Plum Crisp Recipe

Plums: Fresh plums are the star of this dessert, providing a juicy and sweet base.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the fruit filling.

Cornstarch: Thickens the plum filling, ensuring it isn't too runny.

Rolled oats: Gives the topping a hearty and crunchy texture.

All-purpose flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients together.

Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.

Ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy flavor that complements the plums.

Unsalted butter: Melts into the topping, creating a deliciously crisp texture.

When preparing the plums, ensure they are ripe but firm to achieve the best texture and flavor in your crisp. To pit the plums efficiently, slice them in half and twist the halves apart. Use a small spoon or the tip of a knife to remove the pit. For a more even distribution of sweetness and thickness, mix the granulated sugar and cornstarch thoroughly with the plums before transferring them to the baking dish. When making the topping, use your hands to mix the melted butter into the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures the butter is evenly distributed, resulting in a perfectly crumbly topping.

• plums - Substitute with peaches: Peaches have a similar sweetness and texture, making them a great alternative in crisps.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a bit of extra moisture to the dish.

• cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder thickens similarly to cornstarch and is a good alternative for those avoiding corn.

• rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are a good gluten-free option.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and is a great gluten-free alternative.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness and a slight caramel flavor, making it a good substitute.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground nutmeg: Ground nutmeg provides a warm, spicy flavor that complements fruit crisps well.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and a slight coconut flavor that pairs well with fruit.

• Allow the plum crisp to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the topping soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer the plum crisp to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the plum crisp in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• For freezing, first ensure the plum crisp is completely cooled. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the plum crisp in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is crisp.

• For individual servings, you can freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw and reheat as needed, following the same oven instructions for the best texture and flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover plum crisp in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the crisp topping from burning.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to re-crisp the topping.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the plum crisp to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a piece of microwave-safe plastic wrap.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the filling is not hot enough, continue to heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a portion of the plum crisp in a non-stick skillet.
  2. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat.
  3. Heat on low to medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
  4. Be careful not to overheat, as the filling can become too runny.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the plum crisp in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure the topping doesn't burn.
  4. This method will help maintain the crisp topping while warming the filling.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the plum crisp in a toaster oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from burning.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

• Oven: Used to bake the plum crisp at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the plums with granulated sugar and cornstarch.

• Baking dish: Holds the plum mixture and the topping while baking.

• Another mixing bowl: Used to mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients like plums, sugar, oats, and flour.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like cornstarch and ground cinnamon.

• Spatula or spoon: Helps in stirring the ingredients together.

• Knife: Needed to pit and slice the plums.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the plums.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the baking dish in and out of the oven.

• Timer: Ensures the plum crisp is baked for the correct amount of time, 45 minutes.

Prepare the filling: Mix the plums, granulated sugar, and cornstarch the night before and refrigerate.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon using a food processor.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients beforehand to streamline the process.

Melt butter in microwave: Save time by melting the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easier cleanup.