This Easy Homemade Peach Crisp is a warm, fruity dessert topped with a crunchy mix of oats and brown sugar. It’s the perfect way to enjoy sweet summer peaches!
You can’t go wrong with this treat! When I make it, the aroma fills my kitchen, and I can’t resist sneaking spoonfuls before it’s even cool. 🤗 Just serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star here! If they aren’t in season, canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches can work as substitutes. Just make sure to adjust the sugar since canned peaches are often sweetened.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar not only sweetens but also helps to create a nice syrup with the peaches. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or even coconut sugar for a healthier option. Maple syrup can also replace sugar if you’re looking for something natural.
Cinnamon: While cinnamon adds warmth, you can swap it with nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile. Some folks even love adding a pinch of ginger for a zesty twist!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the topping its crunch, but quick oats can be used in a pinch. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats.
How Do I Get the Crunchy Topping Just Right?
The crunchy topping is crucial for the peach crisp, and it’s essential to handle the butter correctly. Cold butter is key here; it should be firm so it can create that delightful crumble.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients lightly. Don’t overmix—some small chunks of butter will result in a flakier topping.
- If you want extra crunch, try adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the oat mixture.
- Keep an eye on it while baking, as ovens can vary. Look for a golden brown color for a perfect finish!
Easy Homemade Peach Crisp with Crunchy Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 5-6 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach crisp will take about 10 minutes to prepare and then an additional 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 55-60 minutes to have this yummy dessert ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a nice, even bake when your crisp goes in.
2. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently until the peaches are well-coated in the mixture. Once mixed, transfer this sweet and fragrant peach filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly.
3. Make the Crunchy Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Mix these dry ingredients together until evenly combined. Now, add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry mixture until it becomes crumbly. It’s okay to leave some small chunks of butter in there for extra crunch!
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the peach filling in the baking dish. Make sure it covers all the peaches so that every bite will have that delicious crunchy topping.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges. Keep an eye on it towards the end!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly before digging in. It’s best served warm, and I highly recommend adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!
Enjoy your homemade peach crisp—such a lovely treat to share with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well in this peach crisp. Just thaw and drain them before using, as they may release some extra moisture. You might want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly, depending on their sweetness level.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Crisp?
If you prefer a less sweet peach crisp, you can decrease the amount of granulated sugar in the peach filling or the brown sugar in the topping. Taste your peaches first; if they’re very ripe and sweet, you might not need as much sugar!
Can I Make This Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the peach filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble and pop it in the oven. It may take a few extra minutes to cook if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For a delicious twist, you can enjoy it cold with yogurt for breakfast!