There are some recipes that just feel like a warm hug, you know? This peach crisp is absolutely one of those for me. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with the sweet scent of baked fruit and buttery crumble. I remember helping her, my little hands covered in flour, as she’d stir the peaches and tell me stories. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s pure nostalgia in a baking dish. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to whip up, making it a lifesaver when you’re craving something utterly delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Forget complicated cobblers or fussy pies; this peach crisp is my go-to when I need a guaranteed win that tastes like a million bucks without the fuss. It’s seriously my favorite way to use up a haul of ripe peaches, and let me tell you, the aroma it fills your home with is simply divine.
What is peach crisp?
So, what exactly is a peach crisp? Think of it as the delightfully simpler, more relaxed cousin of a fruit pie. Instead of a double pastry crust, a crisp features a topping made from flour, butter, sugar, and often oats or nuts, which bakes up into this glorious, crumbly, slightly crunchy layer. Beneath that golden crown? A bubbling, tender bed of perfectly cooked fruit. In this case, it’s luscious, sweet peaches. It’s essentially a no-fuss way to enjoy the pure, unadulterated flavor of ripe fruit, enhanced by a comforting, textural topping. The “crisp” part comes from that irresistible baked topping that gets wonderfully golden and, well, crisp. It’s a dish that’s all about celebrating the fruit, letting its natural sweetness shine while getting that delightful contrast from the crunchy, buttery topping. It’s approachable, forgiving, and utterly delicious – perfect for any skill level.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
I love peach crisps, and I know you will too. I’m going to love them too.flavor is out of this world. When those juicy peaches bake down, they become incredibly sweet and slightly tangy, with a beautiful depth of flavor that’s just heavenly. The topping adds this wonderful nutty, buttery crunch that perfectly complements the soft fruit. It’s pure comfort in every single bite. And then there’s the simplicity. I’m talking about a dessert that requires minimal prep and just a few common pantry staples. You don’t need fancy techniques or a culinary degree; it’s genuinely easy to throw together, even on a weeknight when you’re already exhausted. What I love most is that it’s so forgiving – a little more or less of an ingredient here or there usually won’t make or break it. It’s also incredibly cost-efficient. Peaches are often abundant and affordable, especially when they’re in season, and the rest of the ingredients are things most of us already have on hand. No need for expensive specialty items here! Plus, the versatility is fantastic. While it’s incredible as a standalone dessert, it’s also wonderful served warm over vanilla Ice Cream (my personal favorite!), with a dollop of whipped cream, or even as a special breakfast treat. It’s adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both special and utterly unpretentious, and for me, that’s the sweet spot.
How do I make peach crisp?
Quick Overview
Making this peach crisp is wonderfully straightforward. You’ll basically be preparing a simple fruit filling and then mixing up a quick crumble topping. The magic happens in the oven as the peaches soften and bubble, and the topping turns golden brown and deliciously crisp. It’s a two-part process that comes together in less than 20 minutes of active prep time, making it perfect for when you need a delicious dessert in a pinch. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; there’s really no complicated technique involved, just straightforward mixing and baking. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you go from ingredients to a glorious, bubbling dessert.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
6 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 2 lbs)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to peach sweetness)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (or 3 tbsp all-purpose flour)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
For the Crumble Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 cup packed light Brown Sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, let’s get your oven ready. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab an 8×8 inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe skillet. You don’t need to grease it unless you’re worried about sticking – the butter in the topping usually does the trick. Giving it a little spray of cooking oil or a quick wipe with butter is never a bad idea, though, especially if your dish has seen better days. Make sure your peaches are prepped and ready to go!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, Brown Sugar, and salt for the topping. This is where you’ll get that lovely texture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. Don’t skip whisking these dry ingredients together – it helps ensure the sugar and salt are spread evenly, so you don’t get pockets of saltiness or sweetness. The oats add that wonderful chewiness and nutty flavor, which I just adore.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate, larger bowl, gently toss your sliced peaches with the granulated sugar, cornstarch (or flour), lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Toss them gently so you don’t break down the peaches too much. You want them to hold their shape when baked. The lemon juice brightens up the flavor and the cornstarch is our thickening agent, preventing a watery mess.
Step 4: Combine
Now, pour the peach mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This is the base of our delicious crisp! Give the dish a little shake to settle the peaches. You want a nice, even layer so they all cook at roughly the same rate. If some peaches are a little taller than others, that’s totally fine; it just adds to the rustic charm.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
This step is actually already done in Step 3! We just combined the filling ingredients right in the bowl before transferring them to the baking dish. This is one of the things I love about this recipe – less dishes! Just make sure the peaches are nicely coated with the sugar and spice mixture.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Add the cubed cold butter to the dry topping ingredients. Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or even a fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger, pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Don’t overmix; those little pockets of butter are key to that wonderfully crisp topping. Sprinkle this crumbly mixture evenly over the top of the peaches, making sure to cover them completely. You want a good, generous layer of crumble!
