30-Min Baked Blueberry Crisp without Oats

This juicy, crumbly blueberry crisp made without oats is going to be your go-to summer dessert!

We’re switching up a traditional blueberry crisp by cooking fresh or frozen blueberries with coconut sugar and a small amount of water. The berries will release their natural juices and we’ll reduce it to a sweet filling.

Instead of using a mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and oats that typically appear in summer crisps, we’re ditching the oats and subbing in peanut butter and almond flour to keep it gluten free and vegan!

The best blueberry crumbles are served warm, with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top, although you can also serve them at room temperature or chilled.

They are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion!

I love oat free recipes from these Easy Overnight Oats (without oats) to these Banana Bread Oat-less Oatmeal!

Why You’ll love this Blueberry Crisp without Oats

Nutty Texture and Flavor! A blueberry crisp made without oats can offer a different texture and texture. It has a softer, crumbly topping and adds a nice nutty balance to the juicy blueberries.

So Juicy! Blueberries have a delicate and sweet flavor on their own, and their natural juicness shines through without competing with the oats. A blueberry crisp without oats allows the fruit’s flavor to be the star of the dish, providing a purer and more intense blueberry experience.

Dietary Restrictions or Allergy Friendly! Oats contain a protein called avenin, which is similar to gluten found in wheat. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, oats can be problematic. A blueberry crisp made without oats can be a suitable option for those with gluten-free or wheat-free dietary requirements. Additionally, if you’re looking for a lower carb option, focusing on nuts for the crisp over oats keeps the carb count low.

Fresh or Frozen Blueberries?

Both fresh and frozen blueberries can be used to make this blueberry crisp without oats. The choice between using fresh or frozen blueberries will largely depend on what you have stocked in your fridge!

Fresh blueberries: If you are using fresh blueberries, you will need to wash and drain them before adding them to the saucepan. Fresh blueberries are at their peak of ripeness during the summer months, but they can be found in supermarkets year-round.

Frozen blueberries: All you need to do is remove the desired amount of blueberries from the bag and add them to the saucepan. Frozen fruit is a convenient option because they are available year-round and can be stored in the freezer until you are ready to use them.

Although they may take slightly longer to cook down and release their juice, so you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes if you are using frozen blueberries.

Also, frozen blueberries may release more juice than fresh blueberries, so you will just need to adjust the cooking time to allow the excess liquid to evaporate and reach the desired consistency.

Overall, either fresh or frozen blueberries can be used to make a delicious blueberry crumble!

Ingredients for Blueberry Crisp without Oats

Pecans

Pecans are a type of nut that adds a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the blueberry crisp. They are high in healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Pecans also have a slightly sweet and buttery taste, which complements the blueberries well.

Almond Flour

Blanched almond flour is a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat flour. It is made from finely ground blanched almonds, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Almond flour adds a nutty flavor to the blueberry crisp and helps bind the ingredients together while providing a moist and crumbly topping.

Butter

Butter is a classic ingredient in baked goods like crisps because it adds richness, flavor, and a wonderful golden brown color. It also helps create a crisp and crumbly texture in the topping. However, if you prefer a dairy-free or vegan option, you can substitute butter with refined coconut oil.

Peanut Butter

Natural peanut butter, made from ground peanuts without added sugars or oils, contributes a creamy and nutty element to the blueberry crisp. It pairs well with the blueberries and adds depth to the overall flavor profile. The natural oils in peanut butter can also help create a moist and tender texture in the crisp topping.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is a common flavoring agent used in baking. It enhances the overall taste of the blueberry crisp by providing a warm and sweet aroma. Even a small amount of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor of the blueberries and create a more satisfying dessert experience.

Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener derived from the sap of coconut palm trees. It has a rich caramel-like flavor that complements the blueberries without overpowering them. Coconut sugar is also considered a lower glycemic index sweetener, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels compared to refined white sugar.

Fresh Blueberries

Fresh blueberries are the star ingredient of a blueberry crisp. They provide a burst of sweetness and tartness, along with their vibrant blue color. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to the dessert.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are tiny seeds that are often praised for their nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. When used in a blueberry crisp, chia seeds can help thicken the filling and add a subtle crunch.

How to make this blueberry crisp without oats:

Make the crumble

1. Place the pecans, almond flour, sea salt, and coconut sugar in the food processor. These ingredients will be used to make the crumble topping for the blueberry crisp without oats.
2. Process the ingredients for a few seconds to combine and chop the pecans. This step helps to evenly mix the ingredients and break up the pecans into smaller pieces.
3. Add the ghee, peanut butter, and vanilla to the food processor. These ingredients will help to bind the crumble mixture together and add flavor.
4. Process the mixture again to combine the ingredients. If needed, scrape down the sides of the food processor and process for another couple of seconds to make sure everything is well mixed.
5. Set the crumble mixture aside.

Make the blueberry filling

1. In a saucepan, pour the water and add the coconut sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil. This step is the beginning of the process to make the blueberry filling. The water and coconut sugar will combine to form a simple syrup.
2. Add the blueberries and chia seeds to the saucepan and continue to boil for another 5-7 minutes. This step allows the blueberries to soften and reduce, and the chia seeds to absorb some of the liquid and thicken the filling.

Assemble & Bake your Blueberry Crisp without Oats

1. Press a handful of the crumble mixture into the bottom of each ramekin. This step creates a base for the blueberry filling.
2. Add the blueberry filling on top of the crumble layer. This step creates the second layer of the dessert.
3. Top with an additional handful of crumble mixture. This step creates the final layer of the dessert and helps to enclose the blueberry filling.
4. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. This step finishes cooking the crumble and allows it to become crispy and golden brown.
5. Top with ice cream or whip cream (optional). This step is optional, but it adds a creamy and sweet element to the dessert. You can choose to add either ice cream or whipped cream, or you can skip this step altogether if you prefer.

How to Store Leftover Blueberry crisp without Oats

Allow the crisp to come to room temperature and then wrap each ramekin with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for about a week. Reheat in the oven at 350F for 10 minutes or until heated through.