There’s nothing quite like sinking your spoon into the warm, bubbling fruit and buttery oat topping of the Best Peach Crisp Recipe. This classic dessert celebrates fresh peaches in their prime, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy notes wrapped in an irresistibly crispy, golden layer. Whether you’re craving a comforting finish to a summer dinner or want to impress guests with a homemade treat, this Best Peach Crisp Recipe is absolutely guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dessert lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Fresh peaches bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color, while the topping provides satisfying crunch and warmth.
- 6 cups fresh peaches: Peeled, pitted, and sliced—this is the fresh fruit star of the show, juicy and naturally sweet.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Helps enhance the peaches’ natural sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Essential for thickening the juicy filling so it’s perfectly luscious.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, fragrant note that complements the fruit beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: A splash of brightness to balance sweetness and deepen flavor complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Provides hearty texture and rustic charm to the crisp topping.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Binds the topping ingredients together for that perfect crumbly finish.
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds rich molasses undertones for deeper sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Echoes the spice in the filling and ties topping flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): The secret to a tender, flaky topping with that crave-worthy buttery taste.
How to Make Best Peach Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage for everything to come together perfectly and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Toss the Peaches
In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced peaches with granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss just enough to coat evenly—this helps create a thick, luscious filling that will bubble away deliciously as it bakes.
Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping
In another bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then, add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. This technique gives you that ideal crumbly texture that crisps up beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the peach mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the oat topping generously and uniformly on top. Bake the crisp for about 40 to 45 minutes until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling enticingly at the edges.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the crisp cool slightly before serving to allow the juices to thicken up for the perfect scoopable consistency. This little wait is absolutely worth it!
How to Serve Best Peach Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
A warm peach crisp is heavenly on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to the next level. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or some toasted nuts over the top for added texture and aroma that will impress every guest.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with light, refreshing accompaniments like a simple green salad or a crisp sparkling beverage. It’s a perfect sweet balance after heavier meals, especially in summer when peaches are at their juicy best.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual peach crisps in small ramekins for a stunning presentation, or layer the peaches and topping in clear glass jars for a rustic, charming touch. Adding a fresh mint sprig or edible flower can make each serving feel special and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover peach crisp stores wonderfully in the refrigerator covered with foil or airtight wrap. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for prepping ahead or enjoying next-day treats.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the peach crisp either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its delicious texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions or the entire dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the topping crisps back up nicely, about 15–20 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crunchy topping intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen peaches well before using to avoid excess moisture, which can make the crisp soggy.
What can I add to the topping for extra flavor?
Chopped pecans or walnuts add delightful crunch and a nutty contrast that complements the sweetness of the peaches perfectly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Best Peach Crisp Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no animal gelatin or meat products.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
What’s the best way to peel peaches quickly?
Score the peaches with a shallow X on the bottom, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water—the skin will slip right off!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Best Peach Crisp Recipe because it truly delivers that perfect mix of juicy fruit and crisp topping that everyone loves. This dessert is comfort in every bite and a celebration of fresh peaches at their finest. Once you taste it, I’m pretty sure it will become a go-to recipe for your family and friends to enjoy season after season.
Print
Best Peach Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Peach Crisp Recipe is a delightful summer dessert featuring fresh, juicy peaches topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, enhanced with cinnamon and vanilla. Ideal for serving warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, this classic American dessert is simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Peach Filling
- 6 cups fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, and sliced)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Peach Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Toss gently to coat the peaches evenly and to help thicken the filling as it bakes.
- Assemble the Filling: Pour the peach mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer to ensure consistent baking.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, which will create a crisp, crumbly topping.
- Top the Peaches: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the peach filling, covering it completely to create a golden crust once baked.
- Bake the Crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling, indicating it is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the peach crisp to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- You can use frozen peaches; just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
- For added crunch and flavor, mix 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping.
- Serve the crisp warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious dessert experience.
