This easy homemade peach crisp is a crowd-pleaser! Juicy peaches are topped with a crunchy mixture of oats, brown sugar, and butter, making it extra tasty.
It’s hard to resist that golden, crispy topping! I love serving this warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Trust me, it’s a sweet treat that brings smiles all around! 🍑🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If peaches are out of season, you can substitute with canned peaches—just drain them well to avoid extra liquid.
Granulated Sugar: If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to reduce the sugar or use honey or maple syrup as a substitute. Just remember, this will slightly alter the flavor.
Lemon Juice: This adds a nice acidity to balance the sweetness. You can use lime juice as an alternative. If you’re out of fresh citrus, try a splash of vinegar for a similar effect.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give that classic crunch, but quick oats can work in a pinch—though the texture will be slightly different. You can also use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, but you can use coconut oil or margarine if you like a dairy-free option. Just melt the coconut oil before mixing with the dry ingredients.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Topping Crunch?
The topping is crucial for that perfect crispy texture! Here’s how to ensure it comes out just right:
- Start with cold butter, as it helps create that crumbly texture. If it gets too warm, the topping can become doughy.
- Mix the butter with the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs, maintaining some larger clumps for extra crunch.
- Evenly distribute the topping over the peaches. Avoid pressing it down too hard; you want airflow for crisping up.
- Keep an eye on it while baking. If it browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
Letting the crisp cool for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to thicken up a bit. Serving it warm is the best way to enjoy it!
Easy Homemade Peach Crisp with Crunchy Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crust Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then 40-45 minutes to bake. That means you can have a delicious peach crisp ready to enjoy in about 1 hour! Perfect for after dinner or for a sweet snack any time of day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Gently toss everything together to coat the peaches evenly. This will help bring out their natural sweetness!
3. Layer the Peaches:
Once your peach mixture is ready, pour it into your greased baking dish. Spread the peaches out evenly—this will ensure every bite is full of yummy flavor!
4. Make the Crunchy Topping:
In another bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt until combined. Then add the cold, diced butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if it’s a little uneven; those chunks will make it extra crispy!
5. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the peach layer in the baking dish. Make sure to cover all the peaches so they stay nice and juicy under that crispy layer!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’re looking for a golden-brown topping with some bubbly peach filling around the edges.
7. Cool and Serve:
After baking, remove the peach crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the filling to set a bit. Enjoy it warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—it makes the perfect pairing!
This easy homemade peach crisp is simple to make and absolutely delicious. The mix of tart peaches and sweet, crunchy topping is sure to be a hit for any gathering or family dinner!
FAQs for Easy Homemade Peach Crisp
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy crisp. You may want to increase the baking time slightly to ensure everything cooks through properly.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar as a substitute. For a more similar flavor, mix granulated sugar with a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar) to mimic the richness of brown sugar.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the crisp in an oven-safe dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions as needed.
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Crisp?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like berries, apples, or pears along with the peaches. Just keep the total amount of fruit about the same, so it doesn’t affect the overall texture and sweetness of the dish.
