Plum Crunch
A warm, fruity dessert featuring tender Italian prunes topped with a crunchy cinnamon-spiced crumble, perfect for cozy gatherings and those who enjoy sweet, tart flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine prunes, sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, cinnamon, and orange peel in a bowl.
- Mix well until ingredients are evenly combined.
- Pour the prune mixture into an 8-inch round pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the prunes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown on top.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. If you're out of Italian prunes, regular prunes or even ripe peaches can work as substitutes. For a gluten-free option, replace the flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure your crumble topping is evenly distributed for a consistent texture, similar to the topping in Walnut Streusel Coffee Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with Fluffy Macaroni And Cheese for a comforting meal. For a breakfast twist, try it with yogurt and granola. This dish also works well as a sweet brunch option alongside Oven Scrambled Eggs.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crisp topping. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for about 30 seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plum Crunch contains roughly 248 calories, with 4g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1190mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh plums instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh plums, but you may need to adjust the sugar as fresh plums are less sweet than dried. Slice and pit the plums, then reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup to balance the flavors.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can make a substitute by mixing regular granulated sugar with a tablespoon of molasses for each cup of sugar. This will give you a similar flavor and moisture that brown sugar provides.
Can I freeze the Plum Crunch?
Yes, Plum Crunch can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).