Marionberry Crisp a la Mode

Marionberry Crisp is one of the best summertime desserts. Especially with a little cinnamon that will have guests guessing what the secret ingredient is.

I had to look up a la mode. No joke. It just happened. I know what it is, I just couldn’t remember if it was ala mode, or a la mode. Which is quite silly considering that ala mode doesn’t make any sense at all. I think it’s one of those mind blips, ya know like when you suddenly can’t remember how to spell the simplest word, “peel, peal, piel, stupid banana spell your own word!”

I grew up on crisps and cobblers. They were one of our favorite things that Mom would make for us. Kind of like this dutch oven peach crisp or cobbler. In fact, we had a lot of dutch oven food growing up. It was a summer tradition to go camping and dutch oven was our favorite way to eat.

Mom usually made au gratin potatoes and chicken, or this brisket is delicious too.

Heirloom Recipe

Anyway, we loved being outdoors, running around in the mountains all day, playing in the river and then having a big ol’ campfire where yes, we sang camp songs (Three Sharp toothed buzzards, I’m a Villain, The Other Day I Met a Bear and so on) and roasted marshmallows. But the best part was always whatever Mom whipped up in the dutch ovens, or occasionally the reflector ovens. Dude, my mom is a pro. We even had lashed together trees to make our own kitchen and bathroom areas.

One year we went camping on horseback. First, I learned I was getting increasingly more allergic to horses, second we all learned that the Oregon mountains had really scary cliffs that the horses would slip on, jump logs and get spooked in, oh and swift rivers that we would have to ride horses across with our legs in the water it was so deep.

Then, once we got to camp we unloaded the mules and were left by our guides to survive for a week. I don’t know if I ever could have prepared for that trip like mom did, but it was amazing. If it wasn’t for the horses I’d do it again. It was so peaceful and beautiful. And all we had were each other. I wish we could experience it again.

Anyway, the point is, this crisp is an heirloom recipe. It’s been around forever and will continue through the generations as I pass it along to my children and teach them about taking time to just be together as a family without distractions. And it happens to be incredibly delicious and there’s a few secrets to it that you’ll have to read through the recipe to discover.

Ingredients for a Marionberry Crisp

Some of the best desserts are made with just a few ingredients! That’s when you know the fruit is the star of the show…you don’t need much more to make it shine! Here is your ingredient list:

For the Filling

• Marionberries
• Granny Smith Apple
• Sugar
• Flour
• Cinnamon

For the Topping

• Flour
• Butter
• Old Fashioned Oats
• Brown Sugar
• Salt
• Ice Cream (optional)

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make a Marionberry Crisp

A simple ingredients list should mean a quick and easy recipe. If it’s something you can make out in the middle of nowhere camping, then it can’t be too complicated! Here are the basic steps:

1. Preheat the oven.
2. Combine all the ingredients for the filling in a bowl.
3. Pour the filling into two tart dishes (or an 8×8 baking dish).
4. Combine all the dry ingredients for the topping in a separate bowl.
5. Add the butter and combine using a pastry blender.
6. Use your hands to mix the topping and squeeze it until it comes together.
7. Bake.
8. Serve with ice cream. This is optional of course, but the answer is always yes!

What is a Marionberry?

Marion blackberry, marketed as marionberry, is a blackberry that is a cross between the ‘Chehalem’ and ‘Olallie’ blackberries.

It was developed in Marion County, Oregon.

The marionberry is a little tart but is larger, sweeter and juicier than the ‘Evergreen’ blackberry.

Are Marionberries Good For You?

Marionberries contain high levels of Vitamin C.

They also contain antioxidants that help promote circulatory health, and fight against cancer.

What is a Crisp?

A crisp is a type of American dessert, usually consisting of a type of fruit, baked with a crispy topping.

The topping usually consists of butter, flour, oats, brown sugar and usually spices, such as cinnamon and/or nutmeg.

It’s a good thing that marionberries are only in season for a short time or else I’d be making this crisp way too often! Those warm berries with that crunchy topping and the hint of cinnamon is what summer dessert dreams are made of!

More Mouth-watering Summer Fruit Desserts:

• Peach Cobbler
• Peach Crisp
• Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake
• Blueberry Pie
• Peach Hand Pies
• Brown Sugar Peach Pie Bars
• Strawberry Pie
• Razzleberry Pie
• Deep Fried Peaches
• Grilled Chocolate Strawberry Croissants
• Deep Fried Strawberry Shortcakes

*This is a sponsored post on behalf of the Utah Dairy Council

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