Made with fresh plums and a crunchy oat topping, this crisp is a lighter alternative to classic fruit pie. It goes over well with the women in my church group.

Plum Crisp is a delectable dessert that showcases the sweet and juicy flavors of fresh plums combined with a crunchy and spiced oat topping. This dessert is a perfect way to enjoy plums at their peak season and is often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Let’s explore the history and story behind this delightful plum dessert.

The exact origins of Plum Crisp are unclear, but fruit crisps and cobblers have long been enjoyed as comforting desserts in many cultures. These desserts were created as a way to showcase seasonal fruits and make use of simple pantry ingredients.

Plums have a rich history and are believed to have originated in China thousands of years ago. They were highly valued in ancient civilizations and were often associated with fertility, abundance, and good luck. Plums eventually spread to Europe, where they became popular ingredients in various sweet and savory dishes.

The concept of crisps, cobblers, and crumbles emerged as early American settlers adapted their traditional fruit-based desserts to the ingredients available in their new surroundings. These desserts became especially popular during the harvest season when fresh fruits were abundant.

Plum Crisp follows the basic structure of a fruit crisp, with sliced plums as the star ingredient. The plums are combined with a touch of lemon juice, tapioca for thickening, and a sprinkling of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.

The topping for Plum Crisp consists of a mixture of oats, flour, sugar, spices, and butter. This combination forms a crumbly and crispy texture when baked, creating a delightful contrast to the soft and juicy plums.

PREP: 25 MIN. + STANDING

BAKE: 40 MIN.

MAKES: 8 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• 5 cups sliced fresh plums (about 2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon quick-cooking tapioca
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the topping:
   • In a small bowl, combine oats, flour, ¼ cup sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
   • Using your hands, work the softened butter into the sugar mixture until well combined.
   • Add chopped walnuts and toss to combine.
   • Refrigerate the topping mixture for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the plum filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine sliced plums, tapioca, lemon juice, and the remaining sugar.
   • Transfer the plum mixture to a greased 9-inch pie plate.
   • Let the plum mixture stand for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Assemble and bake the Plum Crisp:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
   • Sprinkle the chilled topping mixture evenly over the plum mixture in the pie plate.
   • Bake the Plum Crisp for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the plums are tender.
4. Serve and enjoy:
   • Remove the Plum Crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly.
   • Serve the Plum Crisp warm, either on its own or topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.

Plum Crisp is a delightful dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of plums while providing a comforting and satisfying texture. Whether enjoyed during the summer months when plums are abundant or as a cozy treat in the cooler seasons, Plum Crisp is sure to impress with its combination of flavors