After I posted about this odd episode, in which I used a quickie box mix to whip up something to serve unexpected guests, someone commented that I should make up a homemade mix. That is a great idea! And here it is.

Inside that box mix was what looked like about a 14- or 15-ounce can of pie filling and a small bag of topping mix. THAT’S IT. To make your own homemade quickie dessert mix, lay in several cans or jars of fruit or pie filling. Make up several baggies of the mix. Now you’re ready any time company comes a-calling!

I’ve included the measurements for both a single mix or a bulk mix.

How to make Two-Minute Fruit Crisp:

1 can store-bought or 1 pint home-canned fruit/pie filling
1 baggie Fruit Crisp Topping Mix

Fruit Crisp Topping Mix–
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter or margarine

To prepare the topping mix, combine the first four ingredients.

Cut in butter or margarine with a pastry cutter.

Store in a small sealed, labeled baggie or container in the refrigerator or freezer. If you don’t want to store this in the refrigerator or freezer, don’t cut the butter/margarine into the mix until you are preparing the dish. (Might add an extra minute or two to your preparation, of course!)

To prepare the dessert, open the can or jar of fruit/pie filling. Pour into a greased 8 x 8 baking dish or round casserole dish or pie pan. Sprinkle topping mixture over the top.

Spread evenly.

Bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes.

Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Note: If you have a larger amount of company, simply double the pie filling and topping mix. Bake in a 13 x 9 pan.

As an alternative to making up the mixes individually, you could make a bulk mix.

Bulk Fruit Crisp Topping Mix–
2 cups old-fashioned oats
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup butter or margarine

Per use, measure out 1 1/4 cups topping mix and prepare as directed above. Again, if you prefer to store it on the pantry shelf rather than the fridge or freezer, leave out the butter/margarine from the mix and cut it in just before you prepare the dish. This bulk mix makes four 8 x 8 fruit crisps. You can double or triple and so on, however much bulk mix you want to keep on hand.

When unexpected guests call to say they are on the way, pop this treat in the oven in two minutes! It’s also good for a quick dessert any time you’re in a hurry, even if no company’s at the door. Be prepared–there’s always room for dessert!

Find this recipe at Farm Bell Recipes and save it to your recipe box.

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