There’s something magical about the way summer peaches transform when they’re baked into a golden, buttery peach crisp. The aroma alone brings back memories of my grandmother’s tiny kitchen, where I’d sit on the counter with sticky fingers, sneaking peach slices while she prepped dessert. This peach crisp recipe is a modern version of that comforting classic—easy to make, loaded with juicy fruit, and finished with the most irresistible oat topping. Whether it’s the peak of peach season or you’ve just got a craving for something sweet, this recipe is a keeper.
We’ll cover how to get the perfect crisp topping, what peaches work best, tips for make-ahead, and serving suggestions. Plus, we’ll answer your top questions to help you master this dish with confidence. If you’ve ever loved the buttery layers in a peach cobbler cookie or the rich textures of a rhubarb crisp, you’re in the right place.
Peach Crisp Recipe
Table of Contents
Why This Peach Crisp is a Must-Make
A Dessert That Feels Like a Hug
Let’s be honest—sometimes we just want something simple, nostalgic, and downright delicious. This peach crisp recipe nails all three. It’s my go-to when peaches are perfectly ripe, but it’s just as tasty with frozen fruit in the colder months. What makes this version so special is the contrast of textures: soft, syrupy peaches underneath a crisp, golden oat crumble that cracks just slightly under the spoon.
I use old-fashioned oats for that hearty texture and a brown sugar–butter mix that melts into sweet clumps of gold. The warm cinnamon notes tie everything together, making each bite feel like the dessert version of a cozy blanket. Plus, you don’t need to fuss with pie crust—just a quick crumble topping, and you’re set.
What I love most is how customizable it is. Swap in nectarines or toss in berries for fun twists. If you enjoy creative spins like in this peach cobbler cheesecake fruit salad, you’ll find this crisp just as inspiring and adaptable.
Everyday Ingredients, Incredible Flavor
You don’t need fancy pantry items to make a peach crisp that stands out. The ingredient list is short and budget-friendly: fresh or frozen peaches, sugar, flour, cinnamon, butter, and oats. That’s it. The magic comes in how they’re combined—lightly sweetened peaches that bubble up beneath a perfectly balanced topping.
It’s also a forgiving recipe. If your peaches are extra juicy, the cornstarch helps the filling thicken to jammy perfection. If they’re a little underripe, baking coaxes out their natural sweetness. Want to serve it warm with ice cream? Absolutely. Vanilla works best, but don’t let that stop you from trying it with a scoop of homemade peach smoothie poured over the top.
This dish is all about comfort, ease, and making something delicious with what you’ve got. And that’s exactly what you’ll get with this ultimate peach crisp.
Peach Crisp Variations and Tips for Perfect Results
Best Peaches for Crisp: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned?
Choosing the right peaches makes a huge difference in both texture and flavor. Fresh, ripe peaches are always the gold standard—they’re naturally sweet, juicy, and hold their shape when baked. But when fresh isn’t available, don’t worry. Frozen sliced peaches are a fantastic alternative. Just thaw them and drain any excess moisture before using. Canned peaches can work too, especially in off-season months, but stick to peaches canned in juice—not syrup—to control sweetness.
If you’re using fresh peaches and they’re slightly underripe, give them a quick sauté with a tablespoon of butter and a teaspoon of sugar. This softens them just enough for baking and intensifies their flavor. For a savory-sweet twist, you might even love blending the fruity base with a bit of inspiration from dishes like jalapeño peach chicken—the peach element stays sweet, but you get that unexpected kick.
Topping Tricks: How to Get the Ultimate Crisp
The real secret to an unforgettable peach crisp lies in the topping. While flour and brown sugar form the base, it’s the butter and oats that create that iconic golden crunch. Use room-temperature salted butter for richness and flavor depth. Cutting it into the dry mix creates those perfect clumps that bake into crisp pockets.
I recommend using old-fashioned oats over quick oats—they provide structure and toast beautifully in the oven. Once you’ve mixed your topping, don’t press it down. Instead, loosely crumble it over the fruit, which allows for airflow and even crisping.
Want to take it a step further? Try adding crushed nuts like pecans or almonds. For something even more unique, you could borrow inspiration from caramel apple empanadas and sprinkle a little coarse sugar over the top before baking. It caramelizes beautifully and adds a bakery-style finish.
