Alright, grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and let’s chat about my absolute favorite summer dessert: peach crisp recipe! This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a hug in a bowl, bursting with juicy peaches and topped with a buttery, crumbly, oh-so-addictive crisp.
This peach crisp recipe has become a family staple. It’s requested at every summer barbecue, potluck, and even just for a simple Sunday supper treat. The kids love helping me pit the peaches (though, let’s be honest, half of them end up in their mouths!), and the smell of it baking fills the house with the most amazing aroma. It’s one of those recipes that just makes everyone happy.
You know, it’s funny, I’ve had my fair share of cooking “oops” moments. I once tried to double the recipe without adjusting the baking time. Let’s just say we were eating slightly undercooked peach crisp recipe that night! Live and learn, right? That’s why I’m here, to share my hard-earned wisdom (and hopefully save you from similar disasters!).
What I love most about this peach crisp recipe is that it’s so forgiving and adaptable. You can use fresh peaches, canned peaches (more on that later!), or even frozen peaches in a pinch. It’s also incredibly easy to make, even on busy weeknights. Seriously, if I can whip this up after a long day of school carpools and soccer practice, anyone can!
Trust me, once you try this peach crisp recipe, it will become a new favorite in your own family, too. So, let’s get baking!
INGREDIENTS
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for my peach crisp recipe:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches (about 8 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant!)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Now, a few notes on these ingredients. I always use fresh, ripe peaches for my peach crisp recipe when they’re in season. The flavor is just unbeatable. Peaches are at their peak during the summer months, offering a sweetness and juiciness that’s hard to replicate. Look for peaches that give slightly to the touch and have a fragrant aroma. The variety of peach can also impact the final flavor; some popular choices include Elberta, Red Haven, and Georgia Belle. Different varieties offer unique flavor profiles, from tangy to honey-sweet, so experiment to find your favorite!
However, if you’re making this in the off-season, canned peaches, drained well, will absolutely work. Canned peaches are a convenient alternative, and choosing peaches packed in juice rather than syrup can help control the sweetness. You can also use frozen! Just thaw them a bit first and drain off any excess liquid. Freezing peaches is a great way to preserve their flavor and nutrients, ensuring you can enjoy a taste of summer all year round.
When making peach crisp recipe, you can find the best deals on peaches at your local farmer’s market during the summer. That’s where I get most of mine! Otherwise, the produce section of your grocery store is your best bet. For the oats, make sure you’re using rolled oats, not the instant kind. The rolled oats give the crisp that perfect texture.
Here’s a peach crisp recipe trick I learned from my mom: add a pinch of almond extract to the peach mixture. It really enhances the flavor of the peaches and adds a little something special. Try it!
For a time-saving tip, you can buy pre-sliced peaches at some grocery stores. It’ll cost a bit more but might be worth it if you are pinched for time. You can also prep the peaches ahead of time and store them in the fridge with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. To prevent browning, the acid in the lemon juice acts as an antioxidant, slowing down the oxidation process that causes the fruit to turn brown.
To save money on ingredients for your peach crisp recipe, consider buying peaches in bulk when they’re on sale and freezing them for later. Butter can also be frozen, so stock up when you see a good price.
Store any leftover peaches in the fridge in an airtight container. The crisp topping ingredients can be stored in your pantry. And speaking of leftovers, if you have any leftover cooked peach crisp recipe (unlikely, I know!), store it in the fridge in an airtight container. It’s delicious cold, or you can reheat it in the microwave or oven.
HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP:
Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty – making this delicious peach crisp recipe! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a warm, gooey bowl of peach crisp recipe in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important! A properly heated oven ensures that the crisp bakes evenly. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated to ensure accurate baking. An oven thermometer can be a useful tool to verify your oven’s temperature.
- Prepare the peach filling: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the peaches are evenly coated. The lemon juice not only adds a bright flavor but also helps prevent the peaches from browning. Be gentle when mixing to avoid bruising the peaches, which can release excess moisture.
- Transfer the peach mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure the peaches are evenly distributed in the dish. Even distribution ensures that the crisp bakes uniformly, with no soggy or undercooked spots.
- Prepare the crisp topping: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are well combined, which helps the topping bake evenly and prevents pockets of baking powder or salt.
- Cut in the cold butter: This is where a pastry blender comes in handy, but you can also use your fingers. Work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to use cold butter; it will create those lovely little pockets of butter that melt during baking, resulting in a perfectly crumbly topping. If using your fingers, work quickly to prevent the butter from melting from the heat of your hands.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the peach mixture. Don’t be shy! You want a good layer of topping to contrast with the juicy peaches. A generous layer of topping ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of sweet, juicy peaches and buttery, crumbly crisp.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. I learned the hard way with peach crisp recipe that baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil. Covering with foil helps to prevent the topping from burning while allowing the peaches to continue cooking and releasing their juices.
- Let the peach crisp recipe cool slightly before serving. This is the hardest part, I know! But trust me, it’s worth the wait. Letting it cool slightly allows the filling to thicken up a bit, and it also prevents you from burning your tongue! As the crisp cools, the pectin in the peaches sets, thickening the filling and preventing it from being too runny.
I learned the hard way with peach crisp recipe that using overly ripe peaches can result in a soggy crisp. You want peaches that are ripe but still firm. I also keep the peach skin on for added texture!
In my kitchen, peach crisp recipe usually takes about 32 minutes to bake perfectly. But every oven is different, so use your best judgment.
