Mixed Berry Papaya Crumble - Gluten Free & Vegan

I was craving something sweet after dinner and wanted to make a nice dessert for Gerald and I. I had a ripe papaya and wondered what it would taste like in a dessert. Not sure what to do I fumbled through some cookbooks of mine and stumbled on a recipe for a Rhubarb & Plum Crisp in The Vegan Cookbook. Not having rhubarb nor plums I decided to make up my own variation with mixed berries, papayas, and convert it to gluten-free and oil-free. The result? DELICIOUSNESS! It was so irresistible we at the whole crisp, I made it again and sure enough it was gone in a flash. Enjoy!!! 

Total Time: 45 Minutes | Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Cook Time: 30 Minutes | Serves: 4 

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cup   Mixed Berries (Fresh or Frozen)
• 1 1/2 cup   Papaya - Cut into 1/2" pieces
• 1/8 cup   Coconut Palm Sugar Crystals
• 1/2 tsp    Cinnamon (or healthy dash)

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup   Chopped Pecans
• 1/4 cup   Cashews
• 1/3 cup   Mashed Banana (1 ripe banana, mashed)
• 1/2 cup   Gluten Free Flour
• 1/2 cup   Puffed Amaranth (or puffed quinoa)
• 3 tbsp   Coconut Palm Sugar Crystals

Peaceful Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Pre-grease a 8" square baking dish or bread pan, whatever you have on hand.
3. Place the Mixed Berries in the baking dish, top with the papaya and sprinkle with coconut palm sugar crystals and cinnamon.
4. To make the topping, combine the gluten free flour, puffed amaranth and mashed banana in a bowl. Mash together with your hands. Wash hands and add balance of coconut palm sugar crystals and nuts. Stir to combine.
5. Cover the fruit with the crumb topping and bake in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Let cool for 5 minutes and enjoy!

Notes:

• 1 Cup of Gluten Free Flour or Gluten-Free Oats could be used vs. the Puffed Amaranth, I added it for more protein.
• Try your favorite nuts or use your favorite seed if allergic to nuts.
• Try your favorite blend of fruit.
• An alternative sweetener to Coconut Palm Sugar Crystals may be substituted. I changed the original recipe in over 10 ways, feel free to do the same with mine letting your creativity flow!!!