Introduction
Peach Crisp is a classic dessert for family gatherings, summer parties, or cozy evenings. This warm, comforting dish, featuring juicy peaches topped with a buttery, crunchy oat crumble, delivers a sweet-tart flavor with a delightful contrast of textures. Presented in a white ceramic baking dish, optionally garnished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprig of mint, this Peach Crisp recipe offers a rustic, inviting aesthetic that elevates any occasion. This recipe provides a simple homemade version with accessible ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings nostalgic, orchard-fresh joy to any table.
Ingredients
For the Peach Filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6–8 medium peaches) or canned peaches, drained
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Oat Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Serving:
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, mint sprig
- Suggested Accompaniments: Fresh berries, coffee
- Suggested Pairings: Sweet tea, dessert wine
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic baking dish
- Suggested Equipment: 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish, mixing bowls, vegetable peeler, knife, pastry cutter or fork, measuring cups/spoons
Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Peach Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced peaches, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Gently toss until peaches are evenly coated.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste a small piece of the peach mixture and adjust with a teaspoon more sugar for sweetness or lemon juice for tartness to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Assemble Filling: Transfer the peach mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Make Oat Topping: In a medium bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top Peaches: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the peach filling.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling.
- Cool slightly: Let the crisp cool for 5–10 minutes to set.
- Serve: Spoon the warm Peach Crisp into bowls or serve directly from the white ceramic baking dish. Optionally top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a mint sprig. Pair with fresh berries, coffee, sweet tea, or dessert wine.
Tips for Better Peach Crisp
- Use ripe, fresh peaches for the best flavor; canned peaches work in a pinch, but drain well to avoid excess liquid.
- Taste the peach filling before baking to balance sweetness and tartness; adjust sparingly.
- Keep butter cold for a crumbly, crisp topping; avoid overmixing to maintain texture.
- Bake until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles to ensure a perfect texture.
- Present in a white ceramic baking dish to highlight the golden topping and juicy peaches.
- Make ahead: Prepare the peach filling and topping separately up to 1 day in advance; store in the fridge, assemble, and bake before serving.
- Peel peaches easily by blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transferring to ice water.
- Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with ice cream or mint for a warm, inviting pop.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Peach Crisp: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats for the topping.
- Vegan Peach Crisp: Replace butter with vegan butter and serve with dairy-free ice cream or whipped coconut cream.
- Low-Sugar Peach Crisp: Reduce granulated sugar to 2 tbsp in the filling and brown sugar to 1/4 cup in the topping; use a sugar substitute if desired.
- Spiced Peach Crisp: Add 1/4 tsp ground ginger or cloves to the filling for extra warmth.
- Mixed Fruit Peach Crisp: Combine 3 cups of peaches with 3 cups sliced apples or berries for a mixed fruit version.
- Nutty Peach Crisp: Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds to the oat topping for extra crunch.
- Bourbon Peach Crisp: Stir 1 tbsp bourbon into the peach filling for a rich, adult twist.
- Oat-Free Peach Crisp: Replace oats with additional flour and 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers for a different texture.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
- Freeze the baked crisp in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
- Serve warm for the best contrast of juicy filling and crunchy topping.
- Use as a standalone dessert or a crowd-pleasing treat for gatherings.
- Pair with sweet tea or dessert wine to complement the sweet-tart flavors.
- Present in a white ceramic baking dish with garnishes for a rustic, inviting charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 8 servings (3/4 cup each, without ice cream):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 10% Daily Value
- Calcium: 4% Daily Value
- Iron: 6% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (vegan options reduce cholesterol). Moderate in calories; enjoy as a treat.
Conclusion
This Peach Crisp recipe delivers a warm, comforting dessert perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings, transforming simple ingredients into a nostalgic favorite. Its easy preparation and rustic presentation make it a go-to. The juicy peaches and crunchy topping delight with every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing orchard-fresh charm.
Peach Crisp Recipe: Warm and Comforting
Peach Crisp with warm, comforting flavor.
Ingredients
- Peach Filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg optional
- Oat Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream mint sprig
- Suggested Pairings: Sweet tea dessert wine
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F; grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- Toss peaches with sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Taste and adjust filling with sugar or lemon juice.
- Transfer peaches to a baking dish.
- Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt; cut in butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping over the peaches.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Serve warm in a white ceramic dish with ice cream.
Notes
- Use ripe peaches for the best flavor.
- Store in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Try a vegan or nutty variation.
- Pair with fresh berries.
