There’s just something so comforting about a warm, bubbling dessert, especially when it’s filled with the flavors of summer. I can still remember the first time I made a peach crisp recipe. It was late August, and our family had just returned from a local orchard with a huge basket of perfectly ripe peaches.

The aroma filled the car, and I knew I had to make something special. I wanted something that would highlight the natural sweetness of the peaches without being overly complicated. I flipped through a few cookbooks, but nothing felt quite right. Finally, I decided to just go for it, using a basic crumble recipe as my guide and adding my own little touches. The result was a golden, bubbly peach crisp that had everyone asking for seconds. The sweet, juicy peaches paired with the buttery, crumbly topping were simply irresistible. Even my usually picky son devoured it!

It’s become a tradition ever since, a delicious reminder of those warm summer days and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, even on busy weeknights. I promise, this peach crisp recipe will become a family favorite. So, let’s get started, shall we?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful treat. Remember, I’m sharing what works best for my family, but feel free to adjust based on your own preferences and what you have on hand.

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For the Peach Filling:

6 cups sliced fresh peaches (about 6-8 medium peaches). I prefer freestone peaches, as they’re easier to pit and slice. If you’re using canned peaches, make sure to drain them well and reduce the sugar in the filling.

1/4 cup granulated sugar. Adjust to your liking depending on the sweetness of the peaches. If your peaches are super ripe and sweet, you might even reduce it a bit further.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. This helps to thicken the juices from the peaches as they bake, creating a lovely sauce.
1 tablespoon lemon juice. This brightens the flavor and prevents the peaches from browning. Freshly squeezed is always best!

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Adds a warm, comforting spice that complements the peaches perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. A touch of nutmeg enhances the cinnamon and adds another layer of flavor.
1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces. Adds richness and helps to create a glossy sauce.

For the Crisp Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour. You can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar. Adds a caramel-like sweetness and helps to create a crispy topping.
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats. Adds texture and a nutty flavor to the topping. Quick oats will also work in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite the same.

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Brings a cohesive spice note from the filling to the topping.
1/4 teaspoon salt. Enhances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. The cold butter is key to creating a crumbly topping. Make sure it’s really cold!

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional). Adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the topping. I usually add pecans because that’s what I have on hand, but walnuts are also amazing.

One little secret I learned from my grandmother is to add a pinch of salt to sweet dishes – it really does enhance the sweetness. I also always make sure my butter is very cold when making the crisp topping. It makes a huge difference in the final texture. I buy rolled oats in bulk at my local grocery store because we use it so often. If you don’t have any on hand, you can also pulse some quick oats in a food processor for a few seconds.

You don’t want to pulverize them into flour, but just break them down a little. For a gluten-free peach crisp, you can use almond flour in the topping instead of all-purpose flour. Just be sure to use blanched almond flour for the best texture. I like to keep a bag of frozen peaches on hand for when fresh peaches aren’t in season.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! Don’t worry, this peach crisp recipe is super straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time.

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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.

Prepare the peach filling: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced peaches with granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Be gentle when tossing to avoid bruising the peaches. You want them to stay in nice slices.
Transfer the peach mixture to a 9-inch square baking dish or pie dish. You can also use an 8-inch dish, but the crisp will be a bit thicker and may require a longer baking time.
Dot the peach filling with the butter pieces. This adds richness and helps to create a glossy, saucy filling.

Prepare the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined before adding the butter.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is the most important step for creating a crumbly topping. The butter should be evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts (if using). Add the nuts at the end to prevent them from getting too soft during baking.

Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the peach filling. Make sure the entire surface of the peaches is covered with the topping.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent the topping from burning. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Let the peach crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth!

One time, I forgot to add the lemon juice to the peach filling and the peaches turned a bit brown. It still tasted delicious, but the lemon juice definitely makes a difference in the appearance. If you don’t have a pastry blender, you can use two knives to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Just cut the butter into small pieces and then use the knives in a crisscrossing motion to cut the butter into the flour mixture.

