Peach Crisp is a sweet and comforting dessert made with juicy peaches and a crunchy, buttery topping. It’s the kind of dish that smells like summer and tastes like a warm hug, combining tender fruit with a mix of oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon that gets perfectly crispy in the oven.
I love making Peach Crisp because it’s so easy to put together but feels special enough for guests or a cozy night at home. Sometimes, I like to add a little extra nutmeg or sprinkle some sliced almonds on top for a bit of extra crunch. One of my favorite parts is that it’s great warm or even the next day, so it’s perfect for leftovers!
My favorite way to enjoy Peach Crisp is with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream melting right on top. It’s the perfect balance of hot and cold, crunchy and soft, sweet and a little tangy. Whenever I serve this, everyone always asks for seconds, and I have to admit, I do too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for sweetness and juiciness. If peaches aren’t in season, frozen or canned peaches work too—just drain them well to avoid a watery crisp.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents browning. You can substitute with lime juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar if needed.
Rolled oats: These give the topping a nice chew and texture. If you don’t have oats, crushed cornflakes or chopped nuts can make a crunchy alternative.
Butter: Cold butter is key for a crumbly topping. For a dairy-free version, try coconut oil chilled until firm; it still gives good texture and flavor.
How Can You Get the Crisp Topping Perfectly Crunchy?
The topping is the star here! The secret is to keep the butter cold and to mix it in just until pea-sized crumbs form. Over-mixing melts the butter and makes the topping greasy, while under-mixing leaves it too floury.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to gently blend butter into the dry mix.
- Look for a mix of small crumbs and some bigger pea-sized clumps for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the topping—it’s what gives the crisp its wonderful crunch and golden color.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9-inch baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need one for the peach filling and one for the topping.
- Pastry cutter or fork – great for mixing cold butter into the topping without warming it too much.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredient amounts just right.
- Knife and cutting board – for peeling and slicing your peaches cleanly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap peaches for mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries) for a tangier twist.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Stir a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom into the topping to add warm spice notes.
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the topping for a rich, deeper sweetness.
How to Make Peach Crisp?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 5 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 5-6 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Optional Toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Fresh peach slices for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Peach Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 10-15 minutes to cool before serving. In total, plan for roughly 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish with butter or spray to keep the crisp from sticking.
2. Make the Peach Filling:
In a large bowl, gently mix together the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and cornstarch. Toss everything so the peaches are evenly coated. Let this sit for a few minutes to bring out the flavors.
3. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, chopped butter pieces. Use your fingers, a pastry cutter, or two forks to work the butter into the dry mix until it looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits scattered throughout.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Pour the peach filling evenly into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the topping over the peaches, spreading it out evenly. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and you see the peach filling bubbling up through the edges.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let the peach crisp cool for 10-15 minutes so the filling thickens a little. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and garnish with extra peach slices and fresh mint if you like.
Enjoy your delicious, cozy Peach Crisp!
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent extra liquid from making the crisp soggy. Pat them dry gently with paper towels before using.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Crisp?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the topping crisp.
Can I Make Peach Crisp Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute or coconut oil chilled until firm to keep the topping crumbly and flavorful.
Is It Possible to Prepare Peach Crisp Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the peach filling and topping separately the day before. Store them covered in the fridge, then combine and bake right before serving for the best texture.
