Nectarine Crisp with Cinnamon Oat – Easy Summer Dessert Recipe

Nectarine Crisp with Cinnamon Oat is a delectable, easy-to-make dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. The sweet nectarines, paired with a crunchy cinnamon oat pecan streusel topping, create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just indulging in a cozy dessert at home, this fruit-filled crisp will surely satisfy your sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Nectarine Crisp

This Nectarine Crisp with Cinnamon Oat is an ideal dessert for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare, using fresh, seasonal stone fruit, making it both healthy and flavorful. The cinnamon oat pecan streusel topping adds a warm, comforting touch, making it a family-friendly dessert everyone will adore. Plus, it’s versatile — you can swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients for Nectarine Crisp

The ingredients are simple, mostly pantry staples, but the fresh nectarines steal the show. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fruit Filling

• Fresh Nectarines: These juicy, sweet fruits provide the base of the crisp and offer a refreshing, tangy contrast to the sweet streusel topping.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the fruit juices during baking.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice, enhancing the nectarine’s flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness of the nectarines with a touch of acidity and prevents browning.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the fruit juices for a perfect, syrupy filling.

Streusel Topping

• Old Fashioned Oats: The oats provide texture and crunch to the topping, creating that perfect crisp bite.
• Brown Sugar: Adds richness and deepens the flavor of the streusel.
• Flour: Helps bind the topping together, giving it structure.
• Cinnamon: Complements the fruit and adds warmth to the streusel topping.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Toasted Chopped Pecans: For crunch and a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the nectarines.
• Butter: Brings everything together and creates a golden, crispy topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make adjustments, here are a few substitution options:

• Fruit: Feel free to swap nectarines for peaches, cherries, or apricots, depending on what’s in season.
• Nuts: If you’re nut-free, simply omit the pecans and increase the flour to 1 3/4 cups.
• Oats: Use quick oats if you don’t have old-fashioned oats on hand, although the texture might be slightly different.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish or two smaller round dishes.

2. Make the Fruit Filling

• Dice the nectarines into chunks, leaving the skin on for added texture. If you prefer, you can blanch the nectarines to remove the skin.
• In a large bowl, combine the diced fruit with lemon juice. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Add the sugar mixture to the fruit and stir gently to coat.

3. Prepare the Streusel Topping

• In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add the toasted pecans and stir to combine.
• Cut the softened butter into the oat mixture and use your hands or a fork to work the butter into the dry ingredients. Continue until the mixture forms clumps.

4. Assemble the Crisp

• Pour the fruit mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Make sure to include all the juice from the bowl.
• Evenly distribute the streusel topping over the fruit, pressing it down gently. If the streusel is mounded high, place the baking dish on a rimmed sheet pan to catch any drips.

5. Bake the Nectarine Crisp

Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the fruit is bubbling around the edges. To check for doneness, insert a thin blade into the fruit — it should pierce easily.

6. Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the crisp cool for at least 20 minutes to allow the fruit to set. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• Make-Ahead Streusel: You can prepare the streusel topping in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This is a great time-saver if you want to prep ahead for a party or busy weeknight.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your crisp in the oven to prevent the topping from burning. The fruit should be bubbling, and the streusel should be golden but not too dark.
• Leftover Storage: After the crisp has cooled completely, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to a week. To reheat, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Nectarine Crisp with Cinnamon Oat is perfect on its own, but here are some pairing suggestions:

• Toppings: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm, spiced fruit.
• Side Dishes: Serve alongside a fresh green salad or grilled chicken for a balanced meal.
• Variations: Add a bit of spice by incorporating a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger into the fruit mixture. For a different texture, you can even top the crisp with a layer of crumbled shortbread or graham crackers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nectarine Crisp with Cinnamon Oat is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. With its perfect blend of sweet, juicy nectarines and a rich, crunchy cinnamon oat pecan streusel, this dessert captures the best of summer in every bite. Easy to prepare and versatile for various dietary needs, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection. Whether you enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own, it’s a treat that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a bowl of this deliciously comforting dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

More Relevant Recipes

• Nectarine Brown Sugar Crisp
• Peach Baked Oatmeal 

Print