Peach Crisp

Old-fashioned Peach Crisp is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This sweet treat combines juicy, fresh peaches with a crunchy oat topping, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy dinners at home. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it a favorite among dessert lovers, while the warm, comforting aroma wafting from the oven creates an inviting atmosphere in any kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This Peach Crisp can be made in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm on its own or pair it with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that everyone will enjoy.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh peaches ensures maximum flavor and nutrition, making this a wholesome choice compared to processed desserts.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or add nuts for extra crunch!
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its comforting flavors and textures, this dessert is sure to impress both family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes preparing your Peach Crisp easier and more efficient. Here are the essentials you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×9 baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula
• Oven mitts

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×9 baking pan: The ideal size for even baking and ensuring your crisp comes out perfectly textured.
• Mixing bowls: Helps keep your ingredients organized while making the mixing process smoother.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy in measurements is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 8 cups peeled and thinly sliced fresh peaches
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (divided)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping

• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ¾ cup old-fashioned oats

How to Make Peach Crisp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. While it’s heating up, butter a 9×9 baking pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Peach Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined. Pour this peach mixture into your prepared baking pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Oat Topping

In the same large bowl, cream together the brown sugar, remaining ½ cup of flour, room temperature butter, and remaining teaspoon of cinnamon until you achieve a wet, clumpy mixture. Add the old-fashioned oats and mix until it’s coarse. This can be done easily by hand for a more uniform texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Crisp

Crumble the oat mixture evenly on top of the peach filling in your baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes until you notice a light golden color around the edges of the oats.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let your Peach Crisp rest for about 10 minutes to cool slightly and set up before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream if desired!

How to Serve Peach Crisp

Peach Crisp is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate this classic treat.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Adding a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top of warm Peach Crisp creates a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Drizzled with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches and adds a touch of elegance to your serving.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Fresh whipped cream can add a fluffy texture and richness, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Served in Individual Portions

• For a charming presentation, serve Peach Crisp in small ramekins. This makes for easy serving and adds a personal touch.

Accompanied by Fresh Mint

• Garnishing with fresh mint leaves not only adds color but also brings a refreshing flavor that complements the peaches beautifully.

Paired with Greek Yogurt

• A dollop of Greek yogurt can offer a tangy contrast to the sweet crisp, providing creaminess without being overly indulgent.

How to Perfect Peach Crisp

Creating the perfect Peach Crisp is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you achieve an exceptional dessert.

• Choose ripe peaches: Use perfectly ripe peaches for optimal sweetness and juiciness, enhancing the overall flavor of your crisp.

• Adjust sweetness: Taste your peach mixture before baking; you can adjust sugar based on the ripeness of your peaches for balance.

• Use cold butter: For a flakier topping, try using cold butter instead of room temperature. This helps create a delightful texture.

• Mix by hand: When combining the oat topping, using your hands ensures an even distribution of ingredients and creates clumps for better texture.

• Let it rest: Allowing the baked Peach Crisp to sit for about 10 minutes before serving helps it set, making it easier to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Peach Crisp

Peach Crisp pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its sweet and fruity flavors. Here are some delicious options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing that contrasts beautifully with warm fruit.
2. Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries or blueberries adds tartness and freshness on the side.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce offers an indulgent touch that enhances the dish’s sweetness.
4. Almonds or Pecans: Toasted nuts provide crunch and pair well with the soft textures in Peach Crisp.
5. Coconut Whipped Cream: A dairy-free alternative that adds tropical notes while keeping it light.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the rich flavors of the crisp while adding brightness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Peach Crisp is simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to a less-than-perfect dessert.

• Using unripe peaches: Make sure your peaches are ripe for the best flavor and texture. Unripe peaches can be hard and lack sweetness.
• Overmixing the topping: When combining the butter and oats, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough topping instead of a crumbly texture.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the Peach Crisp to rest after baking helps the juices thicken. Skipping this step results in a runny dessert.
• Not adjusting sugar levels: Depending on your peach’s sweetness, you may need to adjust the sugar. Taste and modify as needed for optimal sweetness.
• Ignoring storage guidelines: Proper storage ensures freshness. Be sure to follow guidelines for refrigerating or freezing your Peach Crisp.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Peach Crisp

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Peach Crisp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for 30-60 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Peach Crisp.

How can I make Peach Crisp healthier?

You can reduce sugar and use whole grain oats instead of regular oats. Adding nuts can also boost nutrition.

Can I use frozen peaches for my Peach Crisp?

Yes, frozen peaches work well! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before using them in the recipe.

What should I serve with Peach Crisp?

Serving warm Peach Crisp with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream enhances its flavor deliciously!

How do I know when my Peach Crisp is done?

Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling juices around the edges. This indicates your crisp is ready!

Final Thoughts

Peach Crisp is an irresistible dessert that brings together juicy peaches and a delightful oat topping. It’s perfect for any occasion and easily customizable—try adding nuts or spices! We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its warm, comforting flavors all year round.