond butter: This delicious nut butter is excellent for your health. Almonds and other nuts are rich in phytochemicals that have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. They are one of the best sources of healthy fats and may even help to reduce weight because they are so satiating that they reduce your appetite.
- Maple syrup: You may be surprised to hear that maple syrup actually contains lots of antioxidants and other nutrients and is on of the best options when it comes to plant-based sweeteners. Just be sure to use it in moderation to avoid consuming too much sugar!
- Lemon juice: A little touch of acidity to help liven the flavor of the apples and berries. Lemon juice is high in antioxidants and also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it’s a great contributor to the health and function of our immune system.
- Cinnamon: This powerful spice contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory, loaded with antioxidants, and also has been shown to help regulate and lower blood sugar and decrease risk of heart disease.
- Nutmeg: Another beneficial spice that adds a cozy, warming flavor to anything it’s added to. Nutmeg also contains strong anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that promote health and decrease risk of disease.
Step 1: Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, prepare your apples by peeling and finely dicing them.
Step 2: Make crisp topping
Add banana to a medium sized bowl and use a fork to mash it. Then, add almond butter and maple syrup and mix well. Add oats, flour and salt and mix well until everything is combined and there are no visible chunks of flour. The mixture should be thick and sticky. Set aside.
Step 3: Make fruit filling
Add diced apples and blueberries directly to an 11×7 baking dish. Add lemon juice, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg and toss until the fruit is evenly coated and spread out into an even layer.
Step 4: Layer oat topping
Layer on the oat topping and do your best to spread it out so it’s evenly distributed over the fruit filling. It will be difficult to spread since it’s so sticky, so just layer it on, one spoonful at a time.
Step 5: Bake
Place on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 25 minutes. When it’s done baking, it should be golden brown and crisp on top.
If you’re making this recipe as a dessert, you can take it to the next level by serving it alongside my Dairy-free Banana Nut Ice Cream. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I recommend popping it in the oven or toaster oven to reheat so you get that nice crisp on top again. If you try this recipe and enjoy it, leave a comment below and share it with a friend. Your feedback is very much appreciated!
Healthy Apple Berry Crisp
Ingredients
Crisp Topping
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 cups oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt
Apple Berry Filling
- 2 apples peeled and diced
- 2 cups blueberries fresh or frozen
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Add banana to a medium sized bowl and use a fork to mash it. Then, add almond butter and maple syrup and mix well. Add oats, flour and salt and mix well until everything is combined and there are no visible chunks of flour. The mixture should be thick and sticky. Set aside.
- Add diced apples and blueberries directly to an 11×7 baking dish. Add lemon juice, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg and toss until the fruit is evenly coated and spread out into an even layer.
- Layer on the oat topping and do your best to spread it out so it's evenly distributed over the fruit filling. It will be difficult to spread since it's so sticky, so just layer it on, one spoonful at a time.
- Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. When it's done, the top should be a nice golden brown.
