John and I are usually apple crisp kind of people.

He likes apples.
I like ice cream.
It just works out.

But sometimes, you just gotta branch out. Otherwise you don’t know what else is out there.
Like Strawberry Granola Crisp.

Don’t get me wrong, this is still dessert. But it’s a relatively healthy dessert!
You get a nice serving of fruit.
The oats and granola give it a ton of fiber.
And the added sugar and fat is pretty low.

You could eat this for breakfast if you wanted. Just leave off the ice cream.
Unless, of course, it’s Valentine’s Day.
Then all bets are off.

Strawberry Granola Crisp for Two
inspired by Real Simple

Ingredients
2 cups frozen or fresh strawberries
3-4 Tablespoons light brown sugar
sprinkle of salt
1/3 c rolled oats
1/3 granola {I used Bear Naked triple berry crunch}
2 T unsalted butter, softened

Method | Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix the strawberries and 1 Tablespoon of brown sugar to coat. In a separate bowl, combine the granola, oats, remaining brown sugar and salt, and then add the butter and mix together with your fingers. Place the strawberries in two oven-safe bowls or ramekins and top with dry mixture. If using fresh berries, cook for 20-30 minutes or until fruit is bubbling and the crisp layer is golden brown. If using frozen, cook for 35-45 minutes. Let set for a few minutes and serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Oh dear.
Apple crisp may hold a special place in my heart but this strawberry crisp is amazing.

I loved how the berries got all sweet and bubbly.
The crumble layer became toasty and golden brown.
And the vanilla ice cream gave it decadent strawberry pie al a mode feel.

If I could’ve, I would’ve eaten John’s portion, too.
But that wouldn’t have been very nice now would it?
Especially so close to Valentine’s Day.

So, I practiced self restraint and kept it to one bowl.
One magnificent, delicious, soul-warming bowl.

Enjoy,
Dana