This brown sugar nectarine crisp recipe quickly became a family favorite. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, yet special enough to serve to guests. And let me tell you, it smells divine while baking! I can be knee-deep in homework help and overflowing laundry baskets, but that scent instantly transports me to a sun-drenched orchard. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I can prep the nectarines and crisp topping ahead of time, then just pop it in the oven when we’re ready for dessert. The kids even help with slicing the fruit – it’s a fun, easy way to get them involved in the kitchen.
This brown sugar nectarine crisp is pure summer comfort food. And trust me, once you try this brown sugar nectarine crisp, it will become a staple in your family too! It’s the perfect baked nectarine dessert.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious brown sugar nectarine crisp:
- 6-8 medium nectarines, pitted and sliced: I always opt for freestone nectarines when making brown sugar nectarine crisp because they’re easier to pit and slice. But honestly, any type will work!
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: For the crisp topping, you can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.
- 1/2 cup rolled oats: I prefer old-fashioned rolled oats for the crisp topping’s texture, but quick oats will also work in a pinch.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: The brown sugar is key to that caramel-y flavor in the brown sugar crisp topping.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the nectarines beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Keep that butter cold! This is crucial for creating a crumbly brown sugar crisp topping.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the nectarines and prevents them from browning too much.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to thicken the nectarine juices as they bake.
When making brown sugar nectarine crisp, you can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store. I usually buy my nectarines from the farmers market when they’re in season, as they have the best flavor.
Here’s a brown sugar nectarine crisp trick I learned from my mom: add a tablespoon of almond extract to the nectarine mixture. It enhances the fruity flavor and adds a subtle nutty aroma.
For a cost-saving tip, buy nectarines in bulk when they’re on sale and freeze them for later use. Just slice them and lay them flat on a baking sheet before freezing, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They won’t be quite as firm as fresh nectarines, but they’ll still work great in this brown sugar nectarine crisp recipe. You could even use other fruits alongside the nectarines!
As for storing leftover ingredients for your brown sugar nectarine crisp, keep the brown sugar in an airtight container to prevent it from hardening. And always store your butter in the refrigerator!
How to Make – Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s dive into making this brown sugar nectarine crisp. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a warm, delicious dessert in no time. Each step is designed to build upon the last, ensuring a perfect crisp every time.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, you can start prepping the nectarines. This ensures the oven is ready and at the optimal temperature for baking.
- Prepare the nectarines: Wash, pit, and slice the nectarines into about 1/4-inch thick slices. I like to slice them directly into a bowl to minimize mess. Add the lemon juice and cornstarch to the sliced nectarines and toss gently to coat. The lemon juice will prevent browning, and the cornstarch will help thicken the juices as the baked nectarine dessert bakes.
- Make the brown sugar crisp topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together until everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that each bite of the topping is packed with flavor.
- Cut in the butter: This is where the magic happens! Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix! You want small chunks of butter to remain visible. This will create those wonderfully crumbly bits in the brown sugar crisp topping.
- Assemble the crisp: Pour the nectarine mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar crisp topping evenly over the nectarines. Ensure that the nectarines are evenly covered for a consistent bake.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the nectarines are bubbling. I learned the hard way with brown sugar nectarine crisp that it’s better to err on the side of slightly overbaked than underbaked – nobody wants a soggy crisp!
- Cool slightly: Let the brown sugar nectarine crisp cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to thicken slightly and prevent you from burning your tongue!
In my kitchen, brown sugar nectarine crisp usually takes about 32 minutes to get that perfect golden-brown topping. But every oven is different, so keep an eye on it! Don’t worry if your brown sugar nectarine crisp bubbles over a little – it just means it’s extra juicy and delicious!
While the brown sugar nectarine crisp is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen, get the ice cream ready, or maybe even sneak in a quick episode of my favorite show. By the time it’s done baking, everything is ready for dessert!
Your brown sugar nectarine crisp should smell like warm brown sugar, cinnamon, and sweet baked fruit. It’s a truly irresistible aroma that will have everyone drooling! And don’t be afraid to peek in the oven to check on it!
A family-tested brown sugar nectarine crisp shortcut? Use pre-sliced frozen nectarines! Just thaw them slightly before using. This saves a ton of time, especially on busy weeknights.
Serving
Now for the best part – serving your brown sugar nectarine crisp! This is where you get to enjoy all your hard work and savor the delicious flavors. The presentation and accompaniments can truly elevate the experience.
The kids love our brown sugar nectarine crisp when I serve it warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting into the warm, gooey fruit is just heavenly! Sometimes, I’ll even add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra indulgence. It is definitely a crowd pleaser!
My go-to side dish with this summer fruit crisp is a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The creamy texture and subtle sweetness perfectly complement the brown sugar nectarine crisp. Plus, it adds a nice visual appeal! You could even add a hint of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for extra flavor.
