Plum Crisp Recipe

Ingredients

Plum Filling:

The plum filling is a crucial component of a delicious Plum Crisp Recipe. The key to making an amazing plum filling lies in selecting the right ingredients.

To start, you’ll need to gather 3 cups of fresh or frozen plums. Make sure they’re pitted and cut into small pieces so that they cook evenly during the baking process.

The next ingredient is 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This will help balance out the natural tartness of the plums.

You’ll also need to add a splash of citrus juice, such as lemon or orange, to enhance the flavor of the plums. Use about 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

A pinch of salt is essential in bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients, so don’t forget to add a small amount, around 1/4 teaspoon.

To give your plum filling an extra boost of flavor, you can add a few spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice. Start with about 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

For a hint of warmth, you can also add a small amount of ground ginger or ground cloves. Just be careful not to overdo it, as these spices can quickly overpower the other flavors.

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to combining them into a delicious plum filling. Simply mix together the plums, sugar, citrus juice, salt, and spices until well combined.

The final step is to adjust the sweetness level of your plum filling by adding more sugar if needed or some other sweetener like honey or muscovado sugar.

4 cups of fresh or frozen plums, sliced

To make a delicious Plum Crisp, you’ll need to start with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of fresh or frozen plums, sliced

This is the base ingredient for our plum crisp recipe. Fresh or frozen plums can be used, and they should be sliced into thin pieces to help them cook evenly.

For the Oat Topping:

  • 1 cup of rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

This oat topping is what gives our plum crisp its crunchy texture and flavorful topping. The combination of rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt provides a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Optional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans (for added texture and flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (to help thicken the fruit mixture)

These optional ingredients can be added to our plum crisp recipe to give it a little extra something. Chopped nuts provide a nice crunch, while cornstarch helps to thicken the fruit mixture and prevent it from becoming too runny.

Now that we have all of our ingredients, let’s move on to the instructions for making our delicious Plum Crisp!

1/4 cup granulated sugar

The first ingredient that will help bring together the sweet and tangy flavors of our Plum Crisp Recipe is 1/4 cup granulated sugar.

This type of sugar, also known as white or table sugar, plays a crucial role in balancing out the tartness of the plums and adding a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Granulated sugar dissolves easily into liquids, which makes it an ideal choice for sweetening sauces, syrups, and fillings like our plum crisp topping.

With its fine texture and light flavor, granulated sugar won’t overpower the other ingredients in the recipe but rather enhance their natural flavors.

When measuring 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, it’s essential to use a dry measuring cup to get an accurate measurement.

This ensures that we’re adding the right amount of sweetness to our plum crisp without overpowering its flavor or texture.

To incorporate this ingredient into the recipe, simply add the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the other dry ingredients in the topping mixture and mix until well combined.

Now that we have our 1/4 cup of granulated sugar added to the recipe, we can proceed with mixing it with the other dry ingredients to create a crunchy and sweet plum crisp topping.

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Cornstarch is often used as a thickening agent in various recipes, and in the case of a plum crisp recipe, it plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect consistency for the topping.

In this particular recipe, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch are used to help thicken the mixture of sugar, butter, and spices that will be applied evenly over the plums before baking.

Cornstarch is chosen as the thickening agent because it is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, which means it won’t affect the flavor or appearance of the plum crisp.

When mixed with cold water or liquid, cornstarch dissolves easily and forms a smooth paste that can be cooked to create a clear gel-like texture.

This gel-like texture is essential for the topping in a plum crisp recipe, as it provides a firm yet tender consistency that complements the juicy sweetness of the plums perfectly.

To use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch effectively, make sure to mix them with a small amount of cold water or liquid before adding it to the sugar and butter mixture. This will help prevent lumps from forming and ensure an even distribution of the thickening agent throughout the topping.

1 tablespoon lemon juice

When it comes to the ingredients for a delicious Plum Crisp recipe, one of the key components is the addition of 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Lemon juice serves several purposes in this recipe:

  • Adds brightness and depth of flavor to the dish

  • Helps to balance the sweetness of the plums

  • Enhances the overall aroma and texture of the crisp topping

The acidity in the lemon juice also helps to break down the starches in the plums, making them tender and easier to cook through.

To use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in your Plum Crisp recipe:

  1. Make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor

  2. Add the lemon juice to the plums along with any other desired spices or sweeteners during the preparation phase of the recipe

  3. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients and a harmonious balance of flavors

The amount of 1 tablespoon may seem small, but it can make a significant difference in the overall taste and texture of your Plum Crisp.

