Directions to follow

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 10×15-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the chopped zucchini and lemon juice. Cook over medium-high heat while stirring occasionally until the zucchini is tender, roughly 20 minutes.
3. Add 1 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the saucepan. Simmer for about a minute, then remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour and 2 cups of sugar. Cut the chilled butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/2 cup of this mixture into the zucchini mixture.
5. Press half of the remaining flour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the zucchini mixture over the crust, then sprinkle the rest of the flour mixture on top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until the top achieves a golden, crispy texture, which should take about 45 minutes.

Best ways to enjoy it

Once your Zucchini Crisp is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. For a delightful twist, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also pair it with a refreshing fruit salad or a nice cup of coffee for a perfect dessert experience that feels like summer.

Keeping leftovers fresh

To keep your Zucchini Crisp at its best, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze some for later, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s completely cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Helpful cooking tips

For the best results, make sure to use chilled butter when cutting it into the flour mixture. This keeps your crust flaky and delicious. Additionally, if you prefer a sweeter dessert, feel free to add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar to the zucchini mixture to enhance the flavor. By experimenting with spices or even adding nuts, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste.

Creative twists

There are so many ways to make this Zucchini Crisp uniquely yours! Try adding fresh blueberries or raspberries to the zucchini mixture for a fruity pop. You could also swap out the spices for a touch of cardamom or ginger for an exciting flavor twist. For a nutty crunch, consider folding in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust.

Common questions

What’s the prep time for Zucchini Crisp?

The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and baking takes about 45 minutes, making this a total time of roughly 1 hour.

Can I substitute other fruits for zucchini?

Yes, you can use other fruits like apples or rhubarb. However, adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s natural sweetness.

How do I know if the Zucchini Crisp is done?

The top should be golden brown and crispy. You can also insert a toothpick in the center to check if it comes out clean.

There you have it—a delightful, family-friendly Zucchini Crisp that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Enjoy your cooking!