This Easy Nectarine Brown Sugar Crisp is a warm and fruity treat with a crunchy topping. Juicy nectarines mixed with brown sugar create a sweet and cozy dessert!
You can’t go wrong with that crispy topping—it’s like a hug for your taste buds! I love serving it with vanilla ice cream. Who can resist that combination? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Nectarines: Ripe nectarines really shine in this recipe. If they are out of season, peaches can be a great alternative. They offer a similar taste and texture that will result in a delightful crisp.
Granulated Sugar: This adds a sweet touch to the nectarines. If you prefer less sugar, you might reduce the amount or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best as it gives you more control over the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, coconut oil or vegan butter works well too!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a great texture. If you need gluten-free, be sure to select certified gluten-free oats to keep it safe for dietary needs.
What’s the Best Way to Create a Crunchy Topping?
The topping is key for that crunchy contrast! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Combine the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of sweetness and flavor.
- When cutting the butter into the mixture, aim for pea-sized pieces. This helps create that delightful crumbly texture.
- Avoid over-mixing; you want some small chunks of butter to remain so they melt during baking, creating a crispy topping.
Baking until the topping is golden brown is essential. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to help the juices thicken—it’s such a wonderful treat!
Easy Nectarine Brown Sugar Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5-6 ripe nectarines, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare this yummy dish, and then you can pop it in the oven to bake for about 35-40 minutes. So in total, you’re looking at around an hour to enjoy this delightful dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take an 8-inch square baking dish and lightly grease it—this will help with easy serving later!
2. Making the Nectarine Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced nectarines together with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure each slice is well-coated for fabulous flavor! Once you’re done, spread this sweet fruit mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
3. Creating the Crunchy Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). Next, add the cold cubes of butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry ingredients. You want it to resemble coarse crumbs—don’t worry about making it too perfect!
4. Combining and Topping:
Now sprinkle that delicious oat mixture evenly over the nectarines in your baking dish. It’s going to look so good already!
5. Baking to Perfection:
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly—your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Cooling Down:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle down a bit.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your warm Nectarine Brown Sugar Crisp by topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Dig in and relish every bite of this comforting and easy-to-make dessert! 🍑✨
FAQ for Easy Nectarine Brown Sugar Crisp
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! While nectarines are delicious, you can easily substitute with other fruits like peaches, plums, or even apples. Just keep in mind that different fruits have varying sweetness and moisture levels, so you may want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
What if I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
No problem! If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use granulated sugar instead. For a deeper flavor similar to brown sugar, you could mix granulated sugar with a bit of molasses—about 1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar works well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warm, to keep that crispy topping intact. You can also use the microwave, but the topping might lose some crunchiness.
Can This Crisp Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and topping separately ahead of time. Assemble them just before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to keep it covered to maintain the moisture!