Step 7: Bake
Pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges. You should see those lovely juices peeking through the crumble. If the topping starts to brown too quickly before the filling is bubbly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. I usually check mine around the 35-minute mark just to see how it’s doing.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once it’s done, carefully remove the peach crisp from the oven. Let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This is important! It allows the filling to thicken up a bit and prevents you from burning your tongue on molten fruit. While it’s cooling, you can whip up a quick glaze if you like, though it’s totally optional and delicious without it. For a simple glaze, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Drizzle it over the slightly cooled crisp.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Serve warm! Spoon generous portions into bowls. It’s absolutely divine on its own, but I highly recommend serving it with a scoop of good quality Vanilla Bean ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or even a drizzle of heavy cream. The contrast of the warm, comforting crisp with cold, creamy toppings is pure bliss. Enjoy every spoonful!
What to Serve It With
This peach crisp is such a versatile dish, and it shines in so many different settings! For breakfast, imagine this warm and comforting, maybe just a smaller portion, served alongside a strong cup of black coffee. It’s a decadent way to start the day, especially on a weekend. You could even add a small dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein boost. For brunch, it feels a little more elegant. I love serving it in individual ramekins for a prettier presentation. Pair it with mimosas or a fresh fruit salad. The sweetness of the crisp complements lighter brunch fare beautifully. As a dessert, well, this is where it truly reigns supreme. It’s perfect after a hearty meal, especially if you’ve served something savory like roasted chicken or pork. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is, in my humble opinion, non-negotiable here. You can also dust it with a little powdered sugar or add a sprig of mint for garnish. And for those cozy snacks, sometimes you just need a little something sweet. This crisp is perfect for a comforting afternoon treat with a cup of tea or a glass of milk. It’s the kind of dessert that makes even a regular Tuesday feel a bit special. My family loves it year-round, but especially during peach season when the fruit is at its absolute peak. It’s truly a recipe that brings joy, no matter the occasion.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Peach Crisp
I’ve made this peach crisp more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that I think really elevate it. First, regarding the peach prep: make sure your peaches are ripe but still slightly firm. Overripe peaches can turn to mush. If you’re using frozen peaches, thaw them completely and drain them very well; you don’t want extra moisture. When you’re mixing the topping, the key is not to overwork it. You want those little pieces of butter to remain intact. When you cut the butter into the dry ingredients, stop when it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger, pea-sized butter chunks. Those will melt and create pockets of delicious crispiness. Don’t be afraid to use your fingers! For swirl customization, if you’re feeling fancy and want to add a little something extra, you can swirl a tablespoon or two of your favorite fruit jam into the peach mixture before adding the topping. It adds another layer of flavor and a gorgeous visual. When it comes to ingredient swaps, if you don’t have oats, you can substitute them with more flour or finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds in the topping. You can also experiment with different spices; a pinch of cardamom or ginger can be lovely. For baking tips, always place your baking dish on a baking sheet. This catches any potential drips and makes it easier to get in and out of the oven. Keep an eye on the crisp during the last 10-15 minutes; ovens can vary, and you want that perfect golden-brown topping without burning. If your oven tends to run hot, you might need to reduce the temperature slightly or use foil as I mentioned. Finally, for glaze variations, if you’re not a fan of powdered sugar glaze, try a caramel drizzle or a simple vanilla sauce. A scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is also a perfect “topping” that requires no extra effort!
Storing and Reheating Tips
One of the great things about this peach crisp is how well it stores, which is fantastic for leftovers (if you even have any!). If you have any remaining crisp and it’s cooled completely, you can store it at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Just make sure it’s covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. For longer storage, definitely head to the refrigerator. Transfer the cooled crisp to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It should keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. The topping might soften a bit, but it’s still delicious. If you want to keep it even longer, freezer instructions are your friend! Let the crisp cool completely, then wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. You can also cut it into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy frozen crisp, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For reheating, I find the best way to revive that lovely crisp topping is in the oven. Reheat individual portions in a toaster oven or a small baking dish at around 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. If you’re reheating a larger amount, it might take 20-30 minutes. Microwaving is an option for speed, but it can make the topping a bit softer. For the glaze, it’s best to add it just before serving after reheating, as it can get sticky if stored on the crisp for too long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to peach crisp recipe! I truly hope you give this a try, because it’s one of those recipes that just brings so much comfort and joy to my kitchen, and I’m sure it will do the same for yours. It’s a perfect example of how simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly magical. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my apple crumble pie or my berry cobbler, which are also fantastic for showcasing seasonal fruits. Don’t be shy about leaving a comment below to let me know how yours turns out, or if you have any of your own special twists to add! I love hearing from you all and seeing your baking adventures. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how your peach crisp turns out!
Peach Crisp
Ingredients
Peach Filling
- 6 pounds peaches peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 0.75 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
- Pour the peach mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crisp topping.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the peach filling.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
