Build-Your-Own Fruit Crisp

With the fall season in full swing, it’s high time to start breaking out your favorite autumn comfort food. Wild rice soup, homemade breads and anything pumpkin are on the top of my list! Another great way to celebrate autumn is fruit crisps – the perfect way to use seasonal fruit. Topped with a crunchy, sweet oatmeal mixture (that some would argue is the best part of the crisp) and served with vanilla ice cream, fruit crisps are a staple fall dessert.

The question now is where to start? With so many delicious fruit options, the possibilities are endless! I’ve created a ratio of fruit to sweetener to thickener so you can create your own fruit blend or take some inspiration from ours!

Start with 6 cups of fruit, either one kind or a mix of your favorites. Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons flour, and the juice from half a lemon. Toss to coat the fruit, sprinkle with a little bit (1/4 cup) of sugar if your fruit is on the tart side, and place into an ungreased 4-quart baking dish (glass or ceramic work great).

For a go-to crumb topping combine:

• 1/2 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts of your choice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened

Combine all topping ingredients (except the butter) in a bowl. Mix in the butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb mixture on top of the fruit and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until top is golden brown and fruit is bubbling around the edges.

Of course, you have to serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Need some fruit combination inspiration? How about strawberries, blueberries, and apples? Peaches and blueberries are one of my favorite combinations! Apples and dried cranberries are also a great pairing.

What are some of your favorites? Be sure to come back and let us know what you’ve created!