This easy, healthy mixed berry crumble has a sweet, juicy filling with a hint of zesty orange and is topped with a melt-in-your-mouth buttery oat streusel. Enjoy it warm with vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt all Summer long! It’s secretly nut-free, vegan, and gluten-free.
The best healthy berry crisp
I absolutely love berry crumbles, and my blog features a variety of recipes, from this strawberry crumble to this gluten-free blueberry crisp to this healthy peach crisp. They’re easy to make, naturally sweet, and perfect for a guilt-free dessert!
But this healthy mixed berry crumble is different—it has a secret ingredient! I added a hint of orange zest to the jammy mixed berry filling for a slightly zesty flavor. Trust me, once you try this orange berry crisp, you won’t want to go back to the classic version.
We enjoy this berry crumble all Summer long, especially for BBQs, family dinners, and summer holidays like the Fourth of July. I always make a double batch, and it’s gone in 20 minutes!
I can’t wait to hear what you think about this berry crumble. It’s the easiest dessert to make—all you have to do is toss the berries, make the crumble, and bake. Plus, it’s secretly vegan, healthy, gluten-free, and nut-free.
Why you’ll love this berry crumble:
- Quick & Easy: Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Healthy Dessert: This mixed berry crumble is the perfect healthy dessert.
- Frozen or Fresh Berries: You can use either fresh or frozen berries for this recipe.
- Perfect for Spring & Summer: Bursting with sweet and tangy berry flavors.
- Gluten-Free & Vegan: This healthy berry crisp recipe is 100% gluten-free and vegan.
- Quick & easy: Less than 10 minutes to prep before baking.
- No Butter: No butter is needed; this recipe is 100% dairy-free.
- No Refined Sugar: It is sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar.
- Try this delicious healthy peach crisp or this strawberry crumble next!
Ingredients needed
This mixed berry crumble is the perfect healthier dessert that everyone will love. It has a jammy, sweet filling and a crisp, buttery oatmeal topping. Here is a list of all the ingredients you will need to make this healthy berry crisp. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom to see the exact measurements.
Mixed Berry Filling:
- Mixed Berries: Use a blend of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. You can use fresh or frozen berries for this crumble recipe!
- Coconut Sugar: My favorite natural sweetener; it’s refined sugar-free.
- Orange: You need the zest and juice of one orange. Trust me, it adds the best zesty, sweet flavor that is out of this world delicious.
- Cornstarch, Arrowroot, or Tapioca Starch: Don’t skip out on this ingredient. It thickens the filling, making the berry center jammy and not too runny.
Oat Crumble Topping:
- Rolled Oats: Use rolled oats or quick oats. Measure out 1 cup, and remember, if you are gluten-free, use gluten-free certified oats. Don’t use steel-cut oats.
- Oat Flour: Instead of classic all-purpose flour or almond flour, we use oat flour to keep the oatmeal streusel 100% gluten-free and nut-free.
- Nuts: This adds the best crunch to this healthy oat crisp topping. You can use walnuts, almonds, or pecans. If you are nut-free, leave the nuts off.
- Salt: Add a dash for a sweet and salty combo.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a dash to add the best flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Instead of refined sugar, we use maple syrup to naturally sweeten this oat crumble topping. It helps bind everything together and makes the oat topping crispy as it bakes.
- Coconut Oil or Butter: Finally, you need 1/3 cup of coconut oil so that this crumble topping is crisp on the outside but melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. You can also use butter or vegan butter.
Kitchen tools needed
You only need a few kitchen utensils to make this gluten-free, healthy mixed berry crumble. Here is a list:
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking Dish: A 9×9-inch square baking dish or a 9-inch pie dish works well.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Oven
How to make mixed berry crumble
This healthy mixed berry crumble is the easiest dessert to make. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level baker can make this berry crisp; scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe and ingredient measurements.
Step 1:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, 9-inch pie dish, or skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Then, set it to the side.
Step 2:
Next, zest the orange and set it aside.
Step 3:
After that, toss the berries with orange juice, coconut sugar, starch (cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca), and orange zest in a large mixing bowl. Then, pour them into the greased pan.
Step 4:
Combine rolled oats, oat flour, chopped nuts, coconut sugar, and salt in a separate bowl until well mixed. Pour the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla on top, then mix using your hands until the mixture is crumbly and feels and looks like wet sand.
Step 5:
Bake for 32 – 42 minutes, until the top is golden crisp and the berries are bubbly. I baked mine for about 40 minutes.
Let your orange mixed berry crisp cool for 10 – 15 minutes before enjoying it! I love serving mine with vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.
Expert baking tips
- Optimal Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 375°F. This higher temperature ensures a crisp oat topping and a perfectly jammy filling, avoiding any excess liquid.
- Fresh or Frozen Berries: This recipe works well with both fresh and frozen mixed berries. If using frozen berries, add them directly to the mixing bowl without thawing, preserving their texture and flavor.
- Customize the Crumble Topping: Get creative with your oat crumble topping! Consider adding chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added crunch. Enhance the flavor profile with a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of salt for a delightful twist.
- Make it nut-free: For those with nut allergies, omit the walnuts to create a nut-free version of this healthy berry crisp.
- Double the Recipe: Need more servings? You can easily double the recipe by baking it in a large 9×13″ baking dish. Adjust the baking time accordingly, keeping it consistent with the original recipe’s instructions.
- Make ahead: This berry crumble can be prepared up to one day in advance for convenience. Simply assemble, cover, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. I left instructions in the recipe card.
Ingredient substitutions
I developed this berry crumble recipe in 2020, so I’ve baked it a lot. Here’s a short list of ingredient swaps for this mixed-berry version. To keep the original recipe intact, change only one or two ingredients.
