Craving a taste of summer all year round? This Peach Crisp recipe is your ticket to pure dessert bliss! Juicy, sun-ripened peaches are tucked under the most delicious, buttery oat topping, bubbling away in the oven until golden and irresistible. Whether served at a backyard barbecue or as a cozy treat on a rainy day, Peach Crisp combines pure comfort with fresh, simple ingredients to create a sweet memory in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Peach Crisp comes together with just a handful of kitchen staples, but each one plays a starring role in the delicious, rustic flavor and texture. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to deliver the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and crunch.

Peaches: Fresh, juicy peaches (or thawed frozen ones) bring bright, summery flavor and luscious tenderness to every bite.
Granulated Sugar: Just enough sugar is sprinkled in to enhance the peaches’ natural sweetness without overpowering them.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice wakes up and brightens the fruit flavor, keeping everything delightfully fresh.
Vanilla Extract: This touch of vanilla adds warmth and subtle depth to both the filling and the finished dessert.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the peach juices as they bake, creating that irresistible syrupy consistency.
Old-Fashioned Oats: These oats deliver crispiness and a rustic golden topping that sets this peach crisp apart.
All-Purpose Flour: Binds the topping together, making it perfectly crumbly and tender.
Brown Sugar: Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness and beautiful color to the crunchy topping.
Cinnamon: Just a hint of cinnamon brings warmth and spice that pairs beautifully with peaches.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies all the delicious flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Cut into small cubes, it melts into the topping, ensuring a baking sheet of pure golden goodness.

How to Make Peach Crisp

Step 1: Prep the Peaches

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss your sliced peaches with granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. The sugar and lemon juice help bring out the natural brightness of the peaches, while the vanilla and cornstarch ensure the filling is aromatic and thick. Make sure every slice is coated evenly for maximum flavor in every spoonful.

Step 2: Assemble the Filling

Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish, then pour in that shimmering, sugar-kissed peach mixture. Arrange the slices so they’re evenly spread across the bottom. This ensures even baking and that every portion of Peach Crisp will be loaded with peaches.

Step 3: Mix the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, and work it in using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. This is where the magic begins — those little chunks of butter are what give Peach Crisp its signature golden, crunchy topping.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the crumbly oat mixture evenly over the peaches. Don’t pack it down; keep it loose for maximum crunch. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the top is a glorious golden brown. Let your masterpiece cool slightly before diving in — the aroma alone will have everyone hovering around the kitchen!

How to Serve Peach Crisp

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, add a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream right before serving. The cold, creamy garnish melting into the warm crisp creates a decadent contrast that’s just dreamy. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a pinch of extra cinnamon can also elevate your Peach Crisp presentation.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a light, lemony salad or serve alongside fresh berries for a vibrant summer spread. If you’re planning a brunch, pair your Peach Crisp with a mild cheese plate or a fresh mint tea for a sophisticated touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated twist, serve your Peach Crisp in individual ramekins for a restaurant-style feel. Or use a mix of peaches and nectarines for a colorful stone fruit medley. You can even layer the crisp in parfait glasses with extra whipped cream for a show-stopping dessert-trifle hybrid!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Peach Crisp can be covered tightly and stored right in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld together even more after a night in the fridge, making it an excellent next-day treat with coffee or tea.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked Peach Crisp for up to two months. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and write the date on top. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cook time — no need to thaw.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave for a quick fix, or place the baking dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through. This restores that irresistible crispiness on top and brings the fruity aroma back to life.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches to make Peach Crisp?

Absolutely! Just drain the peaches well and pat them dry. Canned peaches tend to be softer and sweeter, so you can reduce the added sugar slightly, but they still make a delicious crisp any time of year.

How do I make Peach Crisp gluten-free?

Easy — substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, and be sure to use gluten-free oats. The result will still be wonderfully crispy and flavorful!

Can I substitute other fruits?

Definitely! Nectarines, apricots, or even a mix of summer berries work beautifully in Peach Crisp. Just make sure the fruit is in season and juicy for best results.

Why is my crisp topping soggy?

This usually happens if there’s too much liquid, either from overly juicy fruit or not enough topping coverage. Using cornstarch in the filling and baking until the top is golden and bubbly helps keep the topping perfectly crisp.

Can Peach Crisp be served cold?

Yes! It’s delicious at room temperature or even cold straight from the fridge. The flavors continue to meld as it rests, so you really can’t go wrong however you serve it.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen how incredibly simple and rewarding it is to make Peach Crisp, I hope you’re inspired to bake up a batch soon. Each spoonful bursts with sweet, juicy fruit and that irresistible oat crunch — it’s a dessert you’ll want to make on repeat, and share with everyone you love!

Peach Crisp Recipe