This Easy Peach Crisp is a sweet treat that features juicy peaches topped with a crunchy oat mixture. It’s like summer in a bowl, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Nothing beats the warm, gooey peaches hidden under that crisp topping. I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s a must if you ask me! 🍑🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star, and ripe ones are best for sweetness. If they’re out of season, you can use canned or frozen peaches—just drain them well. I’ve used a mix of peach varieties for a unique flavor!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the fruit. If you want to reduce sugar, try using honey or maple syrup. Just note, these will add a different flavor and moisture.
Lemon Juice: This brightens the peach flavor. You can substitute with lime juice, or omit it if you’re short on citrus juice, but it does help prevent browning!
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats provide great texture. If you need a gluten-free option, swap for certified gluten-free oats. I sometimes add chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. For a lighter option, try coconut oil or even applesauce, but this may change the flavor slightly.
How Do You Achieve a Crunchy Topping?
To get that perfect crunchy topping, proper mixing and baking are key. Here’s how to ensure it comes out great:
- Keep the butter cold! This helps create those nice crispy bits. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until it’s crumbly.
- Avoid over-mixing the topping. You want some larger chunks of butter remaining for crunch.
- Bake until golden brown. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid burning.
Enjoy the crisp while warm for the best texture. A scoop of ice cream on the side is the cherry on top!
Easy Peach Crisp Recipe with Crunchy Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and then it’s baked for 40-45 minutes. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour for this sweet treat to come together. Perfect for enjoying with family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready for your peach crisp when you’re done preparing it.
2. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss everything gently to mix, allowing the sweet and tart flavors to coat the peaches evenly. Once mixed, transfer the peach mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
3. Mix the Crunchy Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. This will create the base for your crunchy topping. Next, add the cold butter pieces to this mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix everything until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. This texture is key for that lovely crunch!
4. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the peach mixture in your baking dish. Make sure to cover the peaches well for an even crisp!
5. Bake and Enjoy:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell heavenly! Once done, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
6. Serve It Up:
Serve your peach crisp warm, and if you like, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream to take it over the top!
Enjoy your homemade peach crisp with its satisfyingly crunchy topping! It’s a delightful treat for any occasion! 🍑✨
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches for This Crisp?
Absolutely! You can use canned peaches (just drain and rinse them) or frozen peaches—thaw them beforehand and drain any excess moisture. This will ensure your crisp doesn’t turn out too watery!
How Do I Keep the Topping Crunchy?
For a crunchy topping, ensure the butter is cold when mixing, and avoid over-mixing the topping mixture. Leave some larger chunks of butter, as these help create those delightful crispy bits during baking!
Can I Make This Peach Crisp Vegan?
Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For the topping, you can also use maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetness while keeping it vegan.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to regain some crunch, or microwave individual portions for a quick dessert topped with ice cream or yogurt!
