Looking for nectarine dessert ideas? You'll LOVE this scrumptious Nectarine Crumble! This tasty recipe is super easy to make and loaded with fresh nectarines ... it's absolutely irresistible, and the perfect way to use this delicious summer fruit!
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Nectarines are one of those fruits that I sometimes forget about. Which is a shame, because every time I bite into one, I'm reminded why I love them so much!
This juicy summer fruit makes a great snack, but nectarines are wonderful in recipes like this simple salad, too. As much as I enjoy them in savory dishes though, they're even tastier in sweet treats, like this delicious Nectarine Crumble!
You are going to love this delightful dessert! It's loaded with flavorful, fragrant, perfectly sweet nectarines and topped with a buttery crumble that you won't be able to resist. This is one crowd pleasing dessert. Best of all? This mouthwatering nectarine recipe is super simple to make!
By the way ... are you confused about the difference between crisps and crumbles?The names are often used interchangeably, so it can be confusing! These baked fruit desserts are similar, but their toppings are different. This recipe is a crumble (its topping contains no oats), not a crisp (which has an oat-based topping). If you're looking for a crumble with oats though, no worries! You can easily substitute my crisp topping recipe, and it will be just as tasty.
Ready to start baking? Then keep scrolling for all the details!
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Ingredients
This easy recipe uses basic ingredients you can find in any grocery store! Here's what you'll need:
- Nectarines - You'll need some nectarines, of course. For the best results, choose nectarines that are ripe, but not overly soft (they should have a little give when you give them a gentle squeeze), fragrant, and delicious.
- Other Filling Ingredients - You'll mix the fruit with granulated sugar, cornstarch (to thicken the fruit juices), fresh lemon juice (which brightens and enhances the other flavors), spices (cinnamon and cardamom, two fragrant spices that pair perfectly with nectarines), and a little salt (I recommend using kosher salt).
- Topping - The recipe's crumble topping is very easy to make! You'll need brown sugar (I used light, but dark brown sugar also works), all-purpose flour, cinnamon, salt, and melted unsalted butter. If you'd prefer a topping with oats, you can substitute this easy crisp topping.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and nut free! You can easily make it vegan + dairy free too, by using your favorite plant based butter.
You'll Also Need
To make this dessert, you'll need a medium bowl to prepare the topping, a large bowl to make the filling (this mixing bowl set is a great option), a whisk for combining the topping ingredients, and a large spoon (I like these silicone spoon-spatulas) for stirring together the filling. You'll also need an 8 x 8-inch baking dish to bake the dessert. This beautiful Emile Henry Square Baker is my favorite, and it's nice enough to go straight from the oven to the table!
How to Make Nectarine Crumble
This yummy nectarine dessert couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Make topping. Start by whisking together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Then stir in the melted butter. As you do, the mixture should begin to clump (press it together, if needed). Set the topping aside for about 10 minutes while you make the filling. Tip: The topping will firm up as it rests, which helps it hold its shape when crumbled over the filling.
- Mix filling. Next, you'll combine the nectarines, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add nectarines to baking dish. Spread the nectarine mixture in a buttered baking dish. Then scrape any juice or sugar that remains in the bowl over the top.
- Top with crumble. Next, crumble the topping you made earlier over the fruit. By the way, the crumbly topping is where the recipe gets its name! Tip: I typically leave about an inch of the filling visible around the edges, because it creates a more attractive dessert.
- Bake. Transfer your crumble to the oven, then bake it until the topping is browned and the fruit filling is bubbling. Before serving, let the dessert rest for at least 30 minutes so it can cool off, and the fruit juices can thicken.
Wasn't that easy? Trust me, the hardest part is waiting for this mouthwatering Nectarine Crumble to cool off before you take that first bite!
Variations
This fresh summer fruit dessert is easy to customize! Here are a few ideas to try:
- Fruit - Pair the nectarines with other fruits, such as blueberries, plums, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, apricots, cherries, pears, strawberries or apples.
- Topping - Do you prefer an oat topping? Turn this recipe into a Nectarine Crisp by substituting this Crumble Topping with Oats for the one called for in the recipe card.
- Vegan + Dairy Free - To make this recipe vegan + dairy free, all you need to do is use a plant based butter when preparing the topping.
- Spices - Add other warm spices, such ginger, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice, to the topping or filling.
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy this Crumble with Nectarines at room temperature (or cold), but it's tastiest when served warm. And it's especially delicious when topped with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Storage
Wrap any leftovers tightly (or transfer them to an airtight container), then store them in your refrigerator. While the crumble will stay fresh for up to four days, it will have the best texture when eaten without a day or two. Any longer, and the juicy filling will cause the topping to soften. Tip: To make leftovers extra delicious, heat them up gently in your microwave before serving.
Related Recipes
If you're looking for more nectarine recipes, make sure to try my Easy Nectarine Salad next ... it's so delish! You'll also love these other crumbles + crisps:
Still hungry? You can find all my dessert recipes here!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Nectarine Crumbles, Crisps, and Cobblers are similar baked fruit desserts, and often their names are used interchangeably. But they have different toppings: a crumble topping is made without oats; a crisp topping contains oats; and cobblers have a biscuit-like topping.
No, you do not need to refrigerate Nectarine Crumble if you're planning to eat it within a day. However, I do recommend refrigerating the Crumble if your home is warm (like during hot summer weather), or if you are not able to eat the dessert within 24 hours.
To pit a nectarine, insert your knife into the nectarine at the stem end, pressing until it touches the pit. Run your knife all the way around the fruit, dividing it into two halves. With your hands, gently twist the two halves apart, then remove the pit. If the two halves won't twist apart, slice the nectarine again, dividing it into quarters. Then carefully insert your knife into one of the quarters, cutting around the pit to release the fruit. Repeat the process with the other three quarters.
No, it is not necessary to peel nectarines when making a crumble. Their skin gets very tender when baked. However, you can peel them if you don't like the texture. To peel nectarines, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cut an X on the bottom of each nectarines, then add them to the boiling water for one minute. Transfer the nectarines to a bowl of ice water, then pull off the peel (it should come off easily).
If you'd like to make this Nectarine Crumble with oats, simply substitute this Oat Topping for the topping in the recipe card.
Nectarine Crumble
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter (for buttering baking dish)
For Crumble Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Filling:
- 5 cups sliced nectarines (about 6 nectarines / 2 pounds / 907 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- pinch kosher salt
Equipment
- 8 x 8-inch Baking Dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish; set aside.
Prepare Topping:
- Whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
Prepare Filling:
- Combine nectarines, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
Assemble + Bake Crumble:
- Transfer nectarine mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading in an even layer. Scrape any juices / sugar that remains in bowl into baking dish.
- Using hands to crumble topping over nectarines.
- Bake until topping is browned and nectarine filling is bubbling, about 45 to 50 minutes.
- Let cool at least 30 minutes, then serve plain or topped with ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
