There’s nothing quite like the taste of warm, juicy peaches topped with a buttery, crunchy oat topping. It’s the essence of summer, served in a dessert dish! Whether you’re celebrating peach season or craving an easy treat to share with loved ones, this Peach Crisp Recipe will become your go-to favorite. With its simple ingredients and fail-proof method, it’s a recipe every home cook can master.
Unlike more elaborate desserts like pies, peach crisp skips the hassle of rolling out dough. Instead, you’ll get all the cozy, fruity goodness with minimal effort. Plus, I’ve included tips to make this the best peach crisp you’ve ever tasted, with tricks like macerating peaches to avoid a watery filling and using almond flour for added flavor. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch it disappear!
Grab your apron, and let’s whip up the ultimate peach crisp together.
Ingredients
This recipe features pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making it incredibly simple to prepare. It serves about 6 and can easily be doubled for a crowd.
For the Filling
- 5 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced (peeling optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup almond flour
(You can substitute all-purpose flour, but almond flour adds a lovely nutty flavor.)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup finely crushed walnuts or pecans (optional but adds great crunch)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup cold butter or firm coconut oil, cubed
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional but highly recommended!)
Read This – Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making peach crisp is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a dessert that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
Step 1: Prep the Peaches
Start by slicing your fresh peaches. If your peaches are perfectly ripe, there’s no need to peel them—peach skins soften beautifully as they bake. However, for a smoother texture, feel free to remove the skin. Toss the slices with cornstarch, cane sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. This combination thickens the juices and balances the sweet peach flavor.
Pro tip: For extra juicy peaches, macerate them by letting the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes. This draws out the natural juices and prevents a soggy crisp.
Step 2: Make the Topping
In a medium bowl, mix the oats, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nuts, and sea salt. Add the cold butter or firm coconut oil, cutting it into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or your fingers. The mixture should look sandy with pea-sized bits of butter throughout.
Why cold butter? It holds its shape as it bakes, creating that perfectly crumbly topping.
Step 3: Assemble the Crisp
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, an 8×8-inch square baking dish, or a similar-sized pan. Spread the peach filling evenly on the bottom, then sprinkle the topping generously over the fruit.
Step 4: Bake
Place the crisp in the oven and bake for 20–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown, and the peach juices are bubbling around the edges. The smell at this stage? Absolutely irresistible!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the peach crisp to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer treat. Every bite of juicy peaches and buttery topping will feel like a little piece of heaven.
Tips & Tricks
While this recipe is simple, these tips will help elevate it to the next level:
1. Choose the Best Peaches
Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best results. Slightly firm peaches work wonders, as overly soft ones can become mushy during baking. To speed up ripening, leave your peaches at room temperature in a paper bag for 1–2 days.
2. Don’t Skip the Maceration
Tossing your peaches with sugar and letting them sit pulls out excess juices, keeping your crisp filling pleasantly jammy—not soupy.
3. Customize the Topping
Got dietary restrictions? Swap butter for coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version, or use gluten-free oats and almond flour for a gluten-free crisp. The recipe is wonderfully versatile!
4. Flavor Boost
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom to the topping for a warm, spicy twist. For a boozy kick, mix a splash of bourbon into the peach filling.
5. Store and Reheat Like a Pro
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to revive the crispy topping.
FAQs
Got questions? Here are answers to common ones:
Can I use frozen or canned peaches?
Yes! Thaw and drain frozen peaches before using, and pat them dry to remove excess water. Avoid using canned peaches if possible—they’re often mushy and overly sweet.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
While you can prepare the topping in advance and store it in the fridge, it’s best to assemble and bake the crisp fresh to maintain its texture.
Can I substitute the almond flour?
Absolutely! You can use all-purpose flour or even a gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour, however, gives the topping a deliciously nutty richness that’s hard to beat.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Easy! Swap butter for firm coconut oil and serve your crisp with dairy-free ice cream or whipped coconut cream.
What other fruits can I use?
Peach crisp is very adaptable! Try it with a mix of peaches, nectarines, and berries like blueberries or raspberries for a colorful twist.
Conclusion
And there you have it—the ultimate Peach Crisp Recipe! With its golden crunchy topping and luscious peach filling, this dessert is everything you need to savor the flavors of summer. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and sure to impress family and guests alike.
Whether you enjoy it at the end of a barbecue or cozy it up for movie night, don’t forget to add a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me; it’s a game-changer.
Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe at home and share your experience in the comments below. Did you add your own twist? Have a tip to make it even better? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy cooking, and enjoy every warm, fruity bite. 🍑
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