When the sun is shining and fresh produce abounds, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a simple, heartwarming dessert. Our Nectarine Crisp with Cinnamon Oat Pecan Streusel is exactly that: an effortlessly delicious summer treat that perfectly highlights the sweet, juicy flavors of ripe nectarines. Forget complicated recipes; this crisp delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it your ultimate go-to for summer entertaining or a cozy night in.
Why This Nectarine Crisp Will Become Your Summer Favorite
This recipe combines tender, sun-kissed nectarines with a golden, buttery streusel topping infused with warming cinnamon and wholesome oats. The addition of pecans adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, bubbly fruit underneath. It's a comforting dessert that truly embodies the relaxed spirit of summer, providing a taste of homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Magic of Fresh Nectarines
Nectarines are the unsung heroes of summer fruit, offering a subtly sweet and tangy flavor profile that shines in baked goods. These smooth-skinned beauties are also packed with vitamins A and C, and a good dose of dietary fiber. Choosing ripe, fragrant nectarines is key to achieving the best flavor in your crisp. To learn more about the fascinating origins and botanical details of nectarines, check out this informative resource.
Gather Your Simple Ingredients
You'll be delighted by how few ingredients are needed to create such an impressive dessert. Most items are pantry staples, ensuring you can whip this up on a whim!
For the Sweet Nectarine Filling:
- 6-8 medium nectarines, peeled, pitted, and diced (approximately 6 cups)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust according to the sweetness of your fruit)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Crunchy Cinnamon Oat Pecan Streusel:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, but highly recommended for texture and flavor)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
Creating Your Perfect Nectarine Crisp: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy instructions to assemble your irresistible summer crisp. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!

Tips for an Even Better Crisp
- Don't Rush the Cooling: Allowing the crisp to cool for at least 20 minutes is crucial. This helps the fruit juices thicken and prevents the crisp from being too runny when served.
- Toasted Pecans: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the streusel. This really brings out their nutty essence.
- Adjust Sweetness: The amount of sugar in the filling can be adjusted based on the ripeness and natural sweetness of your nectarines. Taste a piece of fruit before mixing!
- Gluten-Free Option: As mentioned in our FAQs, you can easily make this gluten-free by using certified GF oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Dessert
While this Nectarine Crisp is absolutely delightful on its own, pairing it with a cool accompaniment takes it to another level. A generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting into the warm, bubbly fruit is pure bliss. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce also makes for a heavenly combination. If you're a fan of fruity, easy desserts, you might also love our Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars – Easy, Delicious Spring Treats.
For those who adore stone fruit desserts, don't miss our Peachy Ricotta Cookies with a Zesty Orange Twist for another delightful way to enjoy summer's bounty!
Conclusion
This Nectarine Crisp with Cinnamon Oat Pecan Streusel is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of summer's simple pleasures. Its ease of preparation, combined with its comforting flavors and textures, makes it a recipe you'll return to again and again. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this crisp is a foolproof way to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead, embrace the sweetness of summer and bake up this incredible crisp today!
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Nectarine Crisp with Cinnamon Oat Pecan Streusel
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy, irresistible summer dessert featuring juicy nectarines baked under a sweet, crunchy cinnamon oat and pecan streusel topping.
Ingredients
6-8 medium nectarines, peeled, pitted, and diced (about 6 cups)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, but highly recommended!)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or two smaller round baking dishes.
Step 2: Prepare the nectarine filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced nectarines, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the fruit mixture and toss gently until the nectarines are evenly coated. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the streusel topping. In a separate medium bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and chopped pecans (if using).
Step 4: Add the cold, diced butter to the dry streusel ingredients. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized clumps.
Step 5: Transfer the prepared nectarine filling into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6: Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the nectarine filling, ensuring good coverage.
Step 7: Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling thickly around the edges. The fruit should be tender when pierced with a knife.
Step 8: Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. This allows the fruit juices to set and prevents the crisp from being too runny.
Notes
For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the streusel. Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of your nectarines.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
FAQs
Can I substitute other fruits in this crisp recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Peaches, plums, berries, or a mix of seasonal fruits all work beautifully. You may need to adjust the amount of sugar depending on the natural sweetness of the fruit you choose.
How can I make this Nectarine Crisp suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this crisp gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour in the streusel topping with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that your old-fashioned rolled oats are certified gluten-free, as some oats are processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing grains.
Is it possible to prepare parts of this Nectarine Crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly do some prep in advance. The streusel topping can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The fruit filling can also be prepped a few hours before baking; just add the cornstarch right before assembling to prevent it from thickening prematurely.
What's the best way to store and reheat leftover Nectarine Crisp?
Store any leftover crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave or place the entire dish back in an oven preheated to 350u00b0F (175u00b0C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the topping regains its crispness.