Fresh Apricot Crisp Recipe

I absolutely adore this apricot crumble recipe because it perfectly balances the sweet, tangy flavors of fresh apricots with the comforting warmth of brown sugar and cinnamon. Plus, it gives me all the nostalgic vibes of summer in grandma’s kitchen, and who can resist a crispy, buttery topping paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream?

I enjoy creating Fresh Apricot Crisp because it allows me to utilize fresh apricots in a delectable way. This dessert features six cups of freshly cut apricots, a little lemon juice, and a dash of vanilla, and it comes out so consistently good that I end up serving it to company with increased regularity.

The topping is the part you want to make sure to get a good mouthful of in each bite along with some apricot. Made from rolled oats, brown sugar, and melted butter, it has a good chance of being the favorite part of the dish.

Ingredients

Fresh Apricots:
Sweet and juicy, loaded with fiber and vitamin A.

Granulated Sugar:
Increases sweetness, balancing with the fruit’s tartness.

Lemon Juice:
Delivers a bright, invigorating tartness that lifts flavors.

Rolled Oats:
A good source of protein and fiber, chewy and nutty.

Cinnamon:
Provides warmth and spice, offers anti-inflammatory benefits.

Brown Sugar:
Incorporates sweetness that is similar to that of caramel, but also and more intensely, colors it with a deep molasses flavor.

Adds a hint of burnt sugar too.

Butter:
Guarantees richness and moisture, boosts golden, crisp texture.

Pecans or Walnuts:
Include a satisfying crunch and a source of healthy fats.

Add optional nutty depth for flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups fresh apricots, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to warm. A 9×13 dish is what you need, and you should grease it lightly.

2. In a big mixing bowl, mix the apricots that have been sliced, the sugar that has been granulated, the lemon juice, and the vanilla extract. Toss gently to uniformly coat the apricots.

3. Spread the apricot mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.

5. Melt the butter and pour it into the dry mix. Stir until you achieve a crumbly texture.

6. If you are using them, mix in the chopped pecans or walnuts, making sure they are thoroughly mixed in and evenly spread throughout the topping.

7. Cover the apricots in the baking dish with an even layer of crumble mixture.

8. Put the dish in the oven, which you’ve set to preheat, and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You want to keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes, as well as during the first few minutes after putting it in the oven, since it can go from not quite done to done very quickly. You’re looking for a golden-brown topping and a bubbling filling.

9. Take the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for several minutes before serving.

10. Warm the dish before serving, if desired, and accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Either or both of these options provides an extra treat.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking dish
3. Pastry brush or paper towel (for greasing)
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Mixing spoon
9. Knife (for slicing apricots)
10. Cutting board
11. Small saucepan (for melting butter, optional)
12. Oven mitts
13. Spatula or serving spoon (for serving)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use canned apricots instead of fresh?You can use canned apricots, but be sure to drain them well before using them.
• Q: Is it necessary to add the nuts?A: No, the nuts are not mandatory and may be left out if you desire or have a nut allergy.
• Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?It’s true: a gluten-free diet can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies. Most gluten-free products are made with rice, corn, or potato flour. These foods do not contain gluten, but they also do not pack the nutrient punch that wheat, rye, and barley (the gluten-containing grains) do.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?A: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, provided they are in an airtight container. It is best to consume them within 3 days, when they will still be safe and somewhat fresh. Reheat thoroughly and serve. The microwave may be your first tool for the job, but oven reheating is the way to go for most leftovers.
• Q: Can I substitute the butter with a non-dairy option?A: Yes, you can use either coconut oil or vegan butter substitute to make a non-dairy version.
• Q: What can I use instead of lemon juice?Substituting lime juice or orange juice for lemon juice results in a different flavor profile.

Substitutions and Variations

COCONUT SUGAR OR HONEY Reduce quantity slightly when using honey.
How to substitute for lemon juice:
Instead of lemon juice:
use lime juice or white vinegar in equal amounts.
Instead of all-purpose flour, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Use quick oats or quinoa flakes instead of rolled oats.
In the place of brown sugar, opt for either maple syrup or a combination of granulated sugar and molasses.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor Depth Before mixing with sugar and lemon juice, consider roasting the apricots lightly. This can caramelize their natural sugars and intensify their flavor, adding a richer taste to the dish.

2. Balanced Sweetness Taste the apricots before using them to check their natural sweetness. If they are particularly sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly to maintain a balanced flavor.

3. Crispier Topping To achieve a crispier crumble topping, replace half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour. This also adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the apricots well.

4. Spice Variation Experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the crumble mixture for a warming spice note that pairs beautifully with the apricots and cinnamon.

5. Nut Substitute If you or your guests have nut allergies, substitute the chopped nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They provide a similar crunch and can be toasted lightly before mixing in for extra flavor.