Unlike strawberries and raspberries, which seem universally loved (hello, Raspberry Muffins), blackberries are the controversial cousin that’s often forgotten. (Perhaps because they can sometimes have a tart/bitter flavor that can be off-putting to some.) Once baked, however, blackberries are truly something special. They’re a little tart, a little moody, and a whole lotta juicy! In today’s healthy blackberry crisp, the ripe berries sweeten in the oven and bubble up into jammy perfection under a to-die-for golden aromatic topping. The most challenging part of making this easy fruit crisp recipe (and this classic Cherry Crisp)? Stopping yourself from stuffing the entire crisp into your mouth before it’s properly cooled. Suffice it to say, this is the perfect blackberry crisp for a crowd…or for one if you’re like me and just in a crisp mood! As for the topping, this is the emperor of all crisp toppings. I’ve played around with dozens of topping recipes, ranging from Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp to Peach Crisp to Gluten Free Apple Crisp. The one I used for today’s cherry blackberry crisp—the simplest of them all—is the one I return to over and over again. The oats get toasty, the nuts are fragrant, and the coconut provides a subtle, imperceptible background note that makes any fruit crisp positively divine. PLUS, for those with dietary concerns, the almond meal makes the crisp topping naturally gluten free!
How to Make the BEST Blackberry Crisp
This healthy blackberry crisp is one you can serve for dessert with a big scoop of ice cream (or Oat Milk Ice Cream), and then enjoy the next day for breakfast with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Anytime is a great time for crisp.
The Ingredients
Blackberries. The summer berry with an attitude. I love how blackberries are a little sweet, tart, and bitter all at the same time.They’re loaded with fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. (If you share my adoration for these little berries, you’ll also enjoy this Skinny Blackberry Margarita.)
Maple Syrup + Honey. I like to put maple syrup in the berry mixture and a drizzle of honey in the topping to bring the flavors of these wholesome natural sweeteners into this blackberry crisp recipe.
Vanilla. Mellows out the tartness of the blackberries.Oats. Nothing beats blackberry crisp with oats that toast in the oven. (For an oven-free version, see Slow Cooker Triple Berry Crisp.) I love the crunch, subtle chew, and nutty flavor old-fashioned oats lend the irresistible topping. Almond Meal. My swap for making blackberry crisp without flour. The almond meal compliments the berries beautifully AND makes this blackberry crisp gluten free too (like this Almond Flour Banana Bread)!
Coconut. Another addition that marries with juicy summer berries. I also love the added texture it gives the oat and almond topping. (Coconut is also a fantastic addition to this Healthy Granola recipe.)Cinnamon. For a little cinnamon spice to make this healthy blackberry cobbler complete with EVERYTHING nice.Nuts. Give the topping a final finish of crunchy perfection. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds are all lovely choices.Olive Oil. Helps the topping get that iconic golden color.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Place leftover crisp in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To Reheat. Warm individual portions in a microwave-safe container until heated to the desired temperature. You can also reheat blackberry crisp in a 350-degree F oven until heated through. Tent with foil, if needed, to prevent the topping from over-browning. You may also enjoy blackberry crisp chilled straight from the fridge!To Freeze. Store blackberry crisp in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Mixing Bowls. My favorite nested set for all of your baking needs.Baking Dish. This one has been my loyal fruit crisp and cobbler partner for many years.Ice Cream Scoop. Join me in adding a healthy scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream to this healthy blackberry crisp, won’t you?
My only request for serving this healthy blackberry crisp: be confident and use the big spoon for your serving.
Pitted cherriesFreshly picked peaches, apricots, or nectarinesPeeled and sliced apples or pearsSliced strawberriesOther berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or boysenberries
Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe. It’s the right thing to do.
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