Peach Crisp: A Sweet & Crunchy Comfort Dessert

Peach Crisp is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug in a dish. With sweet, juicy peaches tucked under a golden, buttery oat topping, this classic treat brings back memories of family gatherings and summer afternoons. This recipe balances the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with a satisfying crunch from the oat streusel, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, peach crisp is a foolproof way to impress without stress. And if you’ve ever wondered how peach crisp compares to peach crumble or cobbler, we’ll clear that up too.Looking for other peach dessert ideas? Check out our Southern Peach Cobbler for another classic take.

What is Peach Crisp?

Understanding the Classic Dessert

Peach crisp is a baked fruit dessert topped with a crumbly, buttery mixture made primarily from oats, flour, sugar, and butter. The topping crisps up in the oven, creating a beautiful contrast with the soft, syrupy peach filling underneath.

Peach Crisp vs. Peach Crumble

The main difference between a crisp and a crumble lies in the topping. While a crumble topping is typically made without oats and has a finer, streusel-like texture, a crisp includes oats, which give it that distinct crunch. This oatiness is what sets the peach crisp apart from other fruit desserts like cobblers or pies.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Peach Crisp

Fresh Peaches: The Star of the Show

For the best peach crisp, start with 8 cups of peeled and thinly sliced fresh peaches. Ripe but firm peaches provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid overly soft fruit, as it can turn mushy during baking. If fresh peaches aren’t in season, frozen peaches work too—just make sure they’re fully thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture.

Sweeteners: Balancing the Flavor

This recipe uses ½ cup granulated sugar to sweeten the peach filling and ¾ cup light brown sugar for the topping. The brown sugar’s molasses notes pair beautifully with the cinnamon, giving the topping a deeper, richer flavor.

The Binding & Thickening Agents

A combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch helps thicken the peach juices, so you get a luscious filling rather than a watery one. If you’re making a gluten-free peach crisp, swap the flour in the topping for a reputable gluten-free all-purpose blend and add extra cornstarch to the filling.

Spices & Salt: Flavor Enhancers

Cinnamon is the go-to spice for peach desserts. This recipe calls for 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided between the filling and topping. A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness without overpowering it.

The Crisp Topping Heroes

Old-fashioned oats bring the signature crunch that makes a crisp… well, crisp. The butter (½ cup, room temperature) helps bind the oats, sugar, and flour into a coarse crumble that browns beautifully in the oven.

What’s the Difference Between a Cobbler, a Crisp, and a Crumble? Bon Appétit

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Peach Crisp

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Butter a 9×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.

Step 2: Make the Peach Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 8 cups fresh peaches (peeled and sliced)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Toss gently until the peaches are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Create the Crisp Topping

In the same bowl, cream together:

• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup salted butter (room temperature)

Once the mixture is clumpy and moist, stir in 1 ¾ cups old-fashioned oats until evenly combined. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together slightly when pressed.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the topping evenly over the peach filling. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp around the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the crisp to rest for 10 minutes after baking to let the filling set. Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Don’t miss our Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake if you want a boozy peach twist for special occasions.

Tips for the Best Peach Crisp Every Time

Pick the Right Peaches

The best peach crisp starts with peaches that are ripe but still firm. Overripe peaches can turn mushy once baked, affecting both the texture and presentation. Buy them a day or two before baking so they have time to ripen naturally without getting too soft.

Prep Ahead for Convenience

You can prepare the peach crisp ahead of time in two ways:

• Assemble but Don’t Bake: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before baking.
• Bake, Then Reheat: Bake the crisp fully, let it cool, and store at room temperature for a few hours before reheating in the oven.

Go Big for Gatherings

Need more servings? Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time, keeping an eye on the topping so it doesn’t over-brown.

Frozen Peach Option

If using frozen peaches, thaw them completely in a colander to remove excess water. Frozen peaches will make the filling slightly softer but still delicious.

Gluten-Free and Other Variations

Swap in a certified gluten-free flour blend for the topping and replace the flour in the filling with a bit more cornstarch. You can also mix in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch.

For another Southern classic with juicy peaches, check out our Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler.

Peach Crisp vs. Peach Crumble vs. Cobbler

Peach Crisp

Peach crisp features a golden, crunchy topping made with oats, butter, flour, and sugar. The oats give it its signature texture, and the topping crisps beautifully in the oven.

Peach Crumble

A crumble is similar to a crisp but skips the oats. The topping is more like a buttery streusel—softer and denser, with less crunch. Both are delicious, but the absence of oats is the main difference.

Peach Cobbler

Cobblers stand apart because they use a biscuit or cake-like topping instead of a crumbly one. The topping is spooned or poured over the fruit before baking, resulting in a fluffy, bread-like layer over the fruit filling.

Key Difference Table:

Dessert Type	Topping Texture	Contains Oats?
Peach Crisp	Crunchy, crumbly	Yes
Peach Crumble	Soft, streusel-like	No
Peach Cobbler	Biscuit/cake-like	No

So, if you love texture and crunch, peach crisp is the clear winner. If you prefer something softer, go for a crumble. And if you want more of a rustic, cakey dessert, cobbler’s your match.

Serving Ideas for Peach Crisp

Classic & Comforting

The most beloved way to serve peach crisp is warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cold ice cream melts into the warm peach filling, creating a perfect balance of textures and temperatures.

Add a Whipped Cream Touch

If you want something lighter, top your peach crisp with freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a warm, aromatic finish.

Breakfast Twist

Yes, you can have peach crisp for breakfast! Pair a small serving with Greek yogurt for a sweet-yet-wholesome start to your day. The oats in the topping give it that “granola” vibe that works surprisingly well in the morning.

Holiday & Special Occasion Flair

Serve peach crisp in individual ramekins for a dinner party or add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent holiday dessert.

Looking for other creative peach desserts? Don’t miss our Small Batch Canned Fig Preserves for a fruity pantry staple that pairs beautifully with baked treats.

Storing and Reheating Peach Crisp

Refrigerator Storage

Peach crisp will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to lock in freshness and prevent the topping from becoming soggy.

Reheating in the Oven

For the crispiest topping, reheat in a 400°F oven until warmed through—about 10–15 minutes for a small dish, or slightly longer for a large batch.

Microwave Option

If you’re short on time, microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts until hot. The topping may soften a bit, but the flavor will still be rich and satisfying.

Freezing Tips

While peach crisp can be frozen after baking, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze it, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Peach Crisp FAQs

Final Thoughts on Peach Crisp
Peach crisp is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you make it in the height of summer with fresh, sun-ripened peaches or in the cooler months using frozen fruit, it always delivers that nostalgic, home-baked comfort. Its ease of preparation makes it a go-to for busy weeknights, while its golden, crunchy topping earns a place of honor at holiday tables.

Serve it plain for a simple treat, or dress it up with ice cream, caramel, or whipped cream when you want to impress. Either way, it’s proof that sometimes the best desserts are the simplest — a humble combination of fruit, sugar, butter, and oats baked into something truly magical.

So the next time you have ripe peaches on hand, skip the pie crust and embrace the effortless charm of a peach crisp. It’s a dessert you’ll return to again and again, and one your guests will always remember.

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