Peach Crisp Recipe

If you have a hankering for something both comforting and bursting with summer sweetness, you cannot go wrong with a homemade Peach Crisp. This classic dessert brings together tender, juicy peaches with a perfectly crunchy, buttery oat topping that simply melts in your mouth. The Peach Crisp is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a comforting meal, and it’s so straightforward to make, you’ll want to keep it as a go-to for every peach season. Let me walk you through everything you need and how to get that golden, bubbling delight out of your oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Peach Crisp calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the soft peaches providing the juicy base to the buttery oats that add that crave-worthy crunch.

• Peaches, 8 cups peeled and thinly sliced: Fresh and ripe peaches give this crisp its sweet, tangy heart and luscious color.
• Granulated sugar, ½ cup: Balances natural peach tartness and helps with caramelization during baking.
• All-purpose flour, ½ cup + 2 tablespoons divided: Used both to thicken the peach filling and to form the topping’s structure.
• Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon: Ensures the peach juices thicken nicely so the filling isn’t runny.
• Ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons divided: Adds aromatic warmth, boosting the cozy flavor profile.
• Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Light brown sugar, ¾ cup packed: Imparts deep caramel notes and moisture to the oat topping.
• Salted butter, ½ cup (1 stick) at room temperature: Binds the topping ingredients and provides rich, buttery flavor.
• Old-fashioned oats, 1 ¾ cups: The key to a crisp, hearty topping loaded with texture and wholesome goodness.

How to Make Peach Crisp

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to make sure it’s hot and ready to give the crisp that beautiful golden baking. Butter a 9×9-inch baking pan; this not only prevents sticking but adds a subtle, rich flavor to the edges of your Peach Crisp.

Step 2: Mix the Peach Filling

In a large bowl, combine your sliced peaches with granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. This mixture marries the fresh fruit with the thickening agents and spices, ensuring your filling sets up perfectly once baked. Toss everything gently to coat evenly—this is where the juicy magic starts.

Step 3: Assemble the Peach Layer

Pour that luscious peach mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. This layer is going to bubble and soften into a juicy base that contrasts beautifully with the crispy topping.

Step 4: Make the Crisp Topping

Using the same large bowl to minimize dishes, cream together the brown sugar, remaining ½ cup flour, softened butter, and the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon. You’ll want a wet, clumpy consistency that will hold the oats in place. Stir in the oats next—this is going to be the crowning glory that delivers that perfect crunch. I always find using my hands makes it easiest to get a coarse, crumbly mix without overworking it.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Crumble this oat topping evenly over the peaches, making sure you cover every inch for uniform crispiness. Pop it into your oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the edges of the oats turning a lovely light golden color—that’s your sign it’s done. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes; this allows everything to set and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve Peach Crisp

Garnishes

While Peach Crisp is fantastic all on its own, there’s plenty of room to dress it up. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting atop the warm fruit is a classic pairing that intensifies the dessert’s comforting vibe. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little more cinnamon or add a few fresh mint leaves for freshness and aroma.

Side Dishes

Although Peach Crisp often shines as a dessert star, pairing it with a simple dollop of whipped cream or even alongside a cup of hot coffee can turn it into a charming snack or breakfast treat. For something more substantial, serve it next to a mild cheese plate — the sweet and savory contrast is surprisingly delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or make your Peach Crisp feel special? Use cute individual ramekins or mason jars for single servings. Layer peaches and topping in clear containers for a beautiful visual effect. You can even top it with toasted nuts or a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce for added flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers — which might be rare, but it can happen — store Peach Crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just cover it well to keep the topping from becoming soggy and the peaches fresh.

Freezing

This dessert freezes wonderfully. Allow the Peach Crisp to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the oven to restore that crisp topping texture.

Reheating

To bring your leftover or thawed Peach Crisp back to life, reheat it in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the topping feels crunchy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that iconic crisp texture!

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh for this Peach Crisp?

Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well when fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess juice before mixing to avoid a soggy filling.

What can I substitute for cornstarch in the filling?

You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickener, or even a bit more flour. Each will help absorb juices but might slightly affect the texture.

Is it possible to make this Peach Crisp gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats. Your Peach Crisp will be just as delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive friends.

How do I achieve the crispiest topping possible?

Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not melted, and don’t overmix the topping. Also, baking it until the edges are golden and slightly toasted really brings that perfect crunch.

Can I add nuts or other spices to the topping?

Of course! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, and spices like nutmeg or ginger complement the cinnamon nicely. Feel free to experiment and make the Peach Crisp your own.

Final Thoughts

Making this Peach Crisp is like capturing the essence of summer in a bowl—a comforting dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s endlessly flexible, easy to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser. Once you try this recipe, Peach Crisp will likely become one of your favorite sweet treats to share with loved ones, making every bite a warm celebration of peaches done perfectly.

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