Sheet-Pan Plum Cornmeal Crumble Bars

Cornmeal has long lent rustic crunch to American baking from simple cobblers to crumbly bars. These sheet-pan plum crumble bars tuck juicy ripe fruit under a buttery cornmeal streusel that bakes golden in one pan.

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 32 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 355 cal
• 4g protein
• 52g carbs
• 15g fat

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Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lb ripe plums
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup fine cornmeal
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 10 tbsp cold unsalted butter
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a quarter sheet pan or 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
2. 2Pit and slice the plums into thin wedges, then toss with half a cup of the granulated sugar, the cornstarch, and lemon juice until the fruit is evenly coated and juicy.
3. 3In a large bowl whisk the flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, remaining granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. 4Cut the cold butter into cubes and rub it into the dry mixture with your fingers until large clumps and some sandy bits form.
5. 5Stir the egg yolk and vanilla together, then drizzle over the crumbs and toss until the mixture holds together when squeezed but still looks craggy.
6. 6Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into an even base across the prepared pan.
7. 7Spread the plum mixture evenly over the crust, scraping every bit of syrup from the bowl.
8. 8Scatter the remaining crumbs loosely over the fruit so some plums peek through and the topping stays chunky.
9. 9Bake 28 to 34 minutes until the topping is golden brown, the plum juices bubble thickly at the edges, and the kitchen smells like toasted corn and caramelized fruit.
10. 10Cool completely in the pan on a rack so the bars set firmly, then lift out with the parchment and cut into neat rectangles.
11. 11Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed; leftovers keep well for lunchbox treats the next day.