The perfect peach crisp is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweet and juicy flavor of sun-ripened peaches with a crispy, crumbly topping. It's a simple, yet elegant dessert that's perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy winter night by the fireplace.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are easily found in your home pantry. However, fresh peaches are the star of this dish, so it's essential to pick ripe, juicy ones for the best flavor. If it's not peach season, frozen peaches serve as a great substitute. Old fashioned oats are another key ingredient that adds a distinctive, chewy texture to the topping, contrasting beautifully with the soft peaches. If you cannot find them, rolled oats could be an alternative, but the texture might be different.
Ingredients for the Perfect Peach Crisp
Fresh peaches: The heart of the dish, they provide the sweet, fruity base. Choose ripe, juicy ones for the best taste.
Lemon juice: Adds a subtle tanginess, enhancing the flavor of the peaches.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the peach filling.
Flour: Helps thicken the peach juice to a syrupy consistency.
Oats: Gives the topping a chewy texture.
Salt: Enhances the other flavors in the dish.
Spices (Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Brown sugar: Sweetens and adds a bit of molasses flavor to the topping.
Butter: Binds the topping ingredients together and adds richness.
Pecans or hazelnuts: Provides a delightful crunch to contrast with the soft peach filling.
One reader, Charlie Trapp says:
This peach crisp recipe is a game-changer! The peaches are perfectly sweet and the crisp topping is just divine. It's so easy to make and the aroma while it bakes is heavenly. I can't get enough of it! It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious, comforting dessert.
Key Techniques for Making a Perfect Peach Crisp
How to prepare the peach filling: Toss the peaches with lemon juice, then sprinkle granulated sugar and flour over the top and toss to evenly coat.
How to make the topping: Whisk together flour, oats, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Add brown sugar and use fingertips to break up any clumps. Add butter and rub into the mixture until it comes together in small clumps. Mix in nuts and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the peaches in the baking dish.
How to bake the peach crisp: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 38 to 42 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the juices are bubbling along the edges.
How To Make Peach Crisp
For this sweet peach crisp, fresh and juicy peaches are tossed in lemon juice and sugar, then baked topped with spiced oat and pecan crumble.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Peach Filling:
- 3lbsfresh peaches,cored and sliced into wedges ¾ inch thick
- 1tbspfresh lemon juice
- ¼cupgranulated sugar
- 2tbspall purpose flour
For Topping:
- ¾cupall purpose flour
- 3¾cupold fashioned oats
- ¼tspsalt
- ¾tspground cinnamon
- ⅛tspground nutmeg
- ⅛tspground ginger
- ¾cuplight brown sugar,packed
- 10tbspunsalted butter,cold and diced into ½ inch cubes
- ½cuppecans or hazelnuts,chopped small
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a large mixing bowl, toss peaches with lemon juice. Sprinkle granulated sugar and flour over top and toss to evenly coat.
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Pour mixture into a buttered 3-quart baking dish and set aside.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, oats, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Add brown sugar and stir, while using fingertips to break up any clumps.
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Add butter to the mixture and using fingertips, rub into the mixture until it comes together in small clumps and pieces of butter a no longer visible.
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Mix in nuts, tossing several times (so it sticks to the crumble). Sprinkle mixture evenly over top of peaches in baking dish.
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Bake in preheated oven for about 38 to 42 minutes until topping is golden brown and juices are bubbling along edges.
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Serve warm with ice cream or sweetened whipped cream if desired
Nutrition
- Calories: 574.16kcal
- Fat: 25.15g
- Saturated Fat: 11.41g
- Trans Fat: 0.66g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.14g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.36g
- Carbohydrates: 83.48g
- Fiber: 8.21g
- Sugar: 39.52g
- Protein: 10.12g
- Cholesterol: 43.61mg
- Sodium: 91.37mg
- Calcium: 60.02mg
- Potassium: 598.19mg
- Iron: 3.53mg
- Vitamin A: 170.11µg
- Vitamin C: 13.76mg
Crucial Technique Tip for a Flawless Peach Crisp
When preparing the peaches, make sure to choose ripe but firm ones. Overripe peaches can make the filling too mushy and overly sweet, while underripe peaches won't provide enough flavor. Also, when adding the butter to the crumble topping, ensure it's cold. This helps create a crumbly and crispy texture, as the butter will melt slowly during baking, creating pockets of air.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Peach Crisp Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the peach filling and topping the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly mix the topping ingredients, saving time and ensuring a consistent texture.
Multi-task: While the crisp is baking, use that time to clean up the kitchen or prepare other dishes for the meal.
Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, gather and organize all the ingredients and tools needed to streamline the cooking process.
Set a timer: Use a timer to keep track of baking and prep times, allowing you to focus on other tasks without worrying about overcooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Peach Crisp Recipe
fresh peaches - Substitute with canned peaches: Canned peaches can be used as a substitute for fresh peaches in this recipe. They are convenient and readily available, and can work well in a peach crisp.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour, adding a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the crisp topping.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of granulated sugar, adding a unique flavor to the peach filling.
