Ina Garten Plum Crisp Recipe

Sweet Ina Garten Plum Crisp Recipe for Summer Bliss

Plum crisp bursts with summer’s sweet nostalgia, capturing the essence of ripe, juicy fruit transformed into a delectable dessert.

This classic fruit-based treat combines rustic charm with elegant simplicity.

Warm ovens will soon fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons family and friends.

Soft, caramelized plums nestle beneath a golden, crumbly topping that promises delightful textures in every single bite.

The magical alchemy of baking turns humble ingredients into a spectacular dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Seasonal fruit shines brilliantly when treated with such tender culinary care.

Quick Tips for a Crumbly Plum Crisp

  • Pick Perfect Plums: Select ripe, firm plums that give slightly when gently pressed, ensuring they're not mushy or bruised for the best crisp texture.
  • Butter Matters: Keep butter ice-cold and cut into small cubes to create a flaky, crumbly topping that bakes into a golden, crisp layer.
  • Sweeten Smartly: Taste your plums first and adjust sugar levels accordingly, preventing overly sweet or tart results that can overpower the fruit's natural flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Enhance the crisp with a light sprinkle of warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, which complement the plums' rich, deep taste.
  • Cooling Wisdom: Let the crisp rest for 15-20 minutes after baking, allowing the filling to set and flavors to develop while preventing potential mouth burns.

Keeping Plum Crisp Fresh and Flaky

  • Refrigeration Technique: Seal the plum crisp in an airtight glass container to maintain optimal freshness and prevent moisture absorption. Glass containers preserve the crisp's texture better than plastic, keeping the topping crunchy and preventing soggy edges.
  • Freezing Strategy: Portion individual servings in freezer-safe containers before freezing, allowing easy thawing and preventing waste. Wrap each portion separately in parchment paper, then place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and preserve the dessert's delicate flavors.
  • Room Temperature Storage: Consume the plum crisp within 6-8 hours of baking for maximum taste and texture. Place the crisp on a cool countertop, covering it loosely with a clean kitchen towel to prevent dust while maintaining its delightful crispness.

Fun Twists on the Classic Plum Crisp

  • Peach Paradise: Swap plums with ripe, juicy peaches for a sweet summer dessert. Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon to the fruit layer.
  • Berry Bliss: Mix fresh raspberries and blackberries with sliced plums for a vibrant, tangy crisp. Sprinkle some lemon zest over the fruit to brighten the taste.
  • Almond Crunch: Replace half the flour with ground almonds in the topping for a nutty, rich texture. Scatter sliced almonds on top for extra crispiness and visual appeal.
  • Maple Magic: Substitute half the sugar with pure maple syrup in the topping. Add a dash of vanilla extract to complement the warm, caramel-like sweetness.

Wrapping Up Plum Crisp Perfection

Plum Crisp Perfection: Ina Garten’s Signature Dessert Delight!

Sweet seasonal plums nestle beneath a golden, buttery crumble that whispers rustic charm.

Homemade comfort radiates from each spoonful of this classic summer treat.

Local orchards provide succulent fruit perfect for this simple yet elegant dessert.

Warm notes of caramelized sugar complement tart plum nuances in balanced harmony.

Summer memories bloom on ceramic plates with this irresistible crisp.

Delicious connections await – share this recipe, spark conversations, inspire culinary adventures, and let palates dance with pure pleasure!

What Sets Ina Garten’s Plum Crisp Apart

What Sets Ina Garten’s Plum Crisp Apart
Here are the Reasons to Love This Plum Crisp:
  • Capture Summer's Sweetness: Ripe plums burst with natural juiciness, delivering a vibrant, seasonal flavor that captures the essence of late summer harvest in every delightful bite.
  • Ridiculously Easy Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing technique mean anyone can create this dessert in under an hour, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers who want a quick, impressive treat.
  • Irresistible Texture Contrast: The soft, warm plums underneath create a luscious base while the crispy, golden-brown crumbly topping provides a satisfying crunch that makes each spoonful exciting and delectable.
  • Versatile Comfort Dessert: This humble crisp works wonderfully as a casual family dessert, potluck contribution, or elegant finish to a dinner party – adapting beautifully to any gathering and serving style with its rustic, homemade charm.

Plum Crisp Ingredients You’ll Love

Fruit Base:
  • Plums: Sweet summer fruit with natural tartness, ripe and firm plums work best for a perfect texture.
Dry Ingredients for Topping:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a tender and crumbly crisp topping with light structure.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the topping rise and become light and airy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the plums and topping, divided into two portions.
  • Egg: Binds the topping ingredients and adds richness to the crisp.
  • Butter: Melted butter adds golden flavor and helps create a crispy, golden-brown topping.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Plum Crisp

How to Make Ina Garten’s Plum Crisp

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Arrange Plum Base

Wash and slice fresh plums. Spread plum slices evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle sugar over the plums.

Step 3: Create Crisp Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Granulated sugar

Whisk the dry ingredients together. Crack and beat an egg, then mix into the dry ingredients. Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir until crumbly.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the crisp topping evenly over the plum layer. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and plums are bubbling.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and let the plum crisp cool for 15 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful summer dessert.

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Ina Garten Plum Crisp Recipe

Ina Garten Plum Crisp Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s Plum Crisp brings summer’s sweetest memories to your dessert table with ripe, juicy plums nestled under a golden, buttery crumble. Warmth and comfort combine in this simple yet elegant dessert that promises to delight friends and family with each delectable spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Fruits:

  • 12 plums, pitted and chopped

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Wet and Sweet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) white sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and thoroughly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Arrange the plums evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish and sprinkle of granulated sugar directly over the fruit.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining of granulated sugar, whisking the dry ingredients until they are well incorporated.
  4. Crack the egg into a separate small bowl, whisk until smooth, and then fold the beaten egg into the dry ingredient mixture.
  5. Pour the melted butter into the batter and gently stir until a cohesive, slightly thick batter forms.
  6. Carefully spread the batter evenly over the sugared plums, ensuring complete coverage and smooth distribution.
  7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns a golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Select plums with deep, rich color and slight give when gently squeezed, indicating perfect ripeness.
  • Chill butter in freezer for 10-15 minutes before cutting into topping mixture for ultra-flaky crumble texture.
  • Taste plums beforehand to gauge natural sweetness, which helps determine precise sugar measurements.
  • Sprinkle ground cardamom or ginger alongside cinnamon for unexpected, complex flavor dimensions.
  • Rest dessert for 15-20 minutes after baking, allowing juices to thicken and topping to set beautifully.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 264 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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