I’ve also learned that using a glass baking dish will help you see how bubbly the peach filling is getting on the bottom. It’s a little trick that helps avoid under-baking. My husband loves when I add a little ginger to the topping! He thinks it adds a nice warmth.

Serving Ideas

Now for the best part – serving this warm, comforting peach crisp! Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it.

In my house, we usually serve the peach crisp warm, straight from the oven. I like to let it cool slightly so the filling thickens up a bit, but it’s hard to resist digging in while it’s still warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is a must! It adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, sweet crisp. Sometimes, I’ll drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of decadence. I like to add a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and freshness, plus it elevates the dish!

This peach crisp recipe is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. It’s also a great way to use up those perfectly ripe peaches before they go bad.

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

My daughter loves to eat it cold straight from the fridge. It’s a refreshing treat on a hot day. My son likes to crumble it over yogurt for breakfast. It adds a little sweetness and crunch to his morning routine. My husband insists on adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, no matter what time of day it is! And of course, I enjoy it every which way. I don’t think there’s a wrong way to eat a peach crisp! The crisp is so easy to throw together that sometimes I’ll make individual portions in ramekins.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this peach crisp recipe that I’ve received from friends and family over the years. Hopefully, these will answer any questions you might have!

Q: Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh peaches?

A: Absolutely! Frozen peaches work great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using. You might need to add a little more flour to the filling to compensate for the extra moisture. Check out the Home Food Preservation for more information about peaches and freezing for later use.

Q: Can I make this peach crisp recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the peach crisp ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply take it out of the fridge and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.

Q: Can I use a different fruit in this crisp?

A: Of course! This crisp recipe is very versatile. You can substitute other fruits like apples, berries, or even a combination of fruits. Just adjust the sugar and spices accordingly. For example, apples might require a little more cinnamon and nutmeg.

Q: Can I make this peach crisp recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can easily make this crisp gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in both the filling and the topping. Make sure to choose a blend that’s designed for baking.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this peach crisp recipe?

A: Yes, you can definitely reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and/or the topping. Just keep in mind that the sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps to create a caramelized topping and a saucy filling. So, reducing it too much might affect the texture. Start by reducing it by a tablespoon or two and see how you like it. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, but the texture may vary.

Q: What is the nutritional information for peaches?

A: Per the USDA, peaches are a low calorie choice, that provide Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium.

Q: My topping is browning too quickly. What should I do?

A: If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with foil. This will help to prevent the topping from burning while the filling continues to bake.

One time, I accidentally used salted butter in the topping, and it was way too salty. I had to throw it out and start over! Now I always double-check to make sure I’m using unsalted butter. I also once forgot to add the oats to the topping, and it was a bit too crumbly. The oats really add a nice texture. My mother-in-law is diabetic, so I use a sugar substitute to make it safe for her. I often make a large batch of the crisp topping and store it in the freezer so I can easily whip up a crisp whenever I want.

Conclusion

This peach crisp recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of summer, a comforting treat, and a reminder of the simple joys of sharing good food with loved ones. It’s truly one of the easiest peach crisp recipes I know. It’s a dish that brings my family together, and I hope it does the same for yours. I love the way the aroma fills the kitchen as it bakes, and the look on everyone’s faces when they take that first bite. It’s a feeling that never gets old. Now, here are a few final tips to help you make the perfect peach crisp:

Always use cold butter for the crisp topping. This is key to creating a crumbly texture.
Don’t overmix the peach filling. Gently toss the peaches with the other ingredients to avoid bruising them.
Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to thicken and prevents burning your mouth.

My family also loves this peach crisp recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, while my kids sometimes ask for it with a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top. But I think it’s perfect just as it is!

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So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give this peach crisp recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Share pictures of your creation with me in the comments – I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you and your family. Happy cooking!