Zucchini Delight Crisp
Transform your summer zucchini harvest into a delightful dessert with this Zucchini Delight Crisp. This scrumptious dish mimics the classic taste of apple pie, without the gluten or sugar. By utilizing fresh zucchini, this recipe offers a unique twist and is packed with flavor. The hint of lemon juice combines beautifully with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a truly comforting dessert. The gluten-free crust is buttery and crumbly, holding the warm, spiced zucchini filling perfectly. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this healthy take on a classic dessert will delight your taste buds while keeping your dietary restrictions in mind.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
4-5 cups (peeled and sliced)
Fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup
Stevia powder
1/2 teaspoon
Vegetable glycerin (optional)
1 tablespoon
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
Buckwheat flour
1 1/2 cups
Stevia powder (for crust)
1/2 teaspoon
Arrowroot powder
4 1/2 teaspoons
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Cold butter or margarine
3/4 cup (12 T) (cut into pieces)
Vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the buckwheat flour, 1/2 teaspoon of stevia powder, arrowroot, and salt. Mix well.
3
Cut in the cold butter or margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Fold in the vanilla extract gently.
4
Press half of this dough mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch glass baking dish, making sure to press it 1/4-inch up the sides.
5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Once baked, cool on a wire rack.
6
While the crust cools, prepare the zucchini filling. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peeled and sliced zucchini with the lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is just tender, then remove from heat.
7
Stir in the stevia powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the zucchini mixture, and allow to cool slightly.
8
Carefully spoon the cooled zucchini mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
9
Crumble the remaining half of the crust mixture on top of the zucchini layer.
10
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zucchini Delight Crisp?
It is a gluten-free and sugar-free dessert that uses zucchini to mimic the classic taste and texture of an apple pie crisp.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, the recipe uses buckwheat flour and arrowroot powder, making it completely gluten-free.
How is this dessert sweetened without sugar?
The recipe utilizes stevia powder in both the crust and the zucchini filling as a sugar alternative.
How does zucchini taste like apple pie?
By peeling and slicing the zucchini and simmering it with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, it achieves a flavor and texture profile very similar to cooked apples.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much zucchini do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 to 5 cups of peeled and sliced zucchini.
What is the preparation method for the zucchini?
The zucchini should be peeled, sliced, and then simmered with lemon juice for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender.
What type of flour is used in the crust?
Buckwheat flour is used to create the gluten-free crust.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either cold butter or margarine to be used in the crust mixture.
What role does lemon juice play in the filling?
Lemon juice provides the necessary acidity to help the zucchini mimic the tart flavor of apples.
What size baking dish should be used?
An 8x8-inch glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How long should the bottom crust bake initially?
The bottom crust should be pre-baked for about 10 minutes until it is lightly browned.
What is the final baking time for the assembled crisp?
The assembled crisp needs to bake for an additional 45 minutes.
What spices are used to flavor the zucchini?
The filling is flavored with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Is vegetable glycerin mandatory?
No, the 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin is listed as an optional ingredient.
What is the purpose of arrowroot powder in this recipe?
Arrowroot powder is mixed with the buckwheat flour to help provide structure to the gluten-free crust.
How do I know when the Zucchini Delight Crisp is done?
It is ready when the top crumble layer is golden and crispy.
Should the zucchini be peeled before slicing?
Yes, the instructions specify that the zucchini should be peeled to maintain the apple-like appearance and texture.
How do I assemble the crust and filling?
Press half the dough into the bottom of the dish, add the cooled zucchini mixture, and then crumble the remaining dough on top.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is described as buttery and crumbly.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How should the dessert be served?
It should be allowed to cool before being sliced into squares for serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 12 ingredients used in this recipe, including the optional glycerin.
What does it mean to 'cut in' the butter?
It means to incorporate cold butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs, usually using a pastry blender or forks.
How long do I simmer the zucchini?
The zucchini should be simmered with lemon juice for 2 to 3 minutes.
Should the crust be cooled after the first bake?
Yes, the pre-baked crust should be cooled on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.
Is there salt in the crust?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to the buckwheat flour mixture.
What temperature should the butter be when starting the crust?
The butter or margarine must be cold to ensure a crumbly crust texture.
Can this be served to people with dietary restrictions?
Yes, it is specifically designed for those with gluten-free and sugar-free dietary requirements.
Does this recipe use vanilla?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract are folded into the crust mixture.