There’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of a homemade dessert, especially as autumn arrives and the air turns crisp. One afternoon, while sorting through a basket of fresh plums from the farmer’s market, an idea blossomed into a delightful creation—the Spiced Plum Crisp. This recipe is an effortless way to capture the essence of summer’s last fruits, transformed into a comforting, warm dish just right for cozy evenings.
Imagine the sweet aroma of ripe plums mingling with fragrant spices like cinnamon and cardamom, all topped with a crunchy pecan crumble that feels just as satisfying as a hug. This is more than a dessert; it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients and soulful cooking, perfect for sharing with family or friends after a hearty meal. Whether you’re looking for a new go-to recipe for gatherings or simply want to indulge in some comforting home-cooked goodness, this Spiced Plum Crisp will surely become a favorite!
Why is this Spiced Plum Crisp irresistible?
Comforting, the warm, spiced flavors are tailored for cozy nights with loved ones. Easy to prepare, this recipe requires minimal effort for maximum reward—ideal for those busy autumn evenings. Seasonal appeal, highlighting the best of fresh plums, calls for a delightful indulgence. Crowd-pleasing, it’s perfect for gatherings, appealing to all palates. Versatile, feel free to swap in other fruits or nuts, creating endless variations. Immerse yourself in this glorious dessert experience that evokes warmth and nostalgia!
Spiced Plum Crisp Ingredients
For the Crisp Topping
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the crisp topping. Substitution: Can use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Thick Rolled Oats – Adds chewiness and texture to the topping. Substitution: Use quick oats for a finer texture.
• Brown Sugar – Supplies sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. Substitution: Can swap with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
• Fine Sea Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• Cinnamon & Cardamom – Add warm spices that elevate the overall flavor profile. Substitution: Use pumpkin pie spice if unavailable.
• Butter (cold) – Creates a flaky texture in the crisp topping. Substitution: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Chopped Pecans – Contributes crunch and richness to the topping. Substitution: Walnuts can be used instead.
For the Filling
• Plums (or a mix including apriums/pluots) – The star ingredient providing a juicy filling. Substitution: Frozen fruit can be used if fresh is unavailable (may need extra thickening).
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the fruit filling. Substitution: Honey or maple syrup can be used, adjusting the quantity based on sweetness preference.
• Lemon (zested & juiced) – Brightens flavor and balances the sweetness of the plums.
• Tapioca Flour/Cornstarch – Thickens the filling based on the juiciness of the fruit; necessary to prevent a runny texture.
How to Make Spiced Plum Crisp
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Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish, like a 9-10 inch round skillet or 11×7 inch baking dish, by greasing it with a bit of butter. This step sets the stage for your crisp to bake perfectly!
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Mix the crisp topping by combining flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom in a bowl. Incorporate cold butter using your fingers until the mixture is crumbly; then stir in chopped pecans. Chill this topping in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
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Prepare the plum filling by combining quartered or sliced plums, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Let this sit for 10 minutes to release the fruit’s juices, creating a luscious base.
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Add tapioca flour or cornstarch to the plum mixture to help thicken it, then let rest for 3 more minutes. This crucial step ensures you avoid a runny filling, keeping your crisp delightful!
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Spoon the luscious plum mixture into your prepared dish and evenly spread the chilled crisp topping over it. Place this dish on a lined baking sheet to catch any bubbling juices that may overflow while baking.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the topping is beautifully golden brown, inviting you with its sweet aroma.
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Cool for at least 30 minutes before serving warm, and enjoy a generous scoop topped with ice cream or whipped cream for that extra special touch!
Optional: Drizzle with a touch of honey for added sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Spiced Plum Crisp?
As the aroma of your Spiced Plum Crisp fills your kitchen, it’s time to think about what perfect accompaniments will elevate your dessert experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Melting into warm crisp, creamy vanilla ice cream creates an irresistible blend of flavors and textures.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy counterpoint to the substantial pecan topping.
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Toasted Nuts: Serve with additional toasted pecans on top for extra crunch and a nutty flavor that ties into the crumble.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each serving for a decadent sweetness that enhances the spiced plum filling beautifully.
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Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea like chamomile or mint will balance the sweetness while offering a calming end to a cozy meal.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Sipping on warm spiced apple cider echoes the autumnal spices in your crisp, providing a seasonal touch to your dessert spread.
Spiced Plum Crisp Variations
Feel free to customize this delightful recipe and make it your own with these scrumptious ideas!
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Fruit Mix-In: Combine plums with apples, berries, or peaches for a medley of flavors that brighten the dish. Mixing fruits takes your crisp to tantalizing new heights!
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Nutty Twist: Swap chopped pecans with walnuts or almonds to give the topping a different crunch and flavor profile. Each nut brings its charm that’s sure to surprise!
