Peach Crisp

Listen, I’m not really a baker. Like, at all. But peach crisp changed my mind about desserts, honestly.

One summer, my neighbor gave me a ton of peaches. I didn’t know what to do with them all. So I looked up the easiest recipe ever.

Peach crisp was it. You just slice peaches and put stuff on top. Then you bake it and, boom, you’re done.

When it came out of the oven? Oh my gosh. The top was all crunchy and buttery. The peaches were bubbling and sweet underneath.

I served it with vanilla ice cream. The warm peaches with cold ice cream? That’s like heaven in a bowl. My kids literally fought over the last bite!

So yeah, I’m sharing this with you now. Trust me, if I can make this, anyone can. Let me walk you through it step by step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal Flavors in Every Bite: The sweet and tangy peaches combined with the crisp topping make this dessert perfect for any time of the year. The peaches bring a light and fresh taste, while the oats and walnuts add texture and warmth.
• Quick and Easy: This Peach Crisp recipe comes together quickly, with minimal prep and baking time. With only 15 minutes of preparation, the crisp bakes in about 40 minutes, making it a fast and delicious treat.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can add more spices, mix in different nuts, or even swap the peaches for other fruits like nectarines or apples if you’re in the mood for something different.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling and topping ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready. Or, you can even bake the crisp in advance and reheat it for easy serving.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The subtle sweetness of the peaches is balanced by a rich, buttery topping with just the right amount of crunch. Whether served warm or cold, it’s a dessert that hits all the right notes.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, make sure you have these essential kitchen tools for making this Peach Crisp:

1. Baking Dish (8×8 or 9×9): A square baking dish works perfectly for this recipe, allowing the crisp to bake evenly.
2. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls for preparing the peach filling and the oat topping.
3. Measuring Spoons and Cups: Precision is key to getting the perfect texture and flavor.
4. Spoon or Spatula: For mixing and spreading the peach filling and topping.
5. Oven: A preheated oven is essential for baking the crisp to perfection.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, natural ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

Peach Filling

• 5 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced: Fresh, juicy peaches bring that sweet-tart flavor we crave in this dessert. You can use fresh or frozen peaches, but fresh will give you the best results.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This will help thicken the peach juices as they bake, giving the filling that perfect consistency.
• 1 tablespoon cane sugar: Just a touch of sugar helps bring out the natural sweetness of the peaches.
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the peaches.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with a delicious, aromatic sweetness.

Crisp Topping

• ½ cup whole rolled oats: Oats provide the perfect crunch and texture for the topping. Don’t use instant oats—whole rolled oats are key.
• ½ cup almond flour: Adds a slight nutty flavor and helps make the topping crisp and golden.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar: Brown sugar enhances the depth of flavor and gives the topping a lovely caramelized finish.
• ¼ cup crushed walnuts: These add crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. You can substitute with pecans or almonds if you prefer.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the sweetness of the peaches and the crunch of the topping.
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
• ¼ cup firm coconut oil or cold butter, cubed: This fat helps form the crispy topping. You can use either coconut oil for a dairy-free option or butter for a more traditional crisp flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Peach Crisp is a breeze, and I promise the result will be a dessert you’ll come back to again and again. Let’s break down the process:

1. Prepare the Peach Filling

Start by preparing the peach filling. This is where the magic happens!

1. Slice the peaches: Begin by pitting and slicing your peaches. You’ll want them to be about 1/4-inch thick. If you’re using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them before using them in the filling.
2. Mix the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches with the cornstarch, cane sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the peaches are evenly coated in the mixture. The cornstarch will help thicken the peach juices as they bake, creating that perfect gooey filling.

2. Prepare the Crisp Topping

Now, let’s make the crisp topping!

1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, crushed walnuts, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
2. Add the fat: Add the cubed coconut oil (or butter) to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, cut the coconut oil or butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is what will form the buttery, crunchy topping.

3. Assemble the Crisp

Once both your peach filling and crisp topping are ready, it’s time to assemble the dessert:

1. Layer the peaches: Transfer the prepared peach filling into a greased 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish. Spread the peaches out evenly across the bottom of the dish.
2. Add the topping: Spoon the crisp topping over the peaches, making sure it’s spread evenly across the surface. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth—this rustic look is part of the charm.

4. Bake the Peach Crisp

Now that the Peach Crisp is assembled, it’s time to bake it.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on it, and if the topping is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the Peach Crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the filling to set up a bit. You can serve it warm or at room temperature.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Peach Crisp

There are many ways to serve and enjoy Peach Crisp, but my favorite way is to top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess perfectly contrasts the warm, sweet peaches and crunchy topping. You can also:

• Serve with yogurt: If you prefer a slightly healthier twist, Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt makes an excellent pairing with Peach Crisp.
• Top with fresh fruit: Garnish with a few fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color and extra freshness.
• Serve with caramel sauce: Drizzle a bit of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent treat.

Storing Peach Crisp

Peach Crisp is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dessert stores beautifully!

1. Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy it within a day or two, you can leave the Peach Crisp at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days.
2. Refrigerator: Store the crisp in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it from drying out.
3. Freezing: Peach Crisp also freezes well! If you want to make it in advance, prepare the peach filling and topping, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	350
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	46g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	20g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	7g

Conclusion

This Peach Crisp is the epitome of a cozy, comforting dessert that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to please anyone who tries it. Whether you’re baking it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because you crave something sweet, this recipe will deliver every time. Its mix of juicy peaches, crunchy oat topping, and warm spices makes it a timeless favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Peach Crisp FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before making the filling.

Can I use a different fruit for this crisp?

Absolutely! You can substitute peaches with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or apples. Each one will give the crisp a slightly different flavor, but the method will remain the same.

Can I make this Peach Crisp dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the butter for coconut oil in the topping, and you’re good to go. Serve with dairy-free ice cream or whipped cream if you’d like.

How do I make the topping more crunchy?

If you want a crunchier topping, consider adding more oats or using a mix of nuts. Walnuts, almonds, or pecans will all give a fantastic texture to the crisp.