Although the reason we eat desserts is not generally because of the health benefits, and many contain no health benefits at all - except for the psychological kind where we feel much better after having indulged (before standing on the scales the morning after, of course) - it is not a crime to add a little nutrition to a dessert and “healthify it” a little. The main rule for healthifying a dish is that it must actually look and taste good. Healthified Fruit Crumble was served to the Official Hancock Tasters and not one of them, not even Mr. Picky, mentioned the words “cardboard” or “sandpaper” or “burlap.” In fact, several had seconds and commented about how crunchy and good the topping was. What they didn’t know was that each serving supplied 5 grams of fiber, as well as the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants contained in the fruit. Agave nectar was used as a healthier sugar substitute.

This dish came about because there were plums ripening on the counter, and they needed to be used up quickly. On the second testing, apricots, peaches, and plums were used, and the crumble tasted even better. You can, of course, use any stone fruits you have around. Healthified Fruit Crumble is quite fast to put together, too, since the skins are left on the fruits for a little extra nutrition and fiber. Even though this dessert doesn’t rate as actual health food, no one will guess that it’s been healthified; who knows, it may even become a family or neighborhood favorite.

12 Servings

3 pounds fresh plums, or a mixture of stone fruits, unpeeled and quartered
Juice of 1 orange
2 tablespoons agave nectar
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger

3/4 cup oats
2/3 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup cold milled flax
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, cut into small pieces

1. Preheat the oven to 375°.
2. Arrange the plums, or stone fruit mixture in the bottom of a 9 x 13" shallow glass baking dish.
3. Squeeze the orange juice over the fruit, drizzle the 2 tablespoons agave nectar over, and scatter the ginger over all.
4. Mix the oats, agave nectar (2/3 cup), flax, flour, salt, and butter.
5. Spoon it over the fruit and spread evenly.
6. Bake 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden and the fruit is tender.
7. Remove from the oven, let sit 10-15 minutes, and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 327 Calories from Fat 157
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 48% Protein 5% Carb. 48%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 17 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Cholesterol 41 mg
Sodium 207 mg
Total Carbohydrate 39 g
Dietary Fiber 5 g
Sugars 11 g
Protein 4 g

Vitamin A 19% Vitamin C 18% Calcium 0% Iron 4%