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Sweeten Naturally: Instead of granulated sugar, use honey or maple syrup in the filling for a healthier way to balance the tartness of the plums. Just adjust the quantity according to your taste!
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Coconut Crunch: Substitute butter with coconut oil in the topping for a subtle hint of coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the plums. This will have taste buds dancing in delight!
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the spiced mixture for an extra layer of warmth that elevates the overall taste. You’ll find each bite more aromatic than the last!
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Zesty Kick: Incorporate a splash of vanilla extract into the filling to enhance the flavor and aroma, creating an even more inviting dessert experience. Goodness, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
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Savory Spin: For something unique, add a bit of warm cayenne pepper to the pecan topping for a surprising kick, balancing the sweetness of the fruit perfectly. This is sure to impress adventurous eaters!
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Gluten-Free Delight: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and oats to make this delicious crisp a treat that everyone can enjoy without missing out on the magic!
Let your creativity flow and enjoy making this recipe your own; there’s no wrong way to indulge in a Spiced Plum Crisp!
Make Ahead Options
These Spiced Plum Crisp components are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prep the crisp topping up to 3 days in advance by mixing the flour, oats, sugars, and spices, then cutting in the cold butter and chilling it in the refrigerator. The plum filling can be made up to 24 hours ahead; simply combine all ingredients, let it rest to draw out juices, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just before baking, give the mixture a quick stir and add the thickening agent. When you’re ready to serve, layer the topping over the fruit and bake for delicious results that are just as cozy as fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Spiced Plum Crisp
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Room Temperature: Allow the Spiced Plum Crisp to cool completely before covering it loosely with foil or wax paper. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day.
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Rewarm in the oven at 300°F for about 20 minutes for a comforting, freshly-baked flavor.
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Freezer: If you want to save some for later, freeze the crisp by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat the Spiced Plum Crisp in the oven until warmed through for the best texture.
Expert Tips for Spiced Plum Crisp
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Choose Ripe Fruit: Make sure your plums are ripe for the sweetest flavor. Under-ripe fruit can lead to a tart filling that doesn’t shine.
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Chill the Topping: Don’t skip chilling the pecan crisp topping! This helps achieve a crumbly texture instead of a dense one when baked.
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Adjust Thickness: Be mindful of the fruit’s juiciness. If using very ripe plums, you may need to add a bit more tapioca flour for the perfect filling consistency.
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Cooling Required: Allow the Spiced Plum Crisp to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This prevents a soupy filling and enhances the flavors beautifully.
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Try New Fruits: Feel free to mix in other fruits like peaches or berries to create your own spin on this delicious Spiced Plum Crisp!
Spiced Plum Crisp Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe plums for my Spiced Plum Crisp?
Absolutely! Look for plums that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch, signaling ripeness. They should have a vibrant color and a sweet aroma. Avoid any with dark spots all over, as these might be overripe.
What’s the best way to store leftover Spiced Plum Crisp?
You’ll want to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To bring back that freshly-baked flavor, rewarm it in the oven at 300°F for about 20 minutes. This way, it’ll be as delightful as when it came out of the oven!
Can I freeze my Spiced Plum Crisp for later enjoyment?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the crisp to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What if my filling is too runny?
If you find your filling turns out too runny, you might want to increase the amount of tapioca flour or cornstarch next time. Start by adding an extra tablespoon to the plum mixture when preparing. Allow it to rest to absorb the juices longer, around 5-10 minutes, before baking it. The thickening agent will do wonders in achieving that perfect texture!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind for my guests?
Very! This recipe can accommodate various dietary needs. You can substitute the butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free option. Additionally, if anyone has nut allergies, feel free to swap out the pecans for seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower, for a nut-free version. Always a good idea to check in with your guests first!
Can I use frozen plums instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen plums if fresh ones aren’t available! Just keep in mind that frozen fruit may need a bit more thickening agent, as they tend to be juicier when thawed. You can add an extra tablespoon of tapioca flour or cornstarch to ensure the filling holds together beautifully.
Irresistible Spiced Plum Crisp for Ultimate Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish by greasing it with a bit of butter.
- Mix the crisp topping by combining flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom in a bowl.
- Incorporate cold butter using your fingers until the mixture is crumbly, then stir in chopped pecans.
- Chill this topping in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the plum filling by combining quartered or sliced plums, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl.
- Let this sit for 10 minutes to release the fruit’s juices.
- Add tapioca flour or cornstarch to the plum mixture to help thicken it, then let rest for 3 more minutes.
- Spoon the plum mixture into your prepared dish and evenly spread the chilled crisp topping over it.
- Place this dish on a lined baking sheet to catch any bubbling juices while baking.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool for at least 30 minutes before serving warm.