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

When it comes to adding warmth and depth to a plum crisp, ground cinnamon is a wonderful ingredient to use.

In this recipe, we’re using 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, which may seem like a small amount, but trust us, it makes all the difference in the world!

Ground cinnamon comes from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, native to Sri Lanka. It’s one of the most widely used spices in baking and cooking, and for good reason – its warm, sweet flavor pairs perfectly with fruits like plums.

If you’re looking to substitute ground cinnamon with something else, keep in mind that it has a distinct flavor profile that won’t be replicated by other spices. However, if you don’t have ground cinnamon on hand, you can try using:

  • 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon of ground cardamom
  • A pinch of ground cloves

However, we highly recommend using high-quality ground cinnamon for the best flavor. Look for a brand that’s freshly ground and has not been sitting on a shelf for months.

In our Plum Crisp Recipe, we’re using 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon as part of the dry ingredients mixture. This will give your plum crisp a warm, comforting flavor that complements the sweetness of the plums perfectly.

Topping:

Crisp Topping Ingredients:

The topping for a Plum Crisp recipe is a crucial component that adds texture, flavor, and crunch to the dish. A good crisp topping can make all the difference in elevating this classic dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crisp Topping Ingredients:

  • Oats**: The base ingredient for most crumble toppings, oats provide a nice texture and help bind the other ingredients together.
  • Flour**: Adds structure and helps prevent the topping from becoming too crumbly. All-purpose flour is commonly used, but whole wheat flour can add a nuttier flavor.
  • Brown Sugar**: Contributes to the rich, caramel-like flavor of the topping. Use light or dark brown sugar depending on your preference.
  • Granulated Sugar**: Provides sweetness and helps balance out the flavors in the topping.
  • Spices**: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can be added to give the topping an extra boost of warmth and depth. Use them sparingly as they can quickly overpower the other flavors.
  • Unsalted Butter**: The star of the show, unsalted butter adds moisture, flavor, and a golden-brown color to the topping.
  • Nuts (optional)**: Chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can add crunch, texture, and extra flavor. Use them sparingly as they can be overpowering.

When combining these ingredients, make sure to mix until they form a crumbly mixture with some large pea-sized pieces of butter visible throughout. This will help create the perfect balance between crunchy and chewy when baked.

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

The topping for a plum crisp recipe is an essential component that adds texture and flavor to the dessert. One common topping used in plum crisps is made from rolled oats, which provide a delightful crunch.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats: This is the base ingredient for the topping. Rolled oats are preferred over steel-cut or instant oats as they hold their texture better after baking.

The rolled oats should be combined with other ingredients to create a well-balanced and tasty topping. Some common additions include brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cold butter or oil, salt, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Why Rolled Oats?

  • Texture: Rolled oats provide a nice texture contrast to the soft fruit in the plum crisp. Their crunchy bite complements the juicy plums perfectly.
  • Flavor: Rolled oats have a mild, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with sweet fruits like plums. They don’t overpower the flavor of the fruit but rather enhance it.

To prepare the topping, simply mix together the rolled oats with your desired additions in a bowl until well combined. You can also add some chopped nuts or seeds for extra texture and nutrition.

1/2 cup brown sugar

The topping for the plum crisp recipe plays a crucial role in balancing the sweetness and texture of the dish. One essential component of the topping is brown sugar, which adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.

Specifically, we’re looking at using 1/2 cup of brown sugar as part of the topping mixture. This amount provides just the right balance between sweet and savory, without overpowering the natural sweetness of the plums.

  • Benefits of Brown Sugar: In this recipe, brown sugar serves several purposes: it caramelizes during baking to create a crunchy, golden-brown topping; adds a hint of molasses flavor that complements the plums’ sweetness; and helps balance out the tartness of the fruit.
  • Type of Brown Sugar:** For this recipe, we recommend using light brown sugar. Its milder flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients in the topping mixture, while still providing the necessary sweetness and depth.
  • How to Use It: When combining the topping ingredients, be sure to mix the 1/2 cup of brown sugar with the remaining dry ingredients (oats, flour, etc.) until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough or dense texture.

By incorporating 1/2 cup of brown sugar into the topping mixture, you’ll achieve a well-balanced plum crisp that’s both sweet and savory – the perfect combination for a delicious dessert.

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

The addition of nuts to the topping in a plum crisp recipe adds texture, flavor, and crunch to this classic dessert. In this case, we’re featuring 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts as a key ingredient in our topping.

