Blackberry and cornmeal may not be a combination you’ve thought of in the past, but you’ll soon be happy that you stumbled upon this recipe. Perhaps the best part is that you can use fresh or frozen berries so it’s perfect year-round.

Serves 8

Ingredients

Filling Ingredients

• 3 cups blackberries
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup blackberry all-fruit spread/preserve

Topping Ingredients

• 2/3 cup cornmeal
• 1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (find a homemade recipe here)
• ½ to ¾ cup milk of your choice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly coat an 8x8 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

In a microwaveable bowl warm the all-fruit spread/preserve and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until melted (10 to 15 seconds), whisk together to combine. Gently fold in blackberries until combined. Transfer mixture to 8x8 dish.

In a medium bowl whisk the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add applesauce, milk and vanilla, whisk until smooth. Pour the batter over the fruit mixture, spread to evenly distribute.

Bake for 35-45 minutes until top is springy to the touch and golden brown. Let cool, then serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

130 calories, 1g fat, 100mg sodium, 30g carbohydrates, 2g protein, 11g sugar

Recipe from Cecelia Jacobson, Registered Dietitian at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend.

Reviewed by PeaceHealth dietitians and nutritionists