This rustic Strawberry Raspberry Almond Crisp marries the bright, juicy flavors of ripe berries with the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds and oats. The contrast between the warm, bubbling fruit base and the golden, crisp topping makes every spoonful a comforting yet elegant treat.
Perfect for showcasing seasonal berries, this dessert offers a simple yet beautiful way to celebrate fresh, wholesome ingredients. Whether served warm with a dollop of coconut cream or enjoyed on its own, it’s a naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly option that delights the senses and nourishes the soul.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
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3 cups fresh raspberries
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup almond flour
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1 cup rolled oats
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1/2 cup sliced almonds
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1/3 cup coconut sugar
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, gently toss strawberries, raspberries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and almond flour. Transfer the fruit mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
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In another bowl, combine oats, sliced almonds, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted coconut oil and mix until crumbly.
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Evenly sprinkle the oat and almond topping over the fruit mixture.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
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Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
A Fresh Take on a Classic Comfort Dessert: Strawberry Raspberry Almond Crisp
In an age where wholesome eating meets culinary creativity, the Strawberry Raspberry Almond Crisp stands out as a modern dessert that gracefully balances indulgence and nutrition. It’s a reflection of seasonal abundance, mindful nourishment, and family traditions lovingly adapted for today’s wellness-conscious kitchens.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Robyn’s inspiration behind the crisp is rooted in her family’s Easter brunch tradition, a celebration that merges joyful gathering with the freshness of spring. Over the years, her approach to festive food has shifted away from overly sweet, sugar-laden staples to recipes that highlight the natural sweetness of real ingredients.
Fruit crisps, often associated with rustic Americana and the comfort of home baking, have long been favorites at brunch tables and weeknight dinners alike. What sets this crisp apart is the deliberate intention behind each element: from using defrosted berries to crafting a topping that is both grain-free and nutrient-dense.
The Strawberry Raspberry Almond Crisp is emblematic of how traditional favorites can evolve. Rather than simply serving as a nostalgic treat, it becomes a tool for connection both with the seasons and with loved ones.
The Beauty of Berries: Nutritional and Culinary Stars
Strawberries and raspberries form the vibrant base of this dish, and for good reason. These berries aren’t just sweet and juicy they’re also nutritional powerhouses.
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Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, manganese, and powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Their natural tartness provides a lovely counterpoint to sweeteners like maple syrup, enhancing depth without overpowering the dish.
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Raspberries, on the other hand, offer a fiber-rich profile alongside vitamin K, magnesium, and heart-healthy polyphenols. Their slightly tangy flavor adds contrast and brightness to the overall flavor palette.
When baked, these berries release their natural juices, thickened here by arrowroot powder a gentle, grain-free starch alternative that maintains the clean-label integrity of the recipe. The result? A bubbling, jammy base that’s both luscious and refined in its simplicity.
Almonds & Coconut: A Crisp Topping Reimagined
In place of traditional oat or flour-based toppings, this recipe introduces an innovative blend of almond meal and flaked coconut. Almond meal (or almond flour, which also works here) contributes a protein-rich, low-carb foundation that caters to gluten-free, paleo, and grain-free diets. The nutty aroma of almonds pairs harmoniously with berries, elevating the dish from everyday crisp to gourmet territory.
Coconut flakes add texture and subtle tropical notes, creating contrast in every bite. The topping is further enriched with coconut oil, which imparts a gentle richness, and is sweetened with maple syrup a natural sweetener that carries caramel undertones and avoids the spikes in blood sugar associated with refined sugars.
This topping isn’t just a flavorful addition it’s a conscious departure from processed ingredients and a step toward cleaner eating that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Dietary Inclusivity: Dessert for Every Lifestyle
One of the most appealing aspects of this crisp is its broad dietary inclusivity. It checks multiple boxes without feeling like a “healthified” compromise:
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Naturally gluten-free
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Dairy-free
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Vegetarian & vegan
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Refined sugar-free
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Paleo-friendly
Such versatility ensures that this dessert can be served at gatherings where dietary preferences and restrictions vary. The ability to make it nut-free by substituting a traditional oat-based topping adds another layer of adaptability, making it truly accessible for all.
Flavor Profile: A Harmony of Sweet, Tart, and Toasty
What makes the Strawberry Raspberry Almond Crisp such a crowd-pleaser is its well-balanced flavor profile. The interplay of sweet and tart berries with the warm, nutty topping results in a sensory experience that is both satisfying and refreshingly light.
The addition of lemon juice might seem minor, but it plays a crucial role: it heightens the natural brightness of the berries, acting almost like a spotlight on their juiciness. Meanwhile, vanilla extract in the topping adds depth, subtly tying together the disparate flavor elements with a familiar warmth.
This dessert doesn’t rely on excess it flourishes in its restraint. Each bite delivers layers of texture and flavor, without any one component overwhelming the others.
Ease of Preparation: Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward
While the flavor complexity may suggest otherwise, the recipe is refreshingly simple to prepare. It requires only a handful of pantry staples and can be assembled in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re planning for a family celebration or just craving something cozy midweek, this crisp fits the bill.
Its forgiving nature allowing for fresh or frozen berries, and multiple substitutions makes it an ideal go-to for busy home cooks. Even kids can get involved in the preparation, making it a perfect recipe for building memories as well as meals.
Seasonal Versatility & Pairing Ideas
Though berries are often associated with spring and summer, the use of frozen fruit extends this crisp’s seasonality year-round. Imagine serving it warm in the cooler months with a scoop of vanilla coconut milk ice cream or enjoying it chilled alongside freshly whipped dairy-free cream in summer.
For brunch, it pairs beautifully with other light, seasonal fare like avocado toast, quiches, or herbal teas. As a dessert, it follows heavier meals well, offering a refreshing finish that’s neither cloying nor heavy.
Serving Suggestions:
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A dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for breakfast or brunch.
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A drizzle of warm almond butter for a protein-rich twist.
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A scoop of dairy-free ice cream or cashew cream for a more decadent dessert.
The Mindful Dessert Movement
What sets this Strawberry Raspberry Almond Crisp apart isn’t just its deliciousness it’s the intention behind it. As more people gravitate toward mindful eating, recipes like this highlight how indulgence and health don’t need to be at odds.
Robyn Conley Downs’s philosophy, reflected in her choice of ingredients and thoughtful tweaks, encourages us to slow down and savor both the flavors on our plates and the moments we share them in.
This isn’t just food it’s nourishment for the body and soul.
Conclusion:
The Strawberry Raspberry Almond Crisp is far more than a simple dessert—it’s a showcase of how modern recipes can honor tradition while embracing wellness. Its vibrant flavors, nutrient-rich ingredients, and ease of preparation make it an instant favorite for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, planning a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to a nourishing sweet, this crisp delivers satisfaction on every level. In a world full of shortcuts and quick fixes, it’s refreshing to find a dish that brings joy, balance, and beauty all baked into one irresistible bite.