If you’re looking for a dessert that marries juicy fruit, a crunchy topping, and naturally sweet flavors, the Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp is about to become your new favorite. Bursting with plump blueberries under a blanket of golden, nutty crumb, this crisp is effortless to pull together but delivers serious wow at the table. Whether you’re baking up a batch for brunch, a weeknight treat, or a casual gathering, this crowd-pleaser brings both wholesome ingredients and homey comfort in every bite of its warm, bubbling goodness.

Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of making the Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp is discovering how a handful of pantry basics and a few fresh finds combine so beautifully. Each ingredient plays a starring role to achieve the balance of sweetness, crunch, and that gorgeous berry color.

Blueberries: The sweet, juicy base of this crisp. Fresh give extra pop, but frozen berries work like a charm too.
Cornstarch: (Optional) Gives the berry filling a luscious thickness so you get silky fruit in every spoonful.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the berries and lifts their natural flavor—don’t skip it!
Maple Syrup (for berries): A touch of natural sweetness that complements the tartness of the blueberries.
Rolled Oats: The hearty backbone of the crisp topping, adding both texture and flavor.
Chopped Pecans: For delightful crunch and a toasty, buttery note with every bite.
Almond Flour or Meal: Lends subtle richness and helps the topping brown enticingly.
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: A secret ingredient for extra crispness and a hint of tropical flair.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens the flavors and keeps things balanced.
Cinnamon: Warms up the topping and brings a mouthwatering aroma as it bakes.
Maple Syrup (for topping): Adds irresistible sweetness and helps the topping crisp up beautifully.
Coconut Oil or Olive Oil: Makes everything golden, crisp, and just the right amount of rich.

How to Make Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by turning on your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when your crisp is ready to bake. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish—this will make sure every bit of that scrumptious blueberry filling lifts out easily later.

Step 2: Mix the Blueberry Filling

In a large mixing bowl, toss together your blueberries, cornstarch (if you’re using it for a pie-like filling), lemon juice, and a tablespoon of maple syrup. Stir gently to coat, then spread the juicy mixture in an even layer in your greased baking dish. The lemon’s brightness really wakes up the berries!

Step 3: Make the Oat & Pecan Topping

Grab another bowl and stir together the rolled oats, chopped pecans, almond flour, shredded coconut, salt, and cinnamon. Once blended, pour in the maple syrup and melted coconut or olive oil. Stir until every oat and nut is glossy and clumpy—it should look like the kind of crumble you can’t resist sampling.

Step 4: Assemble Your Crisp

Evenly sprinkle the oat and pecan topping over the blueberry layer, making sure you cover the fruit completely. Those nubby bits and golden edges are the stuff of dessert dreams, so don’t press down—just let it sit loosely on top so it gets nice and crisp in the oven.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the blueberry juice is bubbling up around the edges. The kitchen will smell like pure heaven! Let the Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp cool for about 10 minutes before serving, so the juices thicken slightly (if you can wait that long).

How to Serve Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm blueberry crisp is a classic for good reason—the cold, creamy melt works magic with the crisp’s warmth. If you’re in the mood for a lighter touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of Greek yogurt adds a bit of tang and extra richness. For a fresh finish, sprinkle a few extra blueberries or a mint leaf on top.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp with a simple dessert wine or a steaming mug of coffee elevates it even further. It also shines next to a fresh fruit salad or lemony sorbet for a summery dessert spread, especially at brunch or family gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the crisp into individual ramekins for mini, party-ready desserts. For a rustic feel, serve it in mason jars topped with yogurt for a brunch parfait. Or, build a sundae bar with this crisp as the foundation, letting each guest add their favorite toppings and ice cream flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp keeps beautifully in the fridge for three to four days. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container once fully cooled, and store them on the middle shelf to help maintain the topping’s crispness. You’ll find the flavors deepen overnight, making that second (or third) helping even more irresistible.

Freezing

If you want to save your crisp for later, allow it to cool completely, then tightly wrap the baking dish or portion the crisp into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To restore maximum crisp, reheat portions in a 350°F oven (about 10–15 minutes) or use a toaster oven until warmed through and the topping is crunchy again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave will do the trick, though the topping will be softer. Either way, it’s delicious!

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for the Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp?

Absolutely! Simply measure out your frozen blueberries and use them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw. If using frozen berries, you might want to add the optional cornstarch for extra thickening.

Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan?

Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats, and be sure to stick with maple syrup and coconut oil (versus honey or butter) for a 100 percent vegan, gluten-free treat.

Do I have to use pecans, or can I substitute other nuts?

If you don’t have pecans on hand, feel free to swap in walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different but equally delightful crunch in your Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

You sure can! Prep the filling and topping separately up to a day ahead, then assemble and bake just before serving. Or, bake it ahead and simply reheat before bringing it to the table.

What can I do if I want to lower the sugar?

You can easily reduce the amount of maple syrup, or swap in a sugar-free substitute if you prefer. Because the blueberries are naturally sweet, the Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp is still wonderful with less added sweetness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try the Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp—it’s an easy and joyful baking project that delivers comfort, flavor, and bright summer vibes any time of year. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or savored cold the next day, I have a feeling it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp Recipe