8 Light & Fruity Summer Crisps, Crumbles & Cobblers

by Samantha Schwab

July 12, 2021

Photo Credit: Nutrition in the Kitch

Is there anything better than a warm blueberry crisp with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream? Or maybe you prefer peach cobbler with a dollop of whipped cream? Perhaps it’s a blackberry crumble that’s calling your name? Cobblers, crisps, and crumbles are some of our favorite ways to use up large batches of farmer’s market fruit. Their crunchy toppings are all slightly different, but their warm, fruity fillings are practically the same. And these lighter takes on fruity summer treats, made with healthier sugars, flours, and fats, are our favorite equation: 100% indulgent plus 0% guilt.

Photo Credit: Gutsy Baker

Crisps

Crisps traditionally call for a combination of flour, sugar, butter, and oats. Compared to crumbles and cobblers, they tend to be, well, crispier; lighter and less dense. The recipes below run the gamut from a low FODMAP, gluten-free, and dairy-free blueberry crisp to a triple-berry crisp you can make in the slow cooker.

Paleo Blueberry Crisp from Gutsy Baker
Slow Cooker Triple Berry Crisp from Well Plated
Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp from Sam Schwab

Photo Credit: Eating Bird Food

Crumbles

Crumbles are very similar to crisps, especially since the terms are often used interchangeably. The topping tends to be a bit more like streusel and may have oats, but often does not. Here, find a fruity crumble you can enjoy on-the-go (topped with hemp seeds for extra protein and fiber) and a tropical crumble with mango, pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts that will make you feel like you’re on an island far, far away.

Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars from Eating Bird Food
Almond Oat Crumble Blackberry Pie from Green Healthy Cooking
Mango Pineapple Crumble from Bakerita

Photo Credit: Sweet Lizzy

Cobblers

Cobblers are topped with a more biscuit-like dough and they are often (though not exclusively) made with peaches. The recipes here include a gluten-free cobbler, sweetened with maple syrup, and a blueberry, peach, basil version that has a refreshing oomph.