This Easy Homemade Peach Crisp is a tasty dessert that combines sweet peaches with a crunchy topping. It’s warm, fruity, and perfect for summer nights!
Honestly, the best part is that crunchy topping—it’s hard to resist sneaking bites before it even gets to the table! 😄 I love serving it with ice cream for an extra treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are key for sweetness. If out of season, use canned or frozen peaches—just make sure to drain them well. I love using a mix of yellow and white peaches for added flavor!
Granulated Sugar: You can reduce this to 2 tablespoons if you prefer less sweetness. Honey or maple syrup can also be a nice alternative for a natural option, but adjust to taste.
Cornstarch: It helps thicken the peach juices. If you’re avoiding corn, tapioca flour or even a bit of flour can work as a substitute.
Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: These provide the crisp’s texture. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they will be softer. For a gluten-free option, use oats labeled as gluten-free.
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans are my favorites, but feel free to omit them if you want a nut-free version. Sunflower seeds can add a nice crunch instead!
How Can You Get the Perfect Crunchy Topping?
Creating the ideal crunchy topping is crucial for this peach crisp! Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Use cold butter—this creates a flakier topping. Cut it into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Don’t over-mix! You want some small chunks of butter for that nice crunch.
- If you like extra crunch, try mixing in some chopped nuts or even coconut flakes with your oats.
Once you bake it, make sure it turns golden brown on top. That’s when you know it’s ready!
How to Make Easy Homemade Peach Crisp with Crunchy Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 40-45 minutes to bake. So plan for around 1 hour total, and then a few minutes for it to cool before serving. Perfect for an easy and delicious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your peach crisp bakes evenly!
2. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and cornstarch (if you’re using it). Toss everything together gently, making sure the peaches are well-coated. This will help bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.
3. Assemble the Peach Filling:
Transfer the peach mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread your peaches out evenly; they’ll bubble up beautifully while baking!
4. Make the Crunchy Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and chopped nuts (if using). Combine all of these dry ingredients well.
5. Add the Butter:
Add the cold butter pieces to the oat mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs, with some small pea-sized pieces. This step is important for getting that crunchy topping!
6. Top the Peaches:
Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the peach mixture in your baking dish. Make sure to cover all the peaches—this is where the delicious crunch comes from!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
8. Let It Cool:
Once baked, remove the peach crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’ll be much easier to enjoy this delightful treat once it has settled a bit!
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your warm peach crisp as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch. Enjoy every bite!
Happy baking! Your delicious, easy-to-make peach crisp with a crunchy topping is ready to be enjoyed!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Peach Crisp with Crunchy Topping
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using. You may want to increase the cornstarch slightly to help thicken the juices.
Can I Substitute the Sugar in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. If using liquid sweeteners, reduce the amount slightly to taste, as they can make the peach filling more runny.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. It’s great reheated!
Can I Make This Crisp with Other Fruits?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile. You can swap the peaches for other fruits like apples, berries, or cherries. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
Enjoy your peach crisp and happy baking! 🍑✨