Serving Peach Crisp – Hot, Cold & Everything in Between
How to Serve Peach Crisp Like a Pro
Peach crisp is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect dessert for casual dinners or summer cookouts. While it’s delicious all on its own, serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into an unforgettable treat. The contrast of hot and cold, soft and crunchy is unbeatable.
For a fun twist, try topping it with whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If you’re hosting a summer gathering, turn individual portions into a dessert bar setup, similar to how mini fruit pizzas make dessert interactive and fun. Set out toppings like toasted coconut, crushed nuts, or caramel drizzle and let guests build their perfect bowl.
Want to enjoy it cold? No problem. A chilled slice of peach crisp with coffee is just as delightful. The oats stay crisp and the flavors deepen overnight. It’s great for brunches too—especially when paired with something vibrant like this strawberry shortcake recipe.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Peach crisp stores well, making it ideal for prepping ahead or savoring leftovers. Once cooled, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To keep the topping crispy, don’t cover it while it’s still warm, or you’ll trap steam.
Reheating is easy. Just pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave—it tends to make the topping soggy. If you’re planning ahead for a party or holiday, assemble the fruit and crisp topping separately, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Combine and bake fresh when ready.
You can also freeze fully baked peach crisp. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen, covered with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to crisp it up.
For busy weeknights or summer dinners on the patio, this make-ahead-friendly dessert is a true time-saver. And just like other crowd-pleasers—think cherry pie bars or no-bake cheesecake recipes—this one proves you don’t need complex ingredients or techniques to serve something beautiful.
Peach Crisp Questions Answered + Pro Tips
Can I Make This Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Making a gluten-free peach crisp is easy. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a trusted 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter (such as Earth Balance) or coconut oil. Just note that coconut oil will change the flavor slightly, so use it only if you enjoy a coconut vibe.
Many readers have had success with almond flour or oat flour as alternatives too. It’s a great base for experimenting, especially if you’re already baking fruit-forward treats like these cherry streusel bars or other gluten-friendly desserts. As long as the topping stays crumbly and rich, you’re golden.
Tips for Big Batches and Leftovers
Hosting a crowd? Double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 dish. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to your bake time and keep an eye on the topping. This peach crisp is a great choice for potlucks and holidays because it travels well and can be served warm or at room temperature.
Have leftovers? Turn them into breakfast parfaits. Layer crisp with yogurt and a handful of granola in a mason jar. It’s the ultimate morning upgrade. Or reheat a portion and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a midweek dessert that feels fancy without the fuss.
Don’t forget—this is a dish that welcomes creativity. Add berries, use a spiced crumble with nutmeg or ginger, or even spike the peaches with a splash of bourbon. As with many of my favorite fruit bakes, like banana pudding cheesecake, a few tweaks can make it feel new every time.
FAQ: Peach Crisp
PAA1: Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes! Canned peaches in juice (not syrup) work well. Just drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.
PAA2: How do I keep the topping crispy?
Don’t cover the crisp while it’s still warm. Store uncovered or loosely tented until fully cooled.
PAA3: What’s the best way to freeze peach crisp?
Freeze after baking. Wrap tightly, then reheat in a 350°F oven—covered at first, then uncovered to re-crisp the top.
PAA4: Can I prep it ahead and bake later?
Yes. Mix the fruit and topping separately, store both in the fridge up to 24 hours, and bake fresh before serving.
Peach Crisp Recipe: A Warm, Comforting Dessert You’ll Crave Again
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This peach crisp is made with juicy peaches, cinnamon, and a golden oat crumble topping. It’s quick to prepare, irresistibly comforting, and perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
8 cups peeled and thinly sliced fresh peaches
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, room temperature
1 ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Butter a 9×9 baking pan and set aside.
2. Mix peaches, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Pour the mixture into the baking pan.
4. In the same bowl, cream together brown sugar, ½ cup flour, butter, and remaining cinnamon.
5. Add oats and mix into a coarse topping using your hands.
6. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the peaches.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, add chopped pecans to the topping.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or cold with whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 582
- Sugar: 61g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 101g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 42mg
Conclusion
Whether you’re baking for a special dinner or just have a few too many ripe peaches on hand, this peach crisp is a no-fail dessert that brings cozy, golden goodness to any table. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. With a sweet, bubbling fruit base and a crumbly oat topping, it’s the kind of dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
And if you’re anything like me—someone who finds joy in sharing homemade food with loved ones—this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. So grab those peaches, heat up the oven, and let’s make something amazing together.
