Blueberry Granola Crumble

This oil-free whole food plant-based dessert features a naturally sweetened granola nestled over a dreamy warm blueberry filling. 

Do you have a sweet tooth?

I do!! And if you’re like me, you’d probably rather have a treat without any of the guilt or unpleasant side effects resulting from a non-healthy dessert. This Blueberry Granola Crumble is delicious and nutritious.

One of the things I really like about this recipe is that it doesn’t contain any oil or butter that traditionally plague crumbles, cobblers, and crisps. And now that I think about it, I’m pretty sure this Blueberry Granola Crumble is healthy enough to eat as is for breakfast.

Don’t believe me? Check out these ingredients. It’s basically an upside down bowl of naturally-sweetened granola topped with piping hot blueberries. The best part is that you don’t need any sweetener at all. But it is included as an option for those who prefer their desserts a bit sweeter, but not absolutely required.

Top it with some vanilla ice cream and you have made yourself a very heathy yet decadent dessert indeed. I mean, who doesn’t like melty ice cream on their warm fruity dessert? I’m sure you’re well aware that there are several vegan ice creams on the market; but my favorite is sometimes available at Aldi. It’s less expensive, contains less fat and sugar, and is an amazing addition on top of this warm Blueberry Granola Crumble.

Now it goes without saying that this is indeed a blueberry dessert. But in all fairness, this is a very versatile recipe. If you like this recipe, you’ll love my Peach Crumble for Two. You can use other fruit in leu of the gorgeous blueberries, including a berry blend, cherries, peeled and chopped apples, and mangoes. More variations will be posted at some point, I promise.

But let’s focus on the pretty blueberries, shall we?

I think blueberries are super delicious and the navy blue unadulterated color of fresh blueberries is exquisite. I consider blueberries a magical fruit since their color transforms from a frosty navy blue to a deep and vivid purple when cooked. I remember that my grandfather loved blueberry pie, which is a labor of love. But since pie crust can be a bit complicated and fattening, I prefer something a little more simple.

And these blueberries are perfectly simple and pure.

This Blueberry Granola Crumble uses an irresistible oat topping which is so simple and healthy and delicious. And best of all, it uses 100% plant-based natural ingredients. Blueberries themselves are super good for you – full of antioxidants and nutrients. The applesauce and maple syrup are both naturally sweet and bring the oats together nicely. It’s a lot like my homemade granola blend.

Oh, and if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can add chopped nuts, like almonds, pecans, or walnuts, if you like. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. It usually depends on what I have on hand and my mood. I told you this is versatile and simple.

I also like that this recipe allows me to use the quantity of blueberries I have on hand. For instance, if I only have four cups of blueberries, but I really want to make this recipe, no problem. Just use the minimum flour. If I have more blueberries, that’s even better! Simply use a little more flour.

What’s really nice about this delicious recipe is that I get the best of both worlds – I get ample yummy warm blueberries and plenty of toasty granola topping. If you prefer more blueberry sauce or juice, just reduce or omit the flour. I used whole grain spelt flour but any flour works, including gluten-free flour blends.

Once this Blueberry Granola Crumble cools a few minutes, scoop some into your bowl and top it with some vanilla ice cream or nice cream or yogurt and celebrate! We have ourselves a truly delicious and healthful dessert!

Or you could top it with some tasty yogurt – now you have yourself a tasty and nutritious blueberry breakfast parfait!

Now, doesn’t that blueberry granola crumble look scrumptious? It’s also really good all on its own.

For the record, this Blueberry Granola Crumble truly is scrumptious. Now you just have to try it for yourself! Come on, get yourself a spoon and dig in!

I hope you enjoy this Blueberry Granola Crumble as much as I do.  

I’m just starting out and would love to see your results. Please leave a comment and rate it down below, tag a picture @pebblesandtoast and #pebblesandtoast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!   Enjoy!!   

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Ingredients

• 4-6 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 2-4 Tbsp spelt flour*
• 1 Tbsp sugar (optional)
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp lemon zest

• 2 cups rolled oats
• ½ cup chopped nuts** (optional)
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine blueberries, flour, sugar (if using), lemon juice, and lemon zest. 
3. Spread blueberry mixture in the bottom of a small baking dish.  (I used an 8×8 glass pan for 5 cups of blueberries.)
4. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and layer over the blueberry mixture. 
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the granola topping is golden brown.
6. Allow to cool at least 5 minutes.
7. Serve warm with your favorite vanilla ice cream or nice cream, if desired (but highly recommended)***.
8. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Notes

* You can use any kind of flour in this recipe, including gluten-free.  Flour is used to absorb and thicken some of the sauce caused by natural juices releasing from the blueberries during the baking process.  Use less flour if you want more juice or sauce.  Also adjust the flour based on how many blueberries you have for this recipe. If you are using 4 cups of blueberries, use 2 Tbsp flour. If you have 8 cups of blueberries, use 4 Tbsp of flour. You may also need a slightly larger casserole dish or two smaller ones.

** You can use any chopped nuts you prefer.  Walnuts and almonds are especially delicious mixed in or on top of this crumble. 

*** I highly recommend serving this with your favorite vanilla ice cream.  I have served this Blueberry Granola Crumble with frozen banana nice cream as well as Aldi’s vanilla plant-based ice cream.  Both are delicious.

This is a very versatile recipe, You can use many varieties of fruit, including apples, peaches, mangoes, a berry blend, and so on. If you like this recipe, you’ll love my Peach Crumble for Two. More variations will be posted soon, I promise.