This brown sugar nectarine crisp is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even just a simple weeknight dessert. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed hit! Pair it with a light, refreshing drink like lemonade or iced tea for the ultimate summer treat.
When it comes to presentation, I like to keep it simple. I usually serve the brown sugar nectarine crisp straight from the baking dish, allowing everyone to scoop their own portion. For a more elegant touch, you can transfer it to a pretty serving bowl, or even serve individual portions in ramekins.
If you have extra brown sugar nectarine crisp (which is rare in my house!), you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. It’s also delicious cold, straight from the fridge! This makes it a great make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.
I’ve tried a few seasonal variations of this easy nectarine crisp, and they’re all delicious! In the fall, I add a sprinkle of ginger and cloves to the crisp topping for a warm, autumnal flavor. In the spring, I sometimes mix in a handful of fresh berries with the nectarines. Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors!
My friends always ask for this brown sugar nectarine crisp recipe whenever I make it. It’s become my signature dessert, and I’m always happy to share the recipe! They rave about the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and the irresistible crunch of the brown sugar crisp topping. What could be better than sharing good food with good friends?
FAQs
Okay, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about this brown sugar nectarine crisp. I’ve heard it all, from soggy bottoms to burnt toppings, so I’m here to help you avoid those pitfalls and create the perfect nectarine crisp recipe every time. These tips are based on years of baking experience and countless batches of this delicious crisp.
Q: My crisp topping is always soggy. What am I doing wrong?
A: Ah, the dreaded soggy topping! You know what I do when my brown sugar nectarine crisp topping comes out soggy? It’s usually because the fruit is too juicy. Make sure you’re using enough cornstarch to thicken the juices. Also, don’t skip the lemon juice! It helps to break down the fruit and release some of its moisture before baking. Another tip: make sure your oven is at the correct temperature. If it’s too low, the topping won’t crisp up properly.
Q: Can I use frozen nectarines?
A: Absolutely! As I mentioned earlier, frozen nectarines are a great time-saver. Just thaw them slightly before using and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. They might release a little more juice than fresh nectarines, so you might need to add a bit more cornstarch.
Q: My brown sugar crisp topping is burning before the nectarines are cooked through. Help!
A: This is a common problem, especially if your oven runs hot. You can either lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees or tent the brown sugar nectarine crisp with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. This will prevent the topping from burning while allowing the nectarines to finish cooking.
Q: Can I substitute the brown sugar?
A: While brown sugar adds a unique caramel-y flavor to the crisp topping, you can substitute it with granulated sugar if you’re in a pinch. However, the flavor and texture will be slightly different. For a richer flavor, you could also try using dark brown sugar. You should check out the “Guide to Brown Sugar”
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover brown sugar nectarine crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
A: Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add other stone fruits like peaches or plums, or even mix in some berries. Just make sure to adjust the amount of cornstarch as needed, depending on how juicy the fruit is.
Q: What is the best way to clean the nectarines?
A: Be sure to wash your nectarines thoroughly before using them. You should reference this “Food Safety Tips for Summer Fruits” guide when cleaning your nectarines.
My Final Thoughts
This brown sugar nectarine crisp recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of simple summer days, family gatherings, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, tweaked and perfected along the way, and it always brings a smile to everyone’s face. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition.
Here are my brown sugar nectarine crisp Pro Tips:
- Use the ripest nectarines you can find: The riper the nectarines, the sweeter and more flavorful the baked nectarine dessert will be.
- Don’t overmix the crisp topping: Overmixing will result in a tough, rather than crumbly, topping.
- Serve it warm: The warmth enhances the flavors and aromas of the brown sugar nectarine crisp, making it even more irresistible.
Here are a few brown sugar nectarine crisp variations we’ve tried:
- Nectarine Almond Crisp: Add 1/4 cup of slivered almonds to the crisp topping for a nutty crunch. My son, loves the added texture!
- Spiced Nectarine Crisp: Add a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, and cardamom to the nectarine mixture for a warm, spiced flavor. This is my personal favorite, especially in the fall.
- Nectarine Berry Crisp: Mix in a cup of fresh berries (like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries) with the nectarines for a burst of fresh flavor. The kids adore this version.
I encourage you to make this brown sugar nectarine crisp your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits, spices, or toppings. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! It’s about creating memories and sharing delicious food with those you love.
I hope you enjoy making and eating this brown sugar nectarine crisp as much as my family and I do. It’s a simple, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a little bit of summer magic in your kitchen. You can also check out my other delicious recipes like this Cinnamon Sugar Pizza recipe or this Cherry Almond Maple Crisp. Happy baking!
PrintEasy Brown Sugar Nectarine Crisp: Amazing Recipe!
This Easy Brown Sugar Nectarine Crisp is the perfect summer dessert! Sweet, juicy nectarines are topped with a buttery, brown sugar oat topping and baked until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 ripe nectarines, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced nectarines.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the nectarines.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free rolled oats. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch.