Southern Peach Pecan Delight
Indulge in the flavors of the South with this Southern Peach Pecan Delight! This scrumptious dessert features juicy, tender peaches and apples, perfectly complemented by a crunchy, buttery topping infused with the richness of pecans and warm spices. With hints of apricot nectar and orange juice, every bite is a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that will transport you to a warm summer day in Georgia. Ideal for gatherings, this crisp is best enjoyed warm and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
6
Servings
200
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Peaches
5 (skinned, pitted, and cut into wedges)
Nonstick cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the baking dish)
Large apple
1-2 (cored, peeled, and cut into wedges)
Apricot nectar
2 tablespoons (none)
Orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed preferred)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Sugar
1/3 cup (none)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (for fruit mixture)
Ground nutmeg
a pinch (none)
Ground ginger
a pinch (none)
Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Pecans
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
Rolled oats or quick-cooking oats
2/3 cup (none)
All-purpose flour
2/3 cup (for topping)
Dark brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Unsalted butter
8-10 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare a 2 to 3-quart baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray and setting it aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the skinned and pitted peach wedges with the apple wedges. Add the apricot nectar, orange juice, vanilla extract, sugar, flour, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated.
4
Transfer the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
In a separate bowl, mix the finely chopped pecans, rolled oats, flour, and dark brown sugar to create the topping.
6
Slowly drizzle the melted butter into the dry mixture, using a fork to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit in the baking dish.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the fruit juices are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
9
Once baked, allow the crisp to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Information
9.3g
Fat
28.7g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Peach Pecan Delight?
Southern Peach Pecan Delight is a warm, fruit-based dessert featuring juicy peaches and apples topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan and oat crumble.
What type of peaches should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for five fresh peaches that are skinned, pitted, and cut into wedges for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use frozen or canned peaches?
While fresh is preferred, you can use frozen or canned peaches; just ensure they are well-drained and the quantity matches five large peaches.
Which apples are best for this peach crisp?
A firm, tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works well to provide a nice contrast to the sweet peaches.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dessert.
How long does the Southern Peach Pecan Delight take to bake?
It typically takes 30 to 40 minutes or until the fruit juices bubble and the topping turns a golden brown.
What size baking dish is required?
A 2 to 3-quart baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, use a nonstick cooking spray to grease the dish before adding the fruit mixture.
What is the purpose of the apricot nectar?
Apricot nectar adds a subtle depth of fruit flavor and moisture that helps create a delicious sauce for the peaches and apples.
Can I substitute the apricot nectar?
If you don't have apricot nectar, you can use extra orange juice or even a bit of peach juice as a substitute.
What kind of oats should I use for the topping?
You can use either rolled oats or quick-cooking oats for the topping mixture.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts if you prefer, though pecans provide the classic Southern flavor profile.
Why is flour added to the fruit mixture?
Two tablespoons of flour are added to the fruit to help thicken the juices as they bake, preventing the dessert from being too watery.
Is dark brown sugar necessary for the topping?
Dark brown sugar provides a rich molasses flavor, but light brown sugar or a mix of white sugar and molasses can be used as a substitute.
How should I prepare the topping?
Mix pecans, oats, flour, and brown sugar, then slowly drizzle in melted butter and stir with a fork until coarse crumbs form.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the unsalted butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains about 9.3g of fat.
What are the carbohydrate and protein counts?
There are 28.7g of carbohydrates and 1.7g of protein per serving.
Should the fruit be peeled?
The recipe recommends skinning the peaches and peeling the apples for a smoother texture.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The fruit mixture is seasoned with ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon.
Can I add vanilla extract?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in the fruit mixture for added aroma.
What is the best way to serve this dessert?
It is best served warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
How long should I let it cool after baking?
Allow the crisp to cool for about 15 minutes before serving to let the juices set.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I reheat the Southern Peach Pecan Delight?
Yes, you can reheat portions in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore the topping's crunch, or use a microwave.
Can this be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the fruit and topping separately a few hours in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Is fresh orange juice required?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled juice works as well.
What makes this dessert 'Southern'?
The combination of fresh peaches and pecans, both staples of Georgia and Southern agriculture, gives this dish its regional identity.