There's nothing quite like the smell of a warm plum crisp recipe baking in the oven on a summer evening. This easy plum crisp recipe transforms fresh, juicy plums into a golden, bubbly dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're using plums from your backyard tree or picked up from the farmers market, this plum crisp recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
What makes this plum crisp recipe so special is its simplicity and versatility. You can have this delicious dessert ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for unexpected guests or when you're craving something sweet. The buttery oat topping creates the perfect contrast to the tender, caramelized plums underneath.
Why This Summer Dessert Recipe Is Pure Magic
This homemade plum crisp stands out because it celebrates the natural sweetness of fresh plums without overwhelming them with heavy ingredients. Unlike complicated desserts that require multiple steps, this plum crisp recipe uses simple pantry staples to create something truly memorable. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla brings out the best in the stone fruit, while the oat topping adds that satisfying crunch we all love.
Summer plum desserts don't get much better than this rustic fruit crisp. What sets this plum crisp recipe apart is how it captures the essence of the season in every bite. The plums become tender and jammy while maintaining their shape, and the golden topping provides textural contrast that makes each spoonful interesting. This old fashioned plum crisp pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
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Ingredients
For the Plum Filling:
- Fresh plums, pitted and sliced
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt
For the Crisp Topping:
- Salt
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar, packed
- Cold butter, cubed
- Ground cinnamon
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare Your Plums and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Wash and pit your fresh plums, then slice them into wedges about ¼-inch thick.
- In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced plums with sugar, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Transfer the seasoned plums to your prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.
Create the Perfect Crisp Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
- Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger butter pieces.
- The mixture should hold together when squeezed but still be crumbly.
Assemble and Bake Your Plum Crisp Recipe
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate summer dessert experience.
- Evenly distribute the oat topping over the prepared plums, covering the entire surface.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the plum juices are bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Expert Cooking Tips
Choosing the Right Plums
- Select plums that are ripe but still firm to the touch. They should give slightly when pressed but not be mushy. A mix of red and purple plums creates beautiful color variation in your finished dessert.
Temperature Matters
- Keep your butter cold when making the topping. Cold butter creates those perfect crumbly pieces that make the difference between an okay crisp and an amazing one.
Don't Skip the Resting Time
- Let your baked plum crisp rest for at least 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the juices to thicken slightly and prevents a watery dessert.
Boost the Flavor
- Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to your plum mixture if your plums are very sweet. This enhances the natural tartness and creates better flavor balance.
Perfect Timing
- Your crisp is done when the topping is golden brown and you can see the plum juices bubbling enthusiastically around the edges of the pan.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dietary Modifications
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.
Fruit Combinations
- Try mixing plums with other stone fruits like peaches or apricots for a varied flavor profile. A plum and apple crisp works wonderfully in early fall when both fruits are in season.
Topping Variations
- Replace half the oats with chopped almonds or pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor. You can also add a tablespoon of coconut flakes for tropical notes.
Sugar Alternatives
- Reduce the sugar and add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey to the plum mixture. This creates a more complex sweetness that complements the fruit beautifully.
Spice It Up
- Experiment with cardamom, ginger, or even a pinch of black pepper to create unique flavor combinations that will surprise your taste buds.
Equipment Recommendations
- A 9x13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish works best for this plum crisp recipe, as it conducts heat evenly and creates beautiful browning. A pastry cutter makes quick work of the topping, though your fingers work just fine too. An ice cream scoop is perfect for serving uniform portions alongside vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover plum crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Freezing Instructions
- This dessert freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the plum mixture and topping separately up to one day ahead. Store the plums covered in the refrigerator and keep the topping in an airtight container. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's what I learned from my grandmother that transforms an ordinary plum crisp recipe into something extraordinary: always taste your plums before adding sugar. Some plums are naturally sweeter, while others have more tartness. Adjusting the sugar ensures your plum crisp recipe comes out perfectly balanced every single time.
The second secret is all about the butter distribution. Don’t worry if some pieces of butter in your topping are larger than others—this is actually what makes a plum crisp recipe shine. Those larger pieces melt down into the plums and create pockets of richness, giving your plum crisp recipe that irresistible rustic texture. This simple technique, passed down through generations, is the difference between an ordinary fruit dessert and a truly unforgettable plum crisp recipe.
FAQ
What is the difference between a crumble and a crisp recipe?
The main difference lies in the topping. A crisp typically includes oats in the topping mixture, while a crumble uses just flour, butter, and sugar. Both create delicious results, but the oats in a plum crisp recipe add extra texture and heartiness.
Do you have to peel plums before baking?
No, you don't need to peel plums for this recipe. The skin becomes tender during baking and adds beautiful color and extra nutrients to your dessert. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before slicing.
Is it okay to eat two plums a day?
Yes, eating two plums daily is perfectly healthy and provides excellent vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Plums are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them a great choice for regular consumption.
What is a German dessert with plums?
The most famous German plum dessert is Zwetschgenkuchen, a traditional plum cake made with a yeasted dough base topped with halved plums and streusel. It's similar to our American plum crisp but with a cake-like foundation.
More Delicious Desserts to Try
If you loved this summer fruit crisp, you'll definitely want to try these other incredible dessert recipes that are perfect for any occasion. The Almond Joy Bars Recipe captures all the flavors of the beloved candy bar in homemade form, with layers of coconut, chocolate, and almonds that create pure bliss in every bite.
For something equally indulgent, the Chocolate Dipped Cannoli Recipe brings Italian bakery flavors right to your kitchen. These crispy shells filled with sweet ricotta and dipped in rich chocolate make an elegant ending to any meal. Both recipes pair beautifully with this plum crisp recipe when you're entertaining guests or creating a dessert buffet that showcases the best of homemade sweets.
With love from my kitchen
By Lisa Johnson💜
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Plum Crisp Recipe
Plum Crisp Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish Ceramic or glass works best
- 1 Large mixing bowl For tossing plums
- 1 Medium mixing bowl For topping
- 1 Pastry cutter or fingers For cutting butter into topping
- 1 Oven Preheated to 375°F (190°C)
- 1 Ice cream scoop Optional, for serving with ice cream
Ingredients
Plum Filling
- 6 cups Fresh plums Pitted and sliced (about 8–10 medium plums)
- ⅓ cup Granulated sugar Adjust to taste depending on plum sweetness
- 2 tablespoon All-purpose flour Helps thicken juices
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- Salt Pinch
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup Rolled oats Old-fashioned
- ¾ cup All-purpose flour
- ½ cup Brown sugar Packed
- ½ cup Butter Cold, cubed
- ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease baking dish.
- Toss plums with sugar, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Spread plum mixture evenly in baking dish.
- Combine oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in bowl.
- Cut in cold butter until crumbly texture forms.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over plums.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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