“Tee, you got any of that crisp?”
That’s what Pawpaw asks every time he opens the freezer.
I’m Tina, Certified Aromatherapist since 2013. In Pearl River, I’m NanaTee. And I’m here to tell you the secret to having dessert ready in 20 minutes all year:
Make the topping ONCE. Freeze it.
This Lemonade Crisp Topping is my freezer hack. Apples in fall. Peaches in summer. Pears in winter.
Same topping. Different fruit. Always a hit at church.
Mama said “This tastes like you spent all day.” I said “I did. In July.”
WHY MAKE THE TOPPING AHEAD
1. **20-minute dessert** - Dump fruit in dish, add frozen topping, bake
2. **Uses up fruit** - Too many apples? Too many peaches? Problem solved
3. **Tastes better** - The lemonade and oats get to know each other in the freezer
4. **No thinking** - When company comes, you’re ready
My cousin came over and said “This is restaurant dessert.” I said “It’s freezer dessert.”
NANATEE’S CRISP KIT
You don’t need fancy tools. But you DO need the right tools or it’s a mess.
I put everything I use in one place for you. Click once. Get it all.
Shop Nana's Southern Farmer's Market Essentials → [Linked HERE]
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
WHAT’S IN THE KIT + WHY I USE IT
1. PYREX DEEP 9x13 GLASS BAKING DISH WITH LID
Why it’s NanaTee approved: This is for baking AND freezing. Glass won’t stain from peaches. Lid = freezer to oven to table.
NanaTee’s Rule: Don’t use metal. It makes the fruit taste funny.
Shop the kit: [Linked HERE]
2. STAINLESS STEEL PASTRY CUTTER
Why it’s NanaTee approved: This is how you get crumbles, not mush. Cuts butter into flour perfect.
NanaTee’s Rule: Don’t use your fingers. Warm hands = greasy topping.
Shop the kit: [Linked HERE]
3. FREEZER-SAFE CONTAINERS OR GALLON BAGS
Why it’s NanaTee approved: This is where the magic happens. Make 4 batches, freeze 4 batches.
NanaTee’s Rule: Label it “Lemonade Crisp” + date. Or Pawpaw will think it’s meatloaf.
Shop the kit: [Linked HERE]
4. CITRUS JUICER
Why it’s NanaTee approved: Fresh lemonade = the secret. Bottled is too sweet.
NanaTee’s Rule: 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice. That’s the “why is this so good?” flavor.
Shop the kit: [Linked HERE]
5. OATS + BROWN SUGAR SCOOP SET
Why it’s NanaTee approved: You’ll make this 10 times. Measuring is faster.
NanaTee’s Rule: Old fashioned oats, not quick. Quick gets mushy.
Shop the kit: [Linked HERE]
Get everything in one place → [Linked HERE]
LEMONADE CRISP TOPPING - MAKE ONCE, FREEZE ALL SEASON
Makes: Enough for 4 crisps | Prep: 15 min
Ingredients:
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh lemonade or lemon juice
Instructions:
1. **Mix dry:** In big bowl, whisk oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt.
2. **Cut in butter:** Use pastry cutter. Cut until it looks like crumbs. Don’t overmix.
3. **Add lemonade:** Drizzle in lemon juice. Toss with hands. It will clump.
4. **Freeze:** Divide into 4 freezer bags or containers. Flatten. Label. Freeze up to 6 months.
TO BAKE A CRISP:
1. Preheat 375°F. Fill Pyrex with 6 cups sliced apples, peaches, or pears.
2. Sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar + 2 Tbsp flour over fruit. Toss.
3. Dump 1/4 of your frozen topping over fruit. Don’t thaw.
4. Bake 40-45 min until bubbly and brown. Rest 10 min.
5. Serve with ice cream. Watch it disappear.
NANATEE’S “DON’T MESS IT UP” WARNING
I’ve had ladies tell me “Mine was soggy.”
Here’s why:
**Used quick oats** | Mushy topping | **Old fashioned oats** = crunch |
**Thawed the topping** | Soggy mess | **Bake from frozen** |
**Used bottled lemon** | Too sweet | **Fresh lemon juice** = bright |
Save yourself the trouble. Shop the kit → [Linked HERE]
FREEZER FRUIT IDEAS ALL SEASON
- **Fall:** Apples + cinnamon
- **Summer:** Peaches + blueberries
- **Winter:** Pears + cranberries
- **Anytime:** Frozen berry mix from Walmart
Same topping. Different fruit. Always a crowd pleaser.
FREEBIE: NANATEE’S FREEZER MEAL CARDS
Want my printable freezer label cards? “Dump and Bake” cards for crisp, cobbler, and pie?
Comment “FREEZER CRISP” below and I’ll DM you the set.
YOUR TURN
Team Apple Crisp or Team Peach Crisp?
Team Ice Cream on Top or Team Plain?
Drop it below. I’m taking votes for next church dinner.
With love, a full freezer, and brown sugar on my counter,
NanaTee
P.S. Make 4 batches in July. Thank me in January.
P.P.S. Pin this kit. Every Southern kitchen needs a pastry cutter and glass dish.
Important Note:
Hot dish burns. Use oven mitts. Let rest before serving.
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