- Mixed Berries: Feel free to swap out any of the berries with your favorites or based on what’s in season.
- Coconut Sugar: Substitute with brown sugar, granulated sugar, or honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Nuts: If you have a nut allergy, leave them off.
- Coconut Oil: You can use melted unsalted butter or vegan butter. If you only have salted butter, leave off the additional salt called for in the oat topping.
- Oat Flour: You can substitute it with almond flour.
- Cornstarch: You can use tapioca flour or arrowroot powder.
- Real Maple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can replace maple syrup as a sweetener.
Serving suggestions
You can serve this homemade mixed berry crumble with so many things. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Frozen yogurt
- Whipped cream
- Non-dairy whipped topping
- Chocolate drizzle
- Drizzle of honey
- Greek yogurt
- Your favorite ice cream
- Custard or vanilla pudding
- Mint leaves
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, you can use frozen berries for this recipe. Don’t allow them to thaw before baking; add them directly to the bowl with the other filling ingredients.
What can I use instead of mixed berries?
Instead of mixed berries, you can use any single type or combination of berries, like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries. Feel free to customize the recipe to your taste or base it on what’s in season. Just ensure you have about 5 cups of berries in total for the best results.
What’s the best substitute for oat flour?
Almond flour is the best substitute for oat flour in a streusel topping. Do not use coconut flour!
Can I use quick oats for the crumble topping?
I recommend using rolled oats since they provide a crunchier, crisper topping. However, you can use quick oats if needed. Do not use steel-cut oats.
Is this crumble healthy?
Yes, this mixed berry crumble is healthy for many reasons; here are a few: (1) it’s made without refined sugars since it is sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar, (2) it calls for oat flour which is a healthy flour alternative, (3) it is gluten-free, (4) it is packed with fiber and whole grains from the oats, (5) it is dairy-free and vegan, and (6) it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can easily make this mixed berry crumble up to one day in advance. Prepare the crumble as instructed, but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove it from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, and bake as the recipe directs.
Can you freeze berry crumble?
You can freeze this mixed berry crumble for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely after baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and then wrap it with aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw the crumble in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven (without the plastic wrap) at a low temperature until warm.
How to store and reheat berry crumble:
Storing: For the best taste, I recommend enjoying this healthy berry crumble within 3 – 5 hours of removing it from the oven! If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container or the original baking dish with aluminum foil.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the large pie dish or pan in the oven for 10 – 15 minutes at 350°F. If you are in a rush or want to heat a single serving, reheat it in the microwave for 45 – 60 seconds in 15-second intervals so the berries do not burn.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Strawberry Crumble
- Blackberry Cobbler
- Apple Blueberry Crumble
- Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars
- Healthy Peach Crisp
- Strawberry Apple Crumble
- Blueberry Crisp
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Healthy Mixed Berry Crumble
Ingredients
Berry Filling:
- 5 cups mixed berries, frozen or fresh (I like to do 2 cups fresh quartered strawberries, 1 cups fresh blueberries, 1 cup fresh blackberries, 1 cup fresh raspberries)
- Zest from 1 orange
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca starch
Oat Crumble:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten-free or regular
- ⅔ cup oat flour
- ½ cup walnuts, almonds, or pecans (optional), roughly chopped with bigger pieces
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil, butter, or vegan butter
- ¼ cup real maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish, pie dish, or 10-inch skillet with nonstick cooking spray or a little coconut oil. Set aside.
- Zest the orange and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the berries with orange juice, coconut sugar, starch (cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca), and orange zest. Pour into the greased pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, oat flour, chopped nuts, coconut sugar, and salt until well mixed. Pour the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla on top, then mix using your hands until the mixture is crumbly feels and looks like wet sand.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly on top of the berries.
- Bake for 32 – 42 minutes, until the top is golden crisp and the berries are bubbly. I baked mine for about 40 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 – 15 minutes before enjoying! I love serving mine with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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Maggie O’Malley says
OMG I tried this yesterday and it was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend
Tati Chermayeff says
Maggie, I am so excited to hear this! This is one of my favorite recipes!!
Abby Kern says
SOOOOO GOOOOOD! Wow, this is my new favorite dessert! I cannot get over how delishhh this was.
Tati Chermayeff says
SO AWESOME TO HEAR!!!
jennifer says
Honestly incredible. Love the orange addition! This crisp literally lasted an hour in my household, even the kiddos loved it!
Tati Chermayeff says
Same here girl!! So happy you enjoyed it!
Netalia says
Obsessed to say the least! This was such an easy and fun dessert recipe. I will be again again for sure.
Tati Chermayeff says
Best comment ever! Thank you 🙂
Julianne Massey says
THE BEST!!!! Made with for Easter yesterday and it was insane. The orange addition is so light and add the perfect flavoring with the berries. I totally reccomened trying this recipe.
Tati Chermayeff says
Julianne, I am so happy to hear this! I love this recipe so much too – seriously the best!
Zoe Root says
Love the orange in this! I have actually made this a few times now and will certainly be making again for Memorial Day and the 4th of July!
Tati Chermayeff says
So awesome to hear, Zoe! Thank you so much 🙂
saskia Chermayeff says
Literally ate this all in 1 night. 10/10 recommend.
schermayeff2016 says
This gooey, warm, and flavorful recipe was devoured in seconds!! I loved this, oh my.
Graphista says
Very good and so simple to make! I used frozen mixed berries and omitted the extra juice. I also skipped the zest and it was still great, but can see how it could add a brightness. This will go into a regular rotation for me. 🙂
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi – so happy to hear that! Thanks for leaving such a kind review on this recipe 🙂