While the peach crisp recipe is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen and maybe read a few pages of a book (if the kids let me!). The aroma that fills the house while it’s baking is just heavenly. The combination of warm peaches, cinnamon, and buttery oats creates a comforting and inviting atmosphere.
Your peach crisp recipe should smell like warm peaches, cinnamon, and buttery goodness. If it doesn’t, something’s wrong! Just kidding (sort of!). Seriously though, the smell is a good indicator of how it’s progressing.
A family-tested peach crisp recipe shortcut: Use pre-made crisp topping mix. I know, I know, it’s not the same as homemade, but it’s a great option when you’re short on time. Just make sure to choose a good quality brand.
SERVING
Alright, your peach crisp recipe is baked to golden perfection, the aroma is driving everyone wild, and it’s time to serve! But how do you make this already amazing dessert even better? Let’s talk serving suggestions.
My family enjoys this peach crisp recipe best served warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting into the warm crisp is just pure bliss! But you know what else is amazing? A dollop of freshly whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
For side dishes that pair well with peach crisp recipe, I love serving it alongside a simple green salad. The sweetness of the crisp is a nice contrast to the savory salad. You could also add a scoop of cottage cheese on top for a little protein.
This peach crisp recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser at summer barbecues, a comforting dessert for family dinners, and even a special treat for birthdays or holidays. I often make it for potlucks because it’s easy to transport and everyone always raves about it.
For presentation tips, I like to sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of the peach crisp recipe before serving. It adds a touch of elegance and makes it look extra special. You can also garnish it with a few fresh peach slices or a sprig of mint.
If you have extra peach crisp recipe, don’t worry, it’s just as delicious the next day. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven, or even enjoy it cold straight from the fridge. Leftover peach crisp recipe is also amazing crumbled over yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast!
For seasonal variations, try adding different fruits to your peach crisp recipe. In the fall, I love adding apples or pears. In the spring, blueberries or raspberries are a delicious addition. You can also experiment with different spices. Ginger, cardamom, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a unique twist.
My friends always ask for this peach crisp recipe recipe whenever I make it. They love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes. I’ve even had people tell me it’s the best peach crisp recipe they’ve ever had!
FAQs
Okay, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about my peach crisp recipe. I’ve compiled these based on questions I’ve gotten from family, friends, and even some of my blog readers. So, let’s get to it!
- Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh peaches in this peach crisp recipe? Absolutely! Canned peaches work great in this peach crisp recipe. Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the filling. I usually reduce the amount of sugar slightly since canned peaches are already quite sweet.
- My peach crisp recipe topping is too dry. What did I do wrong? This usually happens when there isn’t enough butter in the topping. Make sure you’re using cold butter and that you’re cutting it into the dry ingredients properly. You can also add a tablespoon or two of melted butter to moisten the topping if needed.
- Can I make this peach crisp recipe gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in both the filling and the topping with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve had great success with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. Also, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. Then you have an amazing gluten-free peach crisp!
- My peach crisp recipe is too watery. How can I fix it? This usually happens when the peaches release too much juice during baking. To prevent this, you can add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the peach filling. You can also try using slightly less sugar, as sugar draws out moisture from the peaches.
- Can I freeze peach crisp recipe? You sure can! Assemble the crisp but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
- What kind of oats should I use for the crisp topping? I recommend using rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) for the best texture. Quick-cooking oats will also work, but the texture won’t be quite as good. Avoid using instant oats, as they will become mushy.
- Can I add nuts to the crisp topping? Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be delicious additions to the crisp topping. I usually add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts.
You know what I do when my peach crisp recipe starts to brown too quickly? I loosely tent a piece of foil over the top. It protects the topping from burning while allowing the peaches to continue cooking.
My family prefers a slightly sweeter peach crisp recipe, so I usually add a bit more brown sugar to the topping. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
I once forgot to add the cinnamon to my peach crisp recipe, and it still turned out delicious! So, don’t worry if you accidentally leave out an ingredient. It’s usually not a disaster.
My Final Thoughts
This peach crisp recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of summer, family, and good times. It’s the taste of sunshine, laughter, and shared moments around the table. I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s true!
Here are my peach crisp recipe Pro Tips:
- Use cold butter: This is crucial for a crumbly topping.
- Don’t overmix the topping: Overmixing will result in a tough topping.
- Let it cool slightly before serving: This allows the filling to thicken and prevents burnt tongues!
Here are a few peach crisp recipe variations I’ve tried with my family:
- Peach and Blueberry Crisp: Add a cup of fresh blueberries to the peach filling for a burst of flavor.
- Peach and Ginger Crisp: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger to the peach filling and a 1/2 teaspoon to the crisp topping.
- Peach and Almond Crisp: Add 1/2 cup of sliced almonds to the crisp topping for added crunch and flavor.
My son, the picky eater, surprisingly loves the peach and almond crisp version. My daughter prefers the classic peach crisp recipe with vanilla ice cream. And my husband? He’ll eat any version I make!
I encourage you to make this peach crisp recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits, spices, or toppings. Add your own personal touch and create a dessert that your family will love for years to come. Try adding a little bit of maple for a cherry almond maple crisp for a similar recipe or try my southern peach bread recipe.
I hope you enjoy making this peach crisp recipe as much as I do. I hope it brings you joy, comfort, and a little taste of summer, no matter what time of year it is.
Happy baking, friends! I really hope you enjoy this peach crisp recipe!
PrintMy Favorite Peach Crisp Recipe
This simple peach crisp recipe is the perfect dessert for summer. It’s easy to make and tastes delicious!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine peaches, flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon.
- Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread peach mixture into a 9-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.