This easy homemade peach crisp is a summertime favorite! Juicy peaches blend perfectly with a sweet, crumbly topping. It’s warm, comforting, and will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Baking this peach crisp is a breeze; just mix the fruits with a little sugar and top with oats and butter. It’s the perfect way to enjoy fresh peaches—scoop some over ice cream for a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Juicy peaches are the star of this dish. If fresh peaches aren’t in season, you can use canned or frozen peaches. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid from canned peaches to avoid a soggy crisp.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches. For a healthier option, you can switch to honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. Adjust the quantity slightly since these alternatives can be sweeter.
Lemon Juice: This brightens the peach flavor. If you don’t have lemon juice, try using lime juice or even apple cider vinegar—just a little for balance!
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats create a hearty topping. Quick oats work too, but they won’t give as much texture. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free oats.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, but you can substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version. Just keep the amount the same.
How Do I Ensure My Crisp Topping is Perfectly Crunchy?
Getting that perfect crunchy topping is all about the butter and mixing technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use cold butter. This keeps the mixture crumbly. You can chill it before cutting or even freeze it briefly.
- Mix the butter in just until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix; you want those little bits of butter to create flakiness.
- If you like extra crunch, add some chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) to the topping mixture.
Letting the crisp cool for a few minutes before serving helps set the filling, too. Enjoy your peach crisp with a scoop of ice cream for a comforting dessert!
How to Make Easy Homemade Peach Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 5-6 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy peach crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake, for a total of about 1 hour. It’s perfect for a quick dessert idea, especially in peach season!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish. This will help prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
In a large mixing bowl, take your sliced fresh peaches and combine them with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir it gently to make sure all the peaches are coated with the mixture. Once combined, spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. This mixture will give your crisp its delicious texture. Next, add the cold, cubed butter to this mix. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs, with little pieces of butter the size of peas.
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the peaches in the baking dish. Make sure to cover all the peaches to keep them nice and juicy while baking!
5. Bake:
Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and you can see the peach filling bubbling around the edges.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the peach crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle before serving. For an extra treat, serve your warm peach crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Enjoy your delicious homemade peach crisp! It’s a perfect dessert that captures the flavors of summer spooned warm from the oven!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Peach Crisp
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned or frozen peaches! If using canned peaches, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture. For frozen peaches, thaw them completely and drain any liquid before using in the recipe.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Check that your oats are labeled gluten-free as well, to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I Prepare Peach Crisp Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the peach filling and topping separately, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just assemble and bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick treat!