Benefits of Chopped Walnuts:

  • Provides a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation in the body
  • Adds a delightful crunch to the topping, creating a pleasant texture contrast to the soft plums and oat mixture
  • Introduces a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the plums and other ingredients
  • Enhances the overall depth and complexity of the dish

The chopped walnuts work in harmony with the oats, brown sugar, flour, and spices to create a topping that’s both crunchy and flavorful. When cooked, the walnuts will slightly caramelize and become golden brown, adding an enticing aroma to the plum crisp.

How to Incorporate Chopped Walnuts:

  1. Mix the chopped walnuts with the remaining topping ingredients (oats, brown sugar, flour, and spices) in a separate bowl until well combined
  2. Spoon the plum mixture into a baking dish and top it evenly with the walnut-oat mixture
  3. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender

The addition of chopped walnuts will elevate your plum crisp to new heights, making it a delicious and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings or cozy family meals.

1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

The first topping ingredient for this plum crisp recipe is 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter, which has been cut into small pieces.

Cold unsalted butter is essential for achieving a crumbly and flaky texture in the topping, while also providing a rich, creamy flavor. Cutting it into small pieces ensures that the butter will distribute evenly throughout the mixture, helping to create a crispy and golden-brown crust on top of the plum crisp.

The key to working with cold ingredients is to keep them refrigerated until just before use. This helps prevent them from becoming too warm or soft, which can compromise their texture and flavor.

When using cold unsalted butter in baking, it’s often necessary to mix wet and dry ingredients separately and then gently fold them together until they’re just combined. Overmixing can cause the butter to melt and result in a tough or dense final product.

In this case, you’ll be mixing the cold unsalted butter with other dry ingredients like granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oats, before adding wet ingredients like eggs and vanilla extract. Be gentle when combining these ingredients, as overmixing can cause the butter to melt and lead to a tough or crumbly topping.

Cooking and Serving:

Instructions:

Preparing a delicious plum crisp requires careful attention to detail, but with these simple instructions, you’ll be on your way to creating a mouth-watering dessert in no time.

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven:** Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the fruit is cooked through and the topping is crispy.
  2. Prepare the plums:** Wash, peel, and chop the plums into bite-sized pieces. You can use fresh or frozen plums for this recipe.
  3. Combine the sugar, cornstarch, and spices:** In a large bowl, mix together 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until well combined.
  4. Add the plums to the dry ingredients:** Gently fold the plum pieces into the dry ingredient mixture until they are evenly coated.
  5. Mix in the lemon juice and zest:** Squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the plum mixture and mix well. Add the grated lemon zest and stir again.

Now it’s time to prepare the oat topping, which will add a crunchy texture to your plum crisp:

Oat Topping Instructions:

  • Mix together the oats, brown sugar, and flour:** Combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour in a separate bowl.
  • Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly:** Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter into the dry ingredient mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Now that you’ve prepared both the plum filling and oat topping, let’s assemble and bake our plum crisp:

Assembly and Baking Instructions:

  1. Spoon the plum mixture into a baking dish:** Transfer the plum mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar size.
    • Spread the oat topping evenly over the plum filling, making sure to cover the entire surface.

  2. Bake until golden brown:** Bake the plum crisp at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes or until the fruit is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Remove the plum crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade plum crisp warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of whipped topping!

Precise plums to fill 9×9 inch baking dish.

Cooking and Serving: Precise Plums to Fill 9×9 Inch Baking Dish

In this section, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to fill a 9×9 inch baking dish with plums for the Plum Crisp recipe.

Preparing the Plums

To prepare the plums, you will need:

  • 3 pounds of fresh plums, any variety but firmer plums work best
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Cut the plums into quarters and remove any pits or stones. Place them in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). Pour this mixture over the plums and toss to coat evenly.

Filling the Baking Dish

To fill the 9×9 inch baking dish with the prepared plums, follow these steps:

  1. Arrange the plum quarters in a single layer: Place the plum quarters in a single layer at the bottom of the baking dish.
  2. Fill gaps between plums with additional plum pieces: Use any remaining plum quarters or halves to fill in any gaps between the plum quarters.
  3. Crush some of the plum pieces for topping: Reserve 1/4 cup of crushed plums for the topping. You can use a fork to crush them into small pieces or simply chop them finely with a knife.

At this point, your baking dish should be filled with the prepared plums, ready for the oat mixture and other toppings in the Plum Crisp recipe.

Mix together sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon; sprinkle over plums.

Cooking and serving a plum crisp recipe requires attention to detail and a gentle touch. To begin, mix together the essential ingredients that will form the topping for the plums. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This combination helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar while adding structure and texture to the topping.

