Peach Crisp Recipe

I just pulled this Peach Crisp from the oven, and my kitchen smells like pure summer bliss. It’s a recipe I cherish, passed down from my mom, and it always brings back wonderful memories.

The bubbling, sweet peaches under a crunchy, buttery oat topping is a combination that’s simply irresistible.

It’s so easy to make, and I can’t wait to share how you can bring this perfect dessert to your own table. Honestly, it’s the best way to celebrate the peach season.

Ingredients for the Perfect Peach Crisp

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful dessert. Using fresh, high-quality components will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor and texture.

• 4 cups sliced fresh peaches – Using fresh, ripe peaches offers the best flavor, but you can also use canned. If using canned, be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid a soggy base.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour – This is the foundation of the crumble topping, giving it structure.
• ½ cup brown sugar – Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the peaches.
• ½ cup cold butter – Using cold butter is key. When cut into the flour, it creates little pockets that melt during baking, resulting in a crispier, flakier topping.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A classic spice that adds warmth and depth to both the fruit and the topping.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – A small amount of salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup rolled oats – Opt for rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) rather than instant ones. They provide a much better chewy texture and a heartier crunch to the crisp topping.

Note: The quantities listed will yield approximately 8 servings.

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it. Here are a few variations to customize your peach crisp to your liking or dietary needs.

• Go Gluten-Free: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Also, ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
• Make it Dairy-Free/Vegan: Substitute the cold butter with a plant-based butter alternative or cold coconut oil. The result will be just as crispy and delicious.
• Add Some Nuts: For an extra layer of crunch and flavor, mix in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the oat topping mixture before sprinkling it over the peaches.
• Enhance the Flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the peach slices before adding the topping. A dash of nutmeg or cardamom in the topping mix also adds a lovely warmth.
• Mix Up the Fruit: Feel free to substitute half of the peaches with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a beautiful and tasty twist.

Cooking Time

This dessert comes together surprisingly quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or a last-minute get-together.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this recipe. Here is the basic equipment you’ll want to have on hand.

• 8×8-inch baking dish: This is the perfect size for arranging the peaches and achieving a good fruit-to-topping ratio.
• Large bowl: For mixing the crumble topping ingredients together.
• Pastry cutter or fork: To cut the cold butter into the flour mixture, which is essential for a crumbly, crisp texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring all your ingredients to ensure the recipe turns out perfectly.
• Knife and cutting board: To slice the fresh peaches.

How to Make Peach Crisp?

This recipe is straightforward and ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Just follow these simple steps for a dessert that is sure to impress everyone.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Peaches

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. While the oven heats up, arrange your 4 cups of sliced peaches in an even layer across the bottom of your 8×8-inch baking dish. Spreading them out ensures they cook evenly and every bite has plenty of fruit.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Topping

In a separate large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.

Step 3: Incorporate the Oats

Once your topping is crumbly, gently fold in the rolled oats until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. The goal is to just combine the oats with the butter and flour mixture to maintain that desirable crumbly texture for the final crisp.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the layer of peaches in the baking dish, covering them completely. Lightly press the topping down with your hands. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbly and the topping is a beautiful golden brown and crisp.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take this already delicious recipe to the next level. These are my personal suggestions for an even better peach crisp.

• I never peel the peaches. The skin softens during baking and adds a lovely color and a bit of texture. It also saves a lot of prep time, which is always a win in my book.
• If my peaches are extra juicy, I toss them with a tablespoon of cornstarch before putting them in the dish. This helps thicken the juices as they bake, preventing the crisp from becoming too watery.
• Sometimes I like to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the topping along with the cinnamon. It gives the crisp a more complex, warm-spiced flavor that feels extra cozy.
• Don’t be afraid to let the crisp cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up a bit, making it easier to serve without it falling apart completely.

How to Serve Peach Crisp?

This dessert is fantastic on its own, but serving it with the right accompaniment can elevate it even more. Serve the peach crisp warm, straight from the oven. The contrast between the warm, soft fruit and the crunchy topping is what makes it so special.

A classic and unbeatable pairing is a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top, which melts into the warm crisp, creating a creamy, delicious sauce. For a lighter option, a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of heavy cream also works beautifully.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this peach crisp.

• Calories: 238
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fat: 12g

Make Ahead and Storage

This is a great dessert to prepare in advance, and it stores very well. Following these guidelines will help you keep your peach crisp fresh and delicious.

To store, allow the crisp to cool completely to room temperature. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The topping may soften slightly in the fridge.

You can also freeze the baked and cooled crisp. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, place the refrigerated or frozen crisp in a 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping has re-crisped.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this simple yet impressive dessert. Here are a few of the top reasons why this recipe will become a staple in your home.

• Incredibly Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginners. You can whip it up in under an hour with minimal effort.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick weeknight dessert or something special for a family gathering, this peach crisp fits the bill. It feels rustic and homemade in the best way.
• Highly Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily swap peaches for other fruits like apples, berries, or plums. It’s also simple to adjust for dietary needs like gluten-free or dairy-free diets.
• Uses Simple Pantry Staples: Most of the ingredients needed for the topping—flour, sugar, butter, and oats—are likely already in your kitchen. All you need are some fresh peaches to get started.