Zucchini Apple Crisp Delight
This Zucchini Apple Crisp Delight is a creative twist on the classic apple crisp, offering a unique way to enjoy the summer squash in a delightful dessert. By combining diced zucchini with zesty lemon juice, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this dish mimics the flavors of traditional apple crisp. The buttery crisp topping adds a delicious texture that pairs perfectly with the tender zucchini filling. Ideal for gatherings or as a comforting family treat, this recipe will surprise and delight anyone who takes a bite! If you attempt this before I do, Iād love to hear your thoughts!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
peeled seeded diced zucchini
8 cups (peeled and seeded, diced to the size of canned pineapple chunks)
lemon juice
2/3 cup (freshly squeezed or bottled)
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for the filling and another teaspoon for topping)
ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground if possible)
all-purpose flour
4 cups (sifted)
sugar
2 cups (for the crust)
cold butter
1 1/2 cups (cut into small cubes)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the diced zucchini and lemon juice. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender.
2
Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat and let the mixture sit to cool slightly.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of sifted flour and 2 cups of sugar. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs the size of peas.
4
Set aside 1/2 cup of the flour mixture and stir it into the zucchini mixture until well combined.
5
Preheat your oven to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C). Grease a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan.
6
Press half of the remaining flour mixture into the bottom of the greased pan to form the crust. Spread the zucchini mixture evenly over the crust.
7
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the zucchini and finish with the additional 1 teaspoon of cinnamon sprinkled on top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zucchini Apple Crisp Delight?
This is a creative dessert that uses zucchini, lemon juice, and spices to mimic the flavor and texture of a traditional apple crisp.
Does this recipe actually contain apples?
No, this recipe uses diced zucchini as a substitute for apples, combined with lemon and spices to create a similar taste profile.
How should I prepare the zucchini for this recipe?
The zucchini should be peeled, seeded, and diced into pieces roughly the size of canned pineapple chunks.
How much zucchini is needed?
You will need 8 cups of peeled, seeded, and diced zucchini.
Why is lemon juice added to the zucchini?
Lemon juice provides the necessary acidity and tartness to make the zucchini taste more like tart apples.
How long do I cook the zucchini on the stove?
Cook the zucchini and lemon juice over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
What spices are used in the filling?
The filling uses 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
What size pan is recommended?
A 15x10-inch jelly roll pan is the recommended size for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should grease the 15x10-inch jelly roll pan before adding the crust.
How is the crust and topping made?
The crust and topping are made by cutting 1.5 cups of cold butter into a mixture of 4 cups flour and 2 cups sugar.
What should the texture of the flour and butter mixture be?
The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs the size of peas.
Why is 1/2 cup of the flour mixture set aside?
This portion is stirred into the cooked zucchini mixture to help thicken the filling as it bakes.
How do I assemble the layers?
Press half of the crumb mixture into the pan for the crust, spread the zucchini filling on top, and sprinkle the remaining crumbs over the filling.
Is there cinnamon on top of the crisp?
Yes, an additional 1 teaspoon of cinnamon is sprinkled over the top crumb layer before baking.
How long does the crisp bake in the oven?
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice for this recipe.
Should the butter be cold or room temperature?
The butter must be cold to achieve the correct crumbly texture for the crust and topping.
Can I use a pastry cutter?
Yes, a pastry cutter or your fingers can be used to cut the butter into the flour and sugar mixture.
Is the flour sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much sugar is used in the filling?
The filling uses 1 cup of granulated sugar in addition to the sugar used in the crust.
Can I use freshly ground nutmeg?
Yes, freshly ground nutmeg is recommended for the best flavor, though pre-ground nutmeg also works.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a dessert, specifically a vegetable-based dessert or a summer recipe.
Is this a good way to use garden zucchini?
Yes, it is an excellent way to use up large amounts of summer zucchini in a way that tastes like a fruit dessert.
Can I serve this dessert warm?
Yes, it is best served slightly cooled but still warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What is the texture of the cooked zucchini?
When cooked with lemon and sugar, the zucchini becomes tender and translucent, mimicking the texture of cooked apples.
Does the filling become thick or runny?
Stirring the 1/2 cup of flour mixture into the filling helps thicken it, making it bubbly and jam-like rather than runny.
How many cups of flour are needed in total?
The recipe requires 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
Can I use this recipe for a party?
Yes, the 15x10-inch pan size makes it ideal for serving a family or a small gathering.
Should the zucchini be seeded?
Yes, removing the seeds is important to ensure the texture is smooth and similar to apples.