Peach Crisp

While I love a peach crumble or a peach cobbler, a peach crisp is always what calls my name during the summer months. What makes it different from the rest, you ask? The addition of oats to the topping is the signature aspect of a crisp and it is, hands down, the best part. The oats create a perfectly crispy (get it?) topping that balances with the sweet and juicy peaches. It also gives you a motive to debate its ability to qualify as a hearty breakfast—chopped pecans or walnuts are also perfectly acceptable here as well.

If you love peaches as much as I do, then make this peach crisp for every summer gathering. Here’s everything you need to know:

What People Are Saying:
“Simple but very tasty! makes a lot as well, so it would be great for a potluck or bbq” - maddiegate

“Love the flavors of this. It's not too sweet, perfect for an afternoon snack!” - jes9341

How To Make A Peach Crisp

INGREDIENTS

• Peaches: This dessert is all about celebrating fresh peaches, so make this when peaches are in season, and select the best peaches you can find—ripe but not too ripe, sweet but not mushy.
• Granulated Sugar: The sugar will help boost the peaches’ natural sweetness (this is especially helpful if your peaches aren’t as ripe as you would like), and break down the peaches to create that syrupy sauce we’re looking for.
• Lemon Juice: Tart and acidic, freshly squeezed lemon juice will help amplify the peaches’ natural flavor.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon will amplify the warming, cozy vibes in this crisp, making our peach filling extra comforting.
• All-Purpose Flour: No need to get fancy—AP flour is what you should reach for here. Combined with brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, and oats, flour will create our sweet and flavorful topping.
• Brown Sugar: In addition to granulated sugar, I’m using packed brown sugar to add that warming, cozy, molasses flavor to this crisp.
• Butter: Like in most of our dessert recipes, I’m using unsalted butter for this crisp. Make sure your butter is cold before incorporating into your topping mixture—this is what will create those clumps. Use your favorite brand, or check out our taste test of the best butters you should be buying.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: The addition of oats is what separates a crisp from a crumble, which has a topping made from clumps of sugar, flour, and butter. I recommend using old-fashioned oats as they will create the best texture after baking—not soggy, not too firm.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: In my book, no peach crisp is complete without a scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream. Check out our taste test of the best vanilla ice cream brands you can buy, or make homemade ice cream if you want to go the extra mile.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

First, preheat your oven to 375°, then grab a large ovenproof skillet. Add your peaches, then toss with 2 Tbsp. of sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and cinnamon. Once combined, place your skillet on a large rimmed baking dish to catch any possible juice that may drip down.

Now, we’ll make our topping by whisking together flour, brown sugar, the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, and salt. You can use a pastry cutter or your hands, either works, but incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then you can add in your oats, and use your hands to squeeze the mixture until big, moist clumps form.

Once your oat mixture is the correct texture, scatter it on top of your peaches, making sure that it’s spread evenly.

Bake until the topping is golden and the peaches are bubbling underneath. This should take around 1 hour. Once done, let cool for 10 minutes before topping with ice cream and serving.

The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use frozen peaches? Totally! Peaches are hard to find outside of summer, especially good, juicy peaches. If you want to use frozen peaches, thaw them first, then drain off the excess liquid.
• Do I need to peel the peaches? Nope! I love the texture of the peel on the peach so we don't peel first. If you don't love the peel so much feel free to peel them first!
• Can I add anything? If you want to enjoy this for breakfast (no shame), then some chopped walnuts or pecans would be a welcome addition.

Storage

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for around 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven to crisp the topping back up.