This Easy Peach Crisp is a warm and fruity treat topped with a crunchy mix of oats, butter, and brown sugar. It’s simple to make and oh-so-delicious!
Honestly, who can resist that crispy topping? I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—talk about a cozy dessert moment! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star of this dish! If they aren’t in season, you can use canned or frozen peaches. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess water.
Granulated Sugar: This is for sweetening the fruit. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener. Start with a bit less, as they tend to be sweeter.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and helps keep the peaches from browning. If you don’t have lemon juice, lime juice works in a pinch!
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats give the best texture for the topping, but quick oats can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is essential for the crunchy topping. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil instead, though it may change the flavor a little.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Crunchy Topping?
Getting that perfect crunchy topping is key to a great peach crisp. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with cold butter – it helps create that lovely crumbly texture.
- Use a pastry blender, fork, or your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients. You want everything to look like coarse crumbs.
- Don’t overmix! Some pea-sized chunks of butter in the topping will melt and create a crunchy texture.
Baking until golden brown enhances that crunchiness, so keep an eye on it in the oven!
Easy Peach Crisp with Crunchy Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 5-6 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy peach crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour. It’s a quick dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent the crisp from sticking.
2. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss everything gently until the peaches are well coated. Then, spread the peach mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crunchy Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Next, add the cold butter pieces. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to mix everything until it looks like coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the peach mixture in the baking dish. Make sure it covers all the peaches so you get that yummy crunch in every bite!
5. Bake the Crisp:
Pop your peach crisp into the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown topping and bubbly peach filling.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. It’s best served warm, and if you like, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
Enjoy your deliciously easy peach crisp with that irresistible crunchy topping!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crisp with Crunchy Topping
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen peaches work well in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mixing them with the other filling ingredients. This will help prevent a watery crisp.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store any leftover peach crisp, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and skip the ice cream or opt for a non-dairy variety. For the sugar, ensure it’s vegan-friendly if that’s a concern!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Peach Crisp?
The peach crisp is delicious on its own, but it shines when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also enjoy it with a side of yogurt for a lighter option!
