Refined Sugar-Free Mixed Berry Crumble (Easy & Healthy Dessert)

I love berry desserts—whether it’s berry pies, turnovers, smoothies, or anything else you can think of, I’m all in! Recently, I’ve been whipping up a mixed berry crumble that’s become an absolute crowd favourite. There’s something truly magical about combining the sweet juiciness of blueberries, the tartness of raspberries, and the rich, deep flavour of blackberries. Each berry brings its own unique character, and together, they create a flavour profile that takes this crumble to the next level. The best part? It’s topped with a golden, crispy oat crumble that adds the perfect amount of crunch and texture. And the icing on the cake—it’s refined sugar-free, so you can enjoy all the goodness without any guilt! Intrigued? Keep reading to learn how to make this easy, refined sugar-free berry crumble!

Health Benefits of this Refined Sugar-Free Berry Crumble

This crumble is not only delicious, it’s full of health benefits too! Let’s discuss a few.

Refined Sugar-Free

Sweetened with maple syrup, which contains nutrients such as riboflavin, iron, calcium, and zinc, this amazing fruit crisp is healthier than your typical sugar-laden dessert. Sugar has calories, but no nutritive value beyond that. Refined sugar also promotes inflammation in the body, and chronic inflammation is a precursor for many diseases such as cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and even depression and anxiety.

Refined sugar also disrupts the gut microbiome which can lead to a weakened immune system, candida, and leaky gut.

Finally, a diet high in refined sugar can lead to insulin resistance which can contribute to weight gain and type 2 diabetes.

Made with Antioxidant-Rich Berries

Eating berries is a delicious way to keep your mind and body healthy. Berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries are high in anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that helps prevent inflammation in the body and brain. Since inflammation is associated with many diseases, including Alzheimer’s and depression, eating berries, particularly darker ones, can provide a level of protection from these illnesses.

Blueberries are particularly beneficial for brain health and protect against neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Their effectiveness lies in the fact that anthocyanins can cross the blood-brain barrier and localize in the areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning. To learn more about blueberries’ incredible potential to protect against cognitive decline read my blog post Blueberries and Memory Loss: Exploring the Latest Findings.

Tools Needed

• 9 x 13” baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Rolled oats – use gluten-free if needed
• Light spelt flour – all-purpose or gluten-free flour can be used instead.
• Plant-based butter, melted – coconut oil can be substituted.
• Maple syrup – feel free to substitute with honey or agave nectar.
• Cinnamon
• Salt – just a pinch!
• Mixed berries – include your favourite. I use Kirkland frozen Three Berry Blend
• Cornstarch – or use arrowroot powder

How to Make Refined Sugar-Free Berry Crumble

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Spray a 9 x 13” baking dish with olive oil.

In a large bowl, combine berries, maple syrup and cornstarch. Transfer the berry mixture to the oiled baking dish.

In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk well.

Add the melted butter and maple syrup and mix well.

Spread the oat crumble over the berries as evenly as possible.

Bake for 50-55 minutes.

Serve warm!

Note: this recipe yields 15 servings. My family of 4 usually finishes it within 2 days.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast – this crumble is healthy enough to eat for breakfast. Enjoy it with a Lavender Latte or your favourite tea!
• Coconut whipped cream – top with a dollop of refined sugar-free coconut whipped cream—yum!
• Non-dairy ice cream – enjoy warm topped with your favourite vegan ice cream. Make your own to keep it refined sugar-free.
• Oat milk – pour creamy oat milk (or your favourite plant-based milk) for a crunchy oatmeal-like treat.
• Parfait – layer it with dairy-free yogurt in a glass for a delicious breakfast or dessert parfait.
• Picnic – serve chilled as a picnic dessert.

How to Store and Reheat Your Berry Crumble

This crumble keeps beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dessert (or breakfast!).

To Store:

Cool it first. Let the crumble cool completely before storing—this helps prevent sogginess.

Fridge: Cover the dish or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.

Freezer: Want to save some for later? Freeze individual portions or the whole crumble (well-wrapped) for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To Reheat:

In the oven (best texture): Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 10–15 minutes until heated through and the topping is lightly crisp.

In the microwave (quick & easy): Pop a serving in the microwave for 30–60 seconds. The topping will be softer, but still totally delicious.

Notes

• Sweetener Options: This recipe is delicious with maple syrup, agave nectar, or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust sweetness to taste depending on the berries’ tartness.
• Use Fresh or Frozen Berries: Both work well! If using frozen, no need to thaw first—just add 1–2 extra teaspoons of arrowroot or cornstarch to help thicken the juices.
• Oat Topping Tips: For extra crunch and nutrition, toss in a handful of chopped nuts or seeds like pecans, almonds, or hemp hearts.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and swap flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
• Brighten It Up with Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the berries before baking for a burst of fresh, citrusy flavour that enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit.
• Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave (see storage tips above).