Next, add in 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon helps to break down the starches in the cornstarch and adds a burst of citrus flavor to the mixture. Be sure not to use too much lemon juice, as it can overpower the other flavors in the recipe.

Now, add a pinch of warm spice to the mixture by sprinkling in 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The cinnamon complements the sweetness of the sugar and adds a comforting, familiar flavor to the plum crisp. Mix all of these ingredients together until they form a smooth, even paste.

Once the topping is prepared, it’s time to add it to the plums. Slice 6-8 ripe plums into wedges or chunks, depending on their size and your personal preference. Place the plums in a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized oven-safe pan. You can leave them in a single layer or create multiple layers with some of the plums facing up and others facing down.

Evenly sprinkle the sugar-cornstarch-lemon juice-cinnamon mixture over the top of the plums, making sure to cover all of the fruit. You may not need to use all of the topping, depending on how large your plums are and how much you like the crunchy texture it adds. Simply save any leftover topping for another recipe or store it in an airtight container for later use.

Finally, place the plum crisp in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the plums are tender. You can check on the crisp every 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s cooking evenly and adjust the baking time as needed.

Once the plum crisp is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade plum crisp!

In separate bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, walnuts, and butter until crumbly.

Cooking and serving a delicious plum crisp recipe requires some basic kitchen skills and attention to detail, but with this guide, you’ll be able to create a mouth-watering dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

The first step in cooking a plum crisp is to prepare the filling. This involves washing, peeling, and slicing 3-4 cups of fresh plums into bite-sized pieces.

Next, mix together 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a separate bowl until well combined.

Add the plum slices to the sugar mixture and toss until they’re evenly coated. This helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the plums and prevents them from becoming too soggy during cooking.

Transfer the plum mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish and set aside for now.

Now it’s time to prepare the topping, which is where things get really delicious. In a separate bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, walnuts, and butter until crumbly. You can do this by using your fingers or a pastry blender, whichever you prefer.

The goal here is to create a mixture that’s crunchy, nutty, and slightly sweet. The oats will add texture, while the walnuts provide a nice crunch and a hint of bitterness to balance out the sweetness of the sugar.

Once you have your topping mixture ready, sprinkle it evenly over the plum filling, making sure to cover all the exposed areas.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is crispy and caramelized. You can test this by inserting a toothpick into one of the plum slices – if it comes out easily, it’s ready!

Once the crisp is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the filling to thicken slightly.

To serve, scoop individual portions into bowls or ramekins and top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of whipped yogurt – whichever you prefer!

Spread plum mixture in prepared baking dish; top with crisp topping ingredients.

To complete this step, you will need to first prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the plum mixture and crisp topping from sticking to the dish.

Next, carefully spread the plum mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface, leaving no gaps or bare spots.

Once the plum mixture is in place, it’s time to top it with the crisp topping ingredients. You can use a variety of ingredients for this topping, such as rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cold butter, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Begin by combining the dry ingredients, including the oats, sugars, and flour, in a bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to work these ingredients together until they are well mixed.

Then, add the cold butter to the bowl and use your fingers or a pastry blender to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Finally, sprinkle this crisp topping evenly over the plum mixture in the baking dish. You can also press some of the topping down gently with your hands to ensure it adheres well to the fruit.

Now that the plum crisp is assembled, it’s ready to be baked until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your dish, so be sure to keep an eye on it as it bakes!

Bake at 375°F for 3540 minutes or until golden brown; serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired.

The art of cooking and serving a delicious plum crisp requires attention to detail and a understanding of the baking process.

To begin, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), which will provide a consistent heat source for even baking.

Next, mix together the sliced plums with sugar, flour, and spices in a large bowl. This mixture should be well combined to ensure that each plum slice is coated evenly with the dry ingredients.

The plum mixture should then be poured into a 9×13 inch baking dish, which has been lightly greased with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Now it’s time to add the oat topping, which typically consists of rolled oats, brown sugar, and chopped nuts. This mixture should be sprinkled evenly over the plum mixture, creating a crumbly texture that will become golden brown during baking.

The final step is to place the plum crisp in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender. It’s essential to check on the crisp periodically to ensure that it’s not overbrowning.

Once the plum crisp has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and make the fruit easier to slice.

To serve, place individual portions of the warm plum crisp in bowls or ramekins and top with vanilla ice cream if desired. The coldness of the ice cream provides a nice contrast to the warm fruit and crispy oat topping, creating a delightful dessert experience.