I created this healthy crumble in conjunction with Iceland Foods. The dessert is suitable for a number of different diets including gluten free, low carb, paleo and vegan. It contains no refined sugars and despite being so virtuous is absolutely delicious.
This post contains Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is a sponsored post. I was paid by Iceland Foods to create the recipe. Find out what that means here.
The story behind the recipe
I was intrigued when I was challenged by Iceland to create a healthy family friendly recipe using some of their products.
If I’m honest, I admit to not having stepped into Iceland since I was a kid. So with £40 worth of gift vouchers in hand I entered with a little bit of trepidation.
I wasn’t entirely sure what I would find that was both healthy and suitable for my diet (gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free).
In actual fact I was very surprised with the range, and delighted to find frozen chopped herbs (I hate chopping herbs, but love the flavour of fresh herbs vs dried herbs).
And sliced frozen peppers (perfect for the type of food that I cook and saves the chopping again!).
Even frozen kale (I’m looking forward to trying that out since I love kale and look forward to having it to hand in the freezer whenever I want it).
I also found some grass-fed wagyu beef burgers.
Now, I am the first to admit to being very fussy when it comes to meat. Generally I only eat local meat that I can buy from a butcher who I can quiz. On this occasion, however, I made an exception as these burgers say they are made from the highest quality beef.
The wagyu cow is a prized animal genetically predisposed to intense marbling and producing a high percentage of unsaturated fat. The meat is known for its quality and commands a high price.
The burgers were also gluten-free, which as many of you will know, is pretty unusual for store-bought burgers.
They also only cost £3 for two burgers, which I think is pretty good value for a quick and simple meal.
In addition to the burgers, I also bought some ostrich steaks.
Not quite sure why, but I thought it would be a good idea to try something different. They are known to be very high in protein and low in fat whilst tasting like beef.
The thing I liked best about my trip was the price of the frozen vegetables, but also the variety and convenience of them too. And not only that, but because they are frozen, there is no chance of them ‘going off’ and being binned, meaning less waste.
We eat an awful lot of vegetables and sometimes it can be hard to get them fresh enough to last us a week (and because we live in a village I don’t want to be going shopping several times a week).
Buying a selection of frozen vegetables is a great solution to this problem…provided that you choose wisely.
In my experience using frozen vegetables such as onions, spinach, sweetcorn, peas, brussel sprouts, peppers, cauliflower, herbs, and hopefully kale, in cooking provides perfect results.
You would never know they weren’t fresh.
If I’m honest I am not a fan of cooking such vegetables to eat on the side. They just don’t seem to cook the same as fresh ones in my experience.
The healthy crumble is invented
As you will know, I have now completed the I Quit Sugar 8 week programme and I have no plans to return to eating the white stuff! In fact, I don’t even crave sweet stuff now.
However, I created this healthy crumble for occasions like last night when we had an old friend over for dinner.
It is gluten free but also entirely grain free, making it suitable for anyone following a low carb or paleo diet.
What is the low carb crumble topping made from?
I combined chopped nuts and coconut oil in the topping to help slow down the impact of the fruit on blood sugar levels.
By combining protein and fats with fruit, the fructose is absorbed into the blood stream in a more measured way.
This means there is less of a surge in blood sugar levels which is often followed by a slump. Making you reach for something else sweet to get those levels up again.
In addition, I added some mixed spice and a little bit of rice syrup. You could use whatever sugar alternative you prefer, but this is my preference now as it apparently doesn’t lead to the cravings associated with other sweeteners. It also seems to suit my tummy.
What fruit is in the healthy crumble?
I decided to go for a healthy berry crumble. So for the base I used an Iceland frozen red berry mix (raspberries, blackberries, redcurrants and blackcurrants). Along with a tin of peaches in juice.
If they were in season you could replace the tinned peaches with the same weight of fresh peaches (400g).
I then sweetened the mix with four drops of vanilla stevia. Again you could use whatever you like, but stevia has no fructose which is what I am now trying to keep to a minimum.
Finally my choice of fruit was made based on those that are lower in fructose, but sweet enough to create a pudding without the need to add too much sweetener.
It is a simple pudding that you can create with store cupboard (and freezer) essentials.
I hope you enjoy the recipe. If you do then you might like my free gluten free recipe booklet. In it I share how to make gluten free Victoria sponge cake, scones, Yorkshire puddings and more.
In addition to that you’ll get my free weekly newsletter of recipe inspiration, tips and news.
Just enter your details in the box below for it to be delivered straight to your inbox. If you don’t receive it then check your junk mail box.
Pin the recipe for healthy crumble so you don’t lose it:
Healthy Crumble (Low Carb; Paleo)
Ingredients
- For the topping:
- 60 g almonds
- 60 g pecans
- 1 tbsp coconut oil - or vegetable oil of your choice
- 1 tbsp rice syrup - or maple syrup or honey depending on your diet restrictions
- 1/2 tsp mixed spice
- For the base:
- 400 g tinned peaches - drained and rinsed
- 120 g mixed berries - I used Icelands frozen ones
- 4 drops stevia - mine was vanilla flavoured. You could use an alternative sweetener
Instructions
- To make the topping place the nuts into a small chopper and whizz until you have a fine 'breadcrumb' like texture
- Add the coconut oil, rice syrup and mixed spice and whizz again to combine
- Spread the mixture out onto a baking tray and place under a grill at high heat for around 8 minutes, watching and stirring it around all the time to prevent it burning. You want it to be nice and brown but not burnt!
- Whilst the topping is browning, chop the peaches into small pieces and add to a saucepan with the frozen berries. Simmer for 15 - 20 minutes until thickened and the fruit is soft
- Check the sweetness, and if required add a few drops of stevia, or a little of your chosen sweetener. I found four drops of stevia was sufficient, you may want more
- To assemble the pudding divide the cooked fruit between four little dishes. Divide the topping into four and sprinkle over the top
- Serve either hot or cold with a dollop of coconut yoghurt if you fancy
Notes
Nutrition (Approx)
This recipe was commissioned by Iceland and I was paid to create it, as well as being sent vouchers to buy the ingredients. This did not affect my opinions and they are all my own.
jacqui Bellefontaine says
wow these look really tasty I would happliy tuck into one right now.
Kat (The Baking Explorer) says
What lovely little treats! They sound easy to make too
Vicki Montague says
Super easy!
Donna says
Crumble is one of my favourite puddings. We’ve got an apple tree in the garden so it’s apple crumble every week! This would make a welcome change!
Sylvie says
Love the nutty crumble toppings and the delicious mix of peaches and berries – this looks like the most delicious fruit crumble ever! #cookblogshare
Vicki Montague says
Ah thanks Sylvie!