This Easy Peach Crisp is a warm dessert that combines juicy peaches and a crispy topping. The crunchy mixture of oats and brown sugar makes every bite so tasty!
My favorite part? The smell while it’s baking! It fills the house with sweet peach goodness. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream and enjoy the cozy vibes! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of this dish! Use ripe peaches for the best flavor. If peaches aren’t available, you can use canned or frozen peaches; just be sure to drain them if canned or reduce the baking time if frozen.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the peaches. If you prefer a less sweet dish or are watching your sugar, use half the amount or substitute with honey or maple syrup, adjusting to taste.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always better. Lime juice can also work as a substitute.
Oats & Flour: Old-fashioned rolled oats give crunch. You can use instant oats, but the texture will change. For a gluten-free version, try using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and gluten-free oats.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, but you can use coconut or olive oil for a dairy-free option. Just note it may change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crisp Topping?
The secret to a crunchy topping lies in the texture and butter distribution. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix the dry ingredients first: Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Blend in cold butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Some larger bits are okay for a nice crunch.
- Don’t overmix: You want a crumbly texture, not a dough.
- For extra crunch, consider adding in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the topping mixture.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious peach crisp with a perfectly crunchy topping that everyone will love!
Easy Peach Crisp with Crunchy Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 6 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15-20 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes of baking. Overall, you’ll have a delicious peach crisp ready in about 1 hour. Perfect for a cozy dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
First, set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or a baking dish of similar size with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent sticking.
2. Make the Peach Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and cornstarch. Toss everything together gently to coat the peaches evenly. Once mixed, transfer this peach mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly across the bottom.
3. Create the Crunchy Topping:
In another mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut in the cold butter pieces. Mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, with some larger pieces for extra crunch.
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the peach filling in the baking dish. Be sure to cover the peaches completely with the topping for the best texture and flavor.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and you’ll notice the peach filling bubbling around the edges.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the peach crisp from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. This makes it easier to serve. For a special treat, serve warm topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Enjoy your warm, juicy peach crisp with a crunchy, buttery topping! Perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the recipe. This will help prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this peach crisp vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a plant-based ice cream for serving. The rest of the ingredients remain the same!
Can I Prepare the Crisp Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the peach filling and topping ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate them separately for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just layer them in the dish and follow the baking instructions. Keep in mind that you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the topping is still cold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. If it seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of water or a dollop of ice cream to revitalize it!