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour in the topping.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, adding a subtle coconut flavor to the topping.
pecans or hazelnuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds can be used as a substitute for pecans or hazelnuts, adding a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to the topping.
Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Peach Crisp
Elevate the peach crisp with a scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream: The creamy, rich vanilla flavor will complement the warm, sweet peach filling and add a luxurious touch to the dish.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint: A small, delicate touch of green will not only add a pop of color but also provide a refreshing aroma to enhance the overall sensory experience.
Drizzle with a bourbon caramel sauce: A decadent, boozy caramel sauce will add depth and complexity to the dessert, elevating it to a sophisticated level that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Serve in individual ramekins: Plating the peach crisp in individual portions adds an elegant and refined touch, making each serving feel special and exclusive.
Dust with edible gold leaf: For a truly opulent presentation, a sprinkle of edible gold leaf will add a touch of luxury and glamour to the peach crisp, making it a show-stopping finale to any meal.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making a Perfect Peach Crisp
- Oven: Used for baking and roasting dishes.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing batters.
- Baking dish: Used for baking and serving dishes such as casseroles, crisps, and desserts.
- Whisk: Used for blending and mixing ingredients together, especially in baking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Butter knife: Used for cutting and portioning butter or spreading sauces.
- Food processor: Used for chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients.
- Cutting board: Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Oven mitts: Used for safely handling hot dishes and pans from the oven.
- Spatula: Used for flipping, lifting, and spreading ingredients.
- Pastry cutter: Used for cutting butter into flour for making pastry or crumble toppings.
- Cooling rack: Used for cooling baked goods and allowing air to circulate around the food.
- Paring knife: Used for peeling, trimming, and slicing fruits and vegetables.
- Ice cream scoop: Used for scooping and serving ice cream or other frozen desserts.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Peach Crisp
Let the peach crisp cool completely before storing or freezing. This allows the filling to thicken and set properly.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the peach crisp:
- Wrap the dish securely with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.
- Label the dish with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Place the wrapped dish in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat the peach crisp:
- If frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove any plastic wrap and cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, keep it covered with foil.
- For a crisper topping, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, but the topping may lose some of its crispness.
Enjoy your perfectly reheated peach crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat!
How To Reheat Peach Crisp Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover peach crisp in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the topping.
For a quicker method, reheat individual portions of the peach crisp in the microwave. Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed to your liking. If the topping becomes soggy, you can place the bowl under the broiler for a minute or two to re-crisp it.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the peach crisp while maintaining a crispy topping. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a portion of the crisp in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is crispy.
For a stovetop method, place a portion of the peach crisp in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Remove the lid for the last minute or two of heating to allow any excess moisture to evaporate and the topping to crisp up slightly.
If you want to reheat the entire peach crisp but maintain a crispy topping, remove the topping and set it aside. Reheat the peach filling in the oven or microwave until warmed through, then sprinkle the reserved topping over the warm filling and serve immediately.
Interesting Trivia About Peach Crisp
The peach crisp recipe is a classic American dessert that originated in the Southern United States. It is a popular dish during the summer months when peaches are in season. Peaches are a good source of vitamins A and C, and they also contain dietary fiber. The combination of the sweet, juicy peaches and the crunchy, spiced oat topping makes this dessert a delightful treat for any occasion.
Is Making Peach Crisp at Home Cost-Effective?
This peach crisp recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, peaches and oats, are affordable and readily available. The addition of nuts and spices enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. The versatility of this recipe also allows for variations based on seasonal fruits and personal preferences, adding value to the overall cost-effectiveness. I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability, simplicity, and delicious outcome.
Is This Peach Crisp Recipe Healthy or Not?
This peach crisp recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the indulgent side rather than being a healthy choice. The generous amounts of sugar and butter in both the filling and topping contribute to its decadence but also raise concerns from a nutritional standpoint. The use of all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the beneficial fiber found in whole grain alternatives, further tips the scales away from a wholesome treat.
However, there are several ways to make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and replace some or all of the granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour to increase the fiber content and add a nutty flavor
- Cut back on the butter in the topping and replace a portion of it with heart-healthy oils like coconut or avocado oil
- Increase the amount of oats in the topping for added fiber and texture
- Experiment with different spices like cardamom or vanilla to enhance the flavors without relying on extra sugar
By making these simple tweaks, you can transform this peach crisp into a more balanced and nourishing dessert that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying a healthier version of this classic dish can be just as rewarding as indulging in the original recipe.
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Peach Crisp Recipe
The perfect peach crisp recipe is a delightful combination of sweet, juicy peaches and a crunchy, spiced oat topping. The balance of flavors and textures is spot on, creating a comforting and satisfying dessert. The addition of nutmeg and ginger adds a warm, aromatic note to the dish, elevating it to a whole new level. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced bakers. It's a timeless classic that is sure to impress and satisfy anyone who tries it.
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Why trust this Peach Crisp Recipe:
This recipe uses only the freshest peaches and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to create a rich and flavorful filling. The topping is a perfect combination of oats and flour with a touch of brown sugar for sweetness. The addition of pecans or hazelnuts adds a delightful crunch. With a balance of sweet and tart flavors, this peach crisp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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