Peach Crisp Recipe

Get ready to fall in love at first bite with this Peach Crisp—a summertime classic that showcases the irresistible flavor of ripe, juicy peaches under a buttery oat topping that gets perfectly golden in the oven. This dish takes very little prep but delivers maximum reward, making it a favorite for family gatherings, potlucks, or just cozy nights at home. Capture the magic of the season in every spoonful and let this Peach Crisp bring comfort and a burst of sunshine to your dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything about this Peach Crisp starts with simple, honest ingredients that truly let the fruit shine. The classic combination of peaches, sugar, warm spices, oats, and butter creates a texture and depth of flavor that are hard to resist. Each element plays a part in making this dessert unforgettable!

• Fresh Peaches: For the juiciest, most flavorful filling, use ripe peaches—peeling them ensures a soft, luscious texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the tartness of the peaches without overpowering their natural flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Divided between the filling and topping; in the filling, it helps thicken the juice, and in the topping, it keeps things tender.
• Cornstarch: This is the secret to a thick, glossy peach filling that doesn’t get watery.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that amplifies the peaches’ natural sweetness and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
• Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Light Brown Sugar: Gives the oat topping a rich, caramel-like flavor and lovely golden color.
• Salted Butter: Softened for easy mixing; adds lushness and helps the topping crisp to perfection.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: These give the topping that classic, hearty crunch you crave in a Peach Crisp.

How to Make Peach Crisp

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s ready to go when your crisp is assembled. Generously butter a 9×9 baking pan—this ensures zero sticking and makes serving a breeze later on.

Step 2: Mix the Peach Filling

In a large bowl, toss together the peeled and thinly sliced peaches, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the peaches are well coated and everything looks glossy. This mixture goes straight into your prepared pan, creating a juicy, fragrant base for your Peach Crisp.

Step 3: Prepare the Oat Topping

Without even washing the bowl (hello, fewer dishes!), cream together the brown sugar, remaining ½ cup flour, softened salted butter, and the last teaspoon of cinnamon. Once you have a wet, clumpy texture, fold in the oats by hand. Use your fingers to work it all together until you have crumbly, rustic clusters—this will be the magic that crisps beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Scatter the oat topping over the peaches in an even layer, making sure to cover the fruit but leave some craggy edges for extra crunch. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the oats to turn a light golden color, and the peach filling to bubble up around the sides. Once finished, let the Peach Crisp cool for 10 minutes so the juices settle and flavors mingle.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Spoon the warm Peach Crisp into bowls and, if you’re feeling a little extra, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of hot-and-cold, sweet-and-tart, soft-and-crispy is absolutely dreamy!

How to Serve Peach Crisp

Garnishes

This Peach Crisp begs for a crowning glory! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic, but you can also try a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted almonds turn it into a showstopper for guests and family alike.

Side Dishes

Pair your warm crisp with a light, crisp salad or serve alongside grilled summer favorites during a picnic spread. Want to make it brunch-worthy? Offer it next to Greek yogurt for a sweet-and-savory twist on breakfast classics.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or just want to add wow factor, bake individual portions of Peach Crisp in small ramekins or mason jars. Or, layer the crisp and vanilla yogurt in parfait glasses for an easy, portable treat at picnics and parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Peach Crisp has cooled to room temperature, cover the pan tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—the crisp will soften a little, but the flavor gets even better!

Freezing

Peach Crisp freezes beautifully before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish and wrap well. If already baked, let it cool completely and freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

Reheating

To bring back some of that oven-fresh magic, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until bubbly again. A quick warm-up revives the crispiness and reconnects you with that fresh-baked comfort.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned peaches (drained well) or frozen peaches (thawed and patted dry) work nicely when fresh aren’t available. The result may be a touch softer, but the flavor remains wonderful—making this Peach Crisp a year-round delight.

What can I use instead of oats for the topping?

If you’re out of oats or want to switch things up, try chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or crushed graham crackers. They offer a different crunch but still complement the peaches beautifully.

How do I know when my Peach Crisp is done?

Your Peach Crisp is ready when the top is golden brown and you see the peach filling bubbling up near the edges. The scent of caramelized sugar and fruit is another major clue that perfection is achieved.

Can Peach Crisp be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. You won’t even notice the difference in taste or texture.

Can I make Peach Crisp ahead of time?

Definitely—assemble everything ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra five minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and fuss-free, you can’t beat a homemade Peach Crisp. The warm, fragrant filling and golden oat topping come together with ease, bringing pure happiness to any meal. Give it a try—I’m certain this will quickly become one of your most-requested treats!

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