Classic Peach Crisp Recipe

This Peach Crisp recipe features fresh peaches baked until tender, topped with a crunchy cinnamon-oat streusel. A timeless dessert, it’s perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This crowd-pleaser is simple, cost-effective, and bursting with summery flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Peach Crisp

Peach crisp is similar to its cousin, peach cobbler, but stands out with its crisp, crumbly oat topping instead of a doughy or cakey one. Here’s why this recipe is a summer must-have:

• Irresistible Flavor: Juicy peaches in a syrupy sauce meet a buttery, cinnamon-spiked oat topping that crisps up with candied edges as it bakes.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Loved by all ages, this dessert is easily doubled to fill a 9×13 dish and travels well.
• Super Simple: Requires just a casserole dish, a bowl, and basic tools—no fancy equipment needed.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples, with fresh peaches as the only specialty ingredient.

Key Ingredients

• Peaches: Peeling is optional but recommended, as skins can be tough in desserts. Use fresh, just-ripe peaches for the best texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar works, but brown sugar adds a caramelized depth to the filling.
• Flour: Thickens the peach filling and forms the base of the streusel topping.
• Cornstarch: Smooths and thickens the filling for a pie-like consistency.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth to both the filling and topping. Optional: include a pinch of freshly ground nutmeg.
• Butter: Use softened, room-temperature salted butter for the topping. If using unsalted, add a pinch of salt.
• Rolled Oats: Traditional rolled oats create the signature crunchy topping. Avoid instant or steel-cut oats.

How to Make Peach Crisp

1. Prepare: Preheat oven to 400°F and butter an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
2. Make Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced peaches, sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and pour into the prepared baking dish.
3. Make Topping: In the same bowl, mix sugar, remaining flour, softened butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until lumpy. Add rolled oats and mix (preferably by hand) to form a streusel-like topping. Sprinkle evenly over the peaches.
4. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the oats are pale golden-brown around the edges.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the crisp rest for at least 10 minutes to thicken the juices. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Chef’s Tips for Success

• Choose Ripe Peaches: Select firm, just-ripe peaches to avoid a mushy texture. Buy 1–2 days in advance to ripen if needed.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow at least 10 minutes for the crisp to cool and the juices to thicken, preventing a runny or overly hot dessert.
• Use Room-Temperature Butter: Softened butter ensures the perfect streusel texture.

Variations

• 9×13 Dish: Double the recipe for a larger crowd and bake in a 9×13 dish, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time.
• Frozen Peaches: Thaw and drain frozen peaches in a strainer to remove excess liquid, then follow the recipe. The texture will be softer but still delicious.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the topping and replace the flour in the filling with an extra 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.
• Berry Peach Crisp: Swap ⅓ to ½ of the peaches with fresh or thawed, drained berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries).
• Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce over the crisp 5 minutes before it’s done baking, then finish baking.
• Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the streusel topping for extra texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between peach crisp and peach cobbler?
Peach crisp has a crunchy oat-based streusel topping, while cobbler uses a doughy or cakey topping.

Do I need to peel the peaches?
Peeling is optional but recommended, as peach skins can be tough in desserts.

Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes, thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid, then proceed with the recipe.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the topping and extra cornstarch in the filling.

Conclusion

This Peach Crisp is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the essence of summer with its juicy peaches and buttery cinnamon-oat topping. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, it’s simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable. Serve warm with ice cream for a treat everyone will love!