Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This plum crisp recipe with oats is the perfect answer. It's a delightful blend of sweet, juicy plums topped with a crunchy, buttery oat crumble – a classic combination that's guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, offering a straightforward approach to homemade cooking and delicious dishes, resulting in a dessert that tastes far more impressive than the minimal effort required. It’s also a fantastic way to use up those late-summer plums!
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 4 cups plums, pitted and sliced (about 4-5 medium plums)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures easy removal of the crisp once it's baked.
Prepare the Plum Filling:
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In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced plums, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the plums evenly. This helps prevent the plums from releasing too much liquid during baking.
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Pour the plum mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Make the Crisp Topping:
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In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, nuts (if using), cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
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Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix; you want some larger pieces of butter for a crispier topping.
Assemble and Bake:
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Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly over the plum filling.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping is browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the plum crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream – the perfect ending to any meal!
Tips for the Best Plum Crisp:
- Use ripe but firm plums: Overly ripe plums will become mushy.
- Don't overmix the crumble topping: This will result in a tough topping.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference: If you prefer a sweeter crisp, add a little more sugar to the filling or topping.
- Add other fruits: Feel free to add other fruits like apples, blueberries, or raspberries to the filling.
Variations:
- Spiced Plum Crisp: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free Plum Crisp: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour in both the filling and the topping. Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Vegan Plum Crisp: Use vegan butter in the topping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This easy plum crisp recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its best, yielding a delicious dish with minimal effort. Enjoy!