Ina Garten’s Plum Crisp is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe plums with a buttery, crunchy topping. This rustic and easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion, from summer gatherings to cozy family dinners. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.

What is Ina Garten Plum Crisp?

Plum crisp is a fruit-based dessert featuring juicy, tart plums baked under a golden, crumbly topping made of butter, flour, oats, and sugar. Ina Garten’s version highlights the natural flavors of the fruit while adding a touch of sweetness and crunch for the perfect balance of textures and tastes.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Plum Crisp

Simple ingredients: Made with fresh plums and pantry staples.
Bursting with flavor: Juicy plums and a buttery topping create a delicious combination.
Quick to prepare: Comes together in under an hour.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with other fruits or add-ins.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Plum Crisp

For the Filling:

Plums: 6 cups, pitted and sliced (about 6-8 large plums).
Granulated sugar: 1/3 cup.
All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons.
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed.
Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon.

For the Topping:

All-purpose flour: 1 cup.
Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup.
Brown sugar: 1/4 cup, packed.
Old-fashioned oats: 1/2 cup.
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), cold and diced.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon.

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Plum Crisp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced plums with granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Mix until the plums are evenly coated.
Transfer the plum mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Make the Topping

In another mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oats, and salt.
Add the diced cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Assemble the Crisp

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the plum mixture in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake the Crisp

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the plums are bubbling.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Allow the crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Plum Crisp

Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cold ice cream complements the warm crisp beautifully.
Whipped cream: Adds a light, airy touch to the dessert.
Custard: Serve with a drizzle of warm custard for extra indulgence.
Coffee or tea: Pair with a hot beverage for a cozy treat.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Plum Crisp

Use ripe plums: Ensure the plums are ripe but firm for the best flavor and texture.
Balance sweetness: Adjust the sugar in the filling based on the natural sweetness of your plums.
Keep the butter cold: Cold butter is essential for a crispy topping.
Don’t skip the oats: Oats add texture and enhance the crunch of the topping.
Serve fresh: The crisp is best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Plum Crisp

Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the topping for added crunch.
Mix fruits: Combine plums with peaches, berries, or apples for a fruit medley.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for extra warmth.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
Vegan-friendly: Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Plum Crisp

Room temperature: Cover and store at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked crisp for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Plum Crisp

Oven method: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispness.
Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the topping may lose some crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen plums for plum crisp?

Yes, you can use frozen plums. Thaw them before using and drain any excess liquid to prevent the crisp from becoming too watery.

How do I make the topping extra crunchy?

To make the topping extra crunchy, ensure the butter is cold and mix it until it forms coarse crumbs. Adding chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, can also enhance the crunch.

Can I prepare plum crisp ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the plum filling and topping separately in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and assemble the crisp just before baking for the freshest results.

What can I substitute for oats in the topping?

If you don’t have oats, you can substitute them with crushed graham crackers, ground nuts, or additional flour for a similar texture.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Plum Crisp is a simple yet elegant dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of fresh plums. With its juicy filling and buttery crumble topping, this dessert is sure to impress. Whether served at a dinner party or enjoyed as a comforting family treat, this recipe is a must-try. Bake it today and enjoy the cozy flavors of homemade goodness!