This Easy Peach Crisp is a sweet treat that features juicy peaches baked until bubbly, topped with a wonderfully crunchy mixture. It’s simple to make and perfect for dessert!
The best part? That crunchy topping is too good to resist! I sometimes just eat it straight from the bowl while waiting for it to bake. Can you blame me? 😄
What I love most is how easy it is to throw together. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top for a delightful finish.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are essential for the best flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches in juice, but drain them well. Frozen peaches are also a good option; just thaw and drain excess moisture.
Sugars: I use both granulated and brown sugar to balance sweetness. For a lower-calorie option, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. Just adjust the quantity since they’re sweeter than sugar.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives control over the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, you can swap in coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for the topping, while still keeping that crunch!
How Do I Make the Topping Extra Crunchy?
The topping is what makes this peach crisp truly special! To achieve that perfect crunch, it’s important to handle the butter correctly. Here are some tips:
- Keep the butter cold and cut into small pieces to ensure it creates those desired coarse crumbs when mixed with the dry ingredients.
- Don’t overmix! You want some butter chunks to remain, which will melt and create that crunchy texture while baking.
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats. They provide a better texture and hold up well during baking.
Easy Peach Crisp with Crunchy Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, to thicken juice)
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach crisp takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 40-45 minutes of baking time. With a little patience while it cools, you’ll have a warm and delightful dessert ready to enjoy in just over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy serving later on.
2. Mix the Peach Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly sliced peaches with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch (if using). Mix everything well until the peaches are evenly coated. Now, pour this peach mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Make the Crunchy Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Next, add the cold diced butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized chunks remaining. This is what gives it that delightful crunch!
4. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the peach layer in the dish. Now, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly and soft.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the peach crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices set a bit. Serve warm on its own or a la mode with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream—your choice!
Enjoy this easy-to-make peach crisp with its irresistibly crunchy topping! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or a cozy night in. 😊
FAQ for Easy Peach Crisp Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, just make sure to thaw them first, and drain any excess moisture to prevent the filling from being too watery. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a microwave.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or microwave until warmed through.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use an equal amount of granulated sugar. For a similar flavor, you can mix granulated sugar with a touch of molasses (1 tablespoon molasses per cup of granulated sugar) to mimic the richness of brown sugar.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the peach filling and topping separately and assemble them shortly before baking. The assembled crisp can be covered and stored in the fridge for a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!
