Peach Crisp Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma and charm of a homemade Peach Crisp bubbling away in the oven, filling the kitchen with sweet summer scents and memories-in-the-making. This is one of those desserts that instantly captures everything we love about peaches: their natural juiciness, delicate tartness, and sunshiny flavor. Topped with a buttery oat crumble and served warm (preferably with a scoop of ice cream), Peach Crisp is the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as good for gatherings as it is for quiet evenings at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how simple, yet essential, each ingredient is to crafting the perfect Peach Crisp. These pantry basics come together to create layers of flavor and texture — every spoonful delivers both softness and crunch, sweetness and spice.

• Fresh peaches: 8 cups, peeled and thinly sliced – the heart of our crisp, choose ripe peaches for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
• Granulated sugar: ½ cup – this sweetens and balances the natural tartness of the peaches.
• All-purpose flour: ½ cup + 2 tablespoons, divided – flour thickens the filling and helps crisp up the topping.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon – gives the filling a luscious, glossy texture that’s never runny.
• Ground cinnamon: 2 teaspoons, divided – brings warmth and gentle spice to both the fruit and the crumble.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon – just enough to sharpen all the other flavors.
• Light brown sugar: ¾ cup, packed – the molasses flavor deepens the crisp topping.
• Salted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), room temperature – keeps the topping rich while helping create those irresistible crispy bits.
• Old-fashioned oats: 1 ¾ cups – add hearty texture and ensure the topping stays crumbly, not soggy.

How to Make Peach Crisp

Step 1: Prep the Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of butter. This adds flavor and ensures your Peach Crisp is easy to scoop when it’s ready.

Step 2: Mix the Peach Filling

In a large bowl, combine those gorgeous sliced peaches with granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir so every slice is enveloped in sweetness and spice. All the juices that develop as it bakes will turn luscious and thick, not watery.

Step 3: Prep the Oat Crumble Topping

In the same bowl (fewer dishes, hooray!), cream together the brown sugar, remaining ½ cup of flour, soft butter, and the rest of the cinnamon. Mix until it becomes clumpy and moist – don’t be shy, use your hands! Toss in the oats and stir until your mixture is crumbly and evenly combined. This is your crisp’s crowning glory.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the peach filling into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Crumble the oat topping evenly over the fruit, making sure every bit gets covered. Slide into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When the edges are golden and you see bubbles, it’s time to come out. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes so the juices settle and the topping firms up.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Scoop your Peach Crisp while it’s still warm. For that classic touch, top with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Every bite should be a delicious balance of juicy peach and crunchy oat topping.

How to Serve Peach Crisp

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes turn your Peach Crisp from simple to sensational. Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans to add creaminess and crunch. Even a little whipped cream or a sprig of fresh mint makes each serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

If you want to serve Peach Crisp as part of a dessert buffet or special meal, it plays beautifully with sides like lemon sorbet, fresh berries, or a tiny espresso. For brunch, a dollop of Greek yogurt and hot coffee make it a decadent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Want your Peach Crisp to look as irresistible as it tastes? Bake individual portions in small ramekins for a dinner party wow-factor. Or, try serving in clear glasses parfait-style, alternating layers of crisp and ice cream — it’s pure summer in every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your Peach Crisp to cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The trick is to keep the topping from getting too soft — a quick reheat helps restore its crunch.

Freezing

Peach Crisp is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Assemble fully but don’t bake, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes, until bubbling and golden. For leftovers, freeze single portions in containers — perfect for late-night cravings.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven goodness, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or pop the whole pan into a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. The oven helps the oat topping crisp up all over again.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Peach Crisp and peach cobbler?

Peach Crisp features a buttery, crunchy oat topping, while cobbler relies on a biscuit or cake-like layer. The crisp is all about that golden, crumbly topping with every sweet, baked peach bite underneath.

Can I use frozen or canned peaches?

Yes! Just thaw and drain frozen peaches, or use canned ones packed in juice (not syrup). You may want to use a little less sugar to account for their extra sweetness, and toss in an extra tablespoon of cornstarch if they seem very juicy.

How do I make this Peach Crisp gluten-free?

Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Otherwise, the recipe stays just as simple and delicious!

Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely! Toss in a handful of raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries with your peaches for a vibrant, colorful twist. Adjust the sugar slightly if your add-ins are more tart or sweet.

How do I know when my Peach Crisp is done?

The filling should be bubbly and thickened at the edges, and the oat topping golden brown. If you’re unsure, a quick check with a spoon in the center should reveal juicy, soft peaches and crisp topping.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for summer to savor the sweet, cinnamon-kissed goodness of Peach Crisp. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, delighting your family, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is classic comfort in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll be making it on repeat before you know it!

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