The sweet, juicy flavor of ripe summer peaches meets a buttery, cinnamon-scented oat crumble in this comforting Peach Crisp. Baked until golden and bubbling, this dish delivers the perfect balance of tender fruit and crunchy topping.
Whether you’re using farm-fresh peaches or some from your local market, this recipe is a simple yet soul-satisfying way to celebrate peach season. Serve it warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a quiet night in with your favorite spoon.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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6 fresh ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Topping:
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1 cup old-fashioned oats
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3/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, toss the sliced peaches with lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.
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Pour the peach mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
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In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
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Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the peaches.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling.
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Let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Making the Perfect Peach Crisp
When the warm breeze of summer starts to dance through your kitchen window and the market stalls overflow with sun-ripened peaches, there’s one dessert that stands out as a timeless classic: Peach Crisp. This humble, comforting treat brings together the best of what summer has to offer — juicy fruit, a golden buttery topping, and the kind of sweetness that reminds you of long, lazy afternoons.
Peach Crisp is one of those recipes that has stood the test of time. While it’s simple at heart, there’s an elegance in its rustic presentation and the way the textures and flavors complement each other. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, attending a potluck, or just craving something warm and sweet, Peach Crisp hits the spot every time.
Why Peach Crisp is a Summer Staple
Peach Crisp is more than just a dessert — it’s an experience. The moment you take that first spoonful, you’re met with the contrast of warm, syrupy peaches against the crispy, crumbly topping. It’s sweet but not overpowering, and every bite feels like a little celebration of summer.
Peaches are in their prime during the warmer months, making them the perfect fruit for baking. They’re naturally juicy and sweet, which means they don’t need much added sugar to shine. Plus, when baked, peaches release their juices and caramelize slightly, creating a luxurious, sticky filling that pairs beautifully with the crisp topping.
The topping is often made with oats, flour, butter, and sugar — ingredients most home bakers already have on hand. It crisps up in the oven and adds that satisfying crunch that balances out the soft, juicy peaches. This contrast is what makes Peach Crisp so addictive.
The History and Origin of Fruit Crisps
Fruit crisps like this one originated as a variation of cobblers, which were themselves a simpler, more rustic version of European fruit tarts. While cobblers often involve biscuit-like dough dropped on top of fruit, crisps are known for their crumbly, streusel-style toppings that include oats and sometimes nuts.
In the United States, crisps gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially during the Great Depression, when ingredients like pie crusts were harder to come by. Oats and pantry staples were more accessible, so crisps became a common way to use up ripe or excess fruit.
Over time, these crisps became beloved for their simplicity, versatility, and ability to showcase seasonal produce. While apple crisp might be more common in the fall, Peach Crisp owns the summer spotlight.
Tips for the Best Peach Crisp Every Time
To make the most out of this classic dish, there are a few tips and tricks that elevate the final result. First and foremost: fresh peaches make all the difference. Choose ripe, fragrant peaches that give slightly when pressed. They don’t have to be perfect — a few blemishes are fine — but avoid overly mushy or underripe fruit.
If peeling peaches sounds like a chore, you can skip it for a more rustic feel. But for a smoother filling, blanching and peeling is worth the effort. A quick dip in boiling water for 30 seconds makes the skins easy to remove.
The topping is where the magic happens. Use cold, cubed butter to achieve the perfect crumbly texture. Cutting it into the dry ingredients ensures pockets of fat that melt and crisp up during baking. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide structure and chew, while brown sugar adds a hint of molasses and depth.
Want to elevate your crisp even more? Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the topping for extra crunch. A pinch of cardamom or ginger can also add a unique twist to the familiar cinnamon flavor.
Serving Suggestions for a Next-Level Experience
Peach Crisp is absolutely delicious on its own, but it becomes truly indulgent when paired with the right accompaniments. The most classic choice is a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts into the warm fruit and creates a creamy sauce that’s pure heaven.
Whipped cream is another great option — try a lightly sweetened version with a touch of vanilla extract. Or go bold with a dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast that cuts through the sweetness.
If you’re serving a crowd, consider making individual portions in ramekins for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with a mint leaf or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a touch of elegance.
Storing and Reheating Your Peach Crisp
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Peach Crisp stores beautifully. Once cooled, cover the dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. If you prefer a crispier topping, the oven is your best bet — microwaving can make the topping a bit soggy.
Peach Crisp can also be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed. If freezing leftovers, allow them to cool completely first.
Variations and Add-Ins to Make It Your Own
While traditional Peach Crisp is unbeatable, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Try mixing in other summer fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a colorful and tangy twist. Nectarines, plums, or apricots also pair beautifully with peaches.
For added warmth and complexity, experiment with spices like cloves, ginger, or even a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract in the fruit filling. A sprinkle of lemon zest can also brighten the flavor and cut through the richness of the topping.
The topping itself is a great place to play — substitute some of the flour with almond meal, or add shredded coconut for a tropical vibe. For a healthier twist, reduce the sugar slightly and add more oats or use coconut oil instead of butter.
Why This Recipe Works for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Peach Crisp is its flexibility. It’s casual enough for a weeknight dessert but comforting and crowd-pleasing enough for special gatherings. It’s also relatively quick and easy to prepare — no pie crusts or complicated techniques required.
You can serve it warm in the summer or even during the cooler months as a reminder of warmer days. It works equally well as a make-ahead dessert or a last-minute treat thrown together with pantry staples and a bowl of fruit.
Whether you serve it as-is or customize it to your liking, the heart of Peach Crisp remains the same — warm, comforting, and joyfully nostalgic.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Peach Crisp
Peach Crisp is more than just a dessert — it’s a seasonal celebration in every bite. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and showcases one of summer’s most iconic fruits in a way that feels both homey and special.
The crispy, buttery topping offers a perfect contrast to the sweet, syrupy peaches, making this dish the ultimate blend of textures and flavors. From family gatherings to quiet nights in, Peach Crisp is always a welcome addition to the table.
Whether you’re making it for the first time or the fiftieth, there’s something deeply satisfying about pulling this golden, bubbling dish out of the oven. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again — because some traditions are simply too delicious to let go.