Mixed Berry Crumble | Ultralight Backpacking Recipe
By Aaron Owens Mayhew, MS, RDN, CD
Updated January 6, 2024
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Raise your hand if you have a sweet tooth! Backcountry Foodie’s Mixed Berry Crumble ultralight backpacking recipe is just for you!
I don’t know about you, but some days on the trail are a real struggle. You’re soaking wet from rain, muscles ache from climbing 1000s of vertical feet, mosquitoes are annoying for hours, or you’re post-holing up to your thighs for miles.
Have you had similar experiences?!? Having a treat in your backpacking food bag can be a real pick-me-up. Backcountry Foodie’s Mixed Berry Crumble ultralight backpacking dessert recipe hits the spot every time! You might also consider checking out our White Chocolate Coconut Pudding and Trailside Tiramisu recipes.
Mixed Berry Crumble
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View Comments / Leave A ReviewNUTRITION (per serving)
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Tbsp (4 g) blueberries, freeze-dried
- 2 Tbsp (4 g) strawberries, freeze-dried
- 2 Tbsp (4 g) raspberries, freeze-dried
- 2 Tbsp (12 g) butter powder
- 1 Tbsp (13 g) cane sugar
- 1 tsp (3 g) corn starch
- ½ tsp (1.3 g) cinnamon, ground
- 1 packet (0.8 g) True Lemon™ powder, 1 packet = 1/4 tsp powder
- 1 sheet (16 g) graham crackers, honey, crumbled
- 1 Tbsp (14 g) coconut oil, 1 Tbsp = 120 calories
- 2 oz (60 mL) water
OPTIONAL
- sugar substitute (substitution), no-added-sugar option
- 1 sheet (18 g) graham crackers, gluten-free (substitution), gluten-free option
- 2 scoops (20 g) MCT oil powder (substitution), 1 scoop = 70 calories, substitute for coconut oil
INSTRUCTIONS (per serving)
HOME
- Put all ingredients, except graham cracker crumbs and coconut oil, in a bag or container for use in the backcountry. See the meal prep tip below.
- Put graham cracker crumbs in a separate bag or container to be stored with the berry mix.
- Pack 1 Tbsp (14 g) coconut oil in a leakproof container to be added when the meal is consumed. We recommend double bagging the oil in the event of a leak. See the meal prep tip below.
FIELD
- Add 1-2 oz (30-60 mL) of hot water to the berry mixture. Avoid adding too much water, as the mixture will quickly become soup.
- Stir to mix well and let stand to allow the berries to fully rehydrate and sauce to thicken.
- The mixture should be the consistency of a fruit compote. More or less water may be added to reach the desired consistency.
- Add 1 Tbsp (14 g) coconut oil to the berry mixture.
- Stir to mix well.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the berry compote and enjoy!
NOTES
MEAL PREP TIPS
- Dehydrated fruit is not recommended as it will not create a compote unless cooked for an extended period of time in a pot.
- MCT oil powder may be used as a substitute for coconut oil. Add the powder to the bag with dry ingredients.
NUTRITION
- Total sugar (per serving): 25 g, including 15 g added sugar
- For a low-sugar recipe, replace cane sugar with a sugar substitute.
- To reduce calories by 120, do not add the 1 Tbsp (14 g) coconut oil. However, the oil helps create a fruit compote sauce.
- To reduce calories by 40, reduce the volume of butter powder by 1 Tbsp (6 g).
- If butter powder is not included, there will not be a significant change in flavor or texture.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aaron Owens Mayhew, MS, RDN, CD, is a registered dietitian and ultralight long-distance backpacker with over 20 years of nutrition and backpacking experience. She’s also the founder and owner of Backcountry Foodie, an online ultralight recipes and meal planning platform for backpackers. She also enjoys teaching hikers about backpacking nutrition via virtual masterclasses, YouTube videos, and podcast episodes. You can follow Aaron’s adventures in the kitchen and the backcountry via Instagram and Facebook.
2 Comments
How long does it take to re-constitute?
Maybe 5 minutes or less. Freeze-dried fruit rehydrates quickly with warm water.