Nothing says summer quite like the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh peaches baked into a warm, crumbly dessert. This Summer Peach Crisp Recipe captures all the bright, sunny vibes of the season with tender peach slices blanketed beneath a buttery, cinnamon-spiced oat topping. It’s irresistibly easy to make, bursting with comforting textures, and just perfect for gathering friends and family around the table. Whether you’re making it for a casual weekend treat or a special occasion, this crisp delivers pure joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Summer Peach Crisp Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the luscious peaches to the crunchy oat topping, everything comes together simply yet beautifully.
- 6 ripe peaches: Choose peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft for the best juicy sweetness; keep the peel on for extra texture and color.
- Half a lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the peaches, balancing their natural sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to enhance the fruit.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the peaches perfectly.
- Butter for greasing the pan: Prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness around the edges.
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the crisp topping that gives structure.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel notes to the crunchy topping.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds extra spice in the crumble.
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A hint of nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Incorporated into the topping for tender, buttery crumbs.
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats: Provides chewy texture and wholesome feel to the crisp.
- Vanilla ice cream: The perfect creamy companion to serve warm crisp.
How to Make Summer Peach Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by placing a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously butter an 8×8 inch baking pan to ensure your crisp won’t stick and develops a lovely golden edge as it bakes.
Step 2: Toss the Peaches
In a medium mixing bowl, combine your sliced peaches with juice from half a lemon, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. The easiest and most effective way to get every slice coated is by using your hands—this helps spread the flavors evenly and awakens the peaches with a fragrant spice mix. Once coated, set this aside to let all those delicious juices mingle.
Step 3: Make the Topping and Combine
In another bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and oats. Then use your fingertips to work the softened butter into the dry ingredients, creating a crumbly, sandy texture that will bake into a crunchy topping. Take a generous handful of this topping and toss it into the bowl with your sugared peaches to give some extra texture among the fruit. Pour the peach mixture into the greased pan in an even layer and then sprinkle the remaining topping evenly over the fruit, leaving a few peach slices peek through to create a rustic charm.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Place your baking pan on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling juices and slide it into the oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crunchy, and you can see the peaches bubbling through. This is the moment when the crisp fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma, promising a deeply comforting treat.
How to Serve Summer Peach Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your Summer Peach Crisp Recipe warm, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts slowly into the crisp, creating dreamy spoonfuls of hot and cold. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top to elevate both texture and presentation.
Side Dishes
While this dessert stands beautifully on its own, consider pairing it with a lightly brewed cup of peach or chamomile tea for a refreshing complement. If it’s brunch time, a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt can add a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping summer dessert, serve the crisp in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, allowing guests to enjoy their own perfectly baked portion. Alternatively, layer pieces in parfait glasses with extra fresh peach slices and whipped cream for a pretty, layered treat that captivates the eye as well as the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Summer Peach Crisp Recipe, simply cover leftover portions tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator. The crisp topping may soften slightly, but reheating will restore much of its crunch and warmth.
Freezing
You can freeze baked crisp for up to 2 months. To do this, cool it completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your crisp in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and the topping regains its delightful crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the topping soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches in the Summer Peach Crisp Recipe?
Yes! Frozen peaches work well, especially if fresh peaches aren’t in season. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing to avoid a watery crisp.
Is it necessary to keep the peach skins on?
Keeping the skins adds beautiful texture, color, and nutrients to the crisp, plus it helps the peaches hold their shape better during baking. However, if you prefer, you can peel them first.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to maintain the same delicious taste and texture.
What kind of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for this recipe because they provide great texture and hold up well during baking, creating that classic crisp topping everyone loves.
How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
To get an extra crunchy topping, chill your butter beforehand and cut it into small cubes before working it into the dry ingredients. This helps create delightful, crispy pockets throughout the topping as it bakes.
Final Thoughts
This Summer Peach Crisp Recipe is truly a celebration of the season’s best flavors and textures. It’s straightforward to make yet impressive enough to share with loved ones. Once you’ve tasted that perfect harmony of sweet peaches and crumbly topping, you’ll want this dessert on repeat all summer long. So grab those peaches, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a heartwarming dish that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat!
Print
Summer Peach Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Summer’s Peach Crisp is a delightful dessert featuring ripe peaches coated in cinnamon and sugar, topped with a buttery oat crumble, and baked to golden perfection. Served warm with vanilla ice cream, it’s a perfect way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer.
Ingredients
Peach Mixture
- 6 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced into 1/4-inch slices (leave the peel on)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crumb Topping
- 1 1/3 cup (169 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 grams) lightly packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
Other
- Butter for greasing the pan
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter to prevent sticking.
- Toss the Peaches: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced peaches, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Use your hands to gently toss the mixture, ensuring the peaches are evenly coated with sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In another medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and oats. Incorporate the softened butter using your fingertips until the mixture becomes sandy and crumbly. Take one handful of this topping and toss it into the peach mixture to add flavor throughout.
- Assemble the Crisp: Pour the peach mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Distribute the remaining crumb topping evenly over the peaches, lightly tossing so some peach slices are visible.
- Bake: Place the baking pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, until the topping is crunchy and the peaches are bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm, ideally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Leaving the peach peels on adds texture and nutrients.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on the natural sweetness of the peaches.
- The baking sheet beneath the pan helps catch any bubbling juices and keeps the oven clean.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
- Best served warm but also delicious at room temperature.
