Homemade Peach Crisp: A Warm & Crispy Summer Classic

There’s something about peach season in Santa Rosa that feels like magic. Every July, our farmers’ market overflows with golden, sun-warmed peaches that practically beg to be turned into something comforting.

One afternoon, while sorting through a basket of perfectly ripe fruit, I remembered the peach crisps my grandmother used to bake simple, sweet, and bursting with buttery goodness. I called my niece over, and together we whipped up our own version, layering tender peaches under a crunchy oat topping. The scent alone brought neighbors to the porch! This peach crisp recipe is a love letter to that memory warm, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

🍽️ What Is Peach Crisp? (And Why It’s Not a Crumble)

Peach crisp is one of those classic desserts that feels familiar but still surprises you with its layered textures and flavor. At its heart, a peach crisp features sliced fresh peaches (or frozen if you’re in a pinch) baked under a golden topping made from oats, brown sugar, butter, and flour. The topping crisps beautifully, hence the name.

So what’s the difference between a peach crisp and a peach crumble? The answer lies in the topping. A crisp includes oats for that iconic crunchy texture, while a crumble skips the oats, using just flour, sugar, and butter. Some might say crumble is the softer, doughier cousin.

Is peach crumble a thing? Absolutely. It’s more of a UK-born dessert but has become popular stateside too. However, if you’re craving contrast—juicy fruit with a nutty crunch—peach crisp is the clear winner.

For dessert lovers looking to compare textures, you might also enjoy my brookie cookie recipe or the lemon lavender cookies—they both offer that same crisp-meets-chewy satisfaction.

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🛒 Ingredients for the Best Peach Crisp (And Easy Variations)

To make a classic one, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples. It’s a “dump and bake” dessert that’s flexible, forgiving, and completely addictive.

🔸 Ingredients:

• 5–6 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or 5 cups frozen, thawed)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional but amazing!)

🔸 For the Crisp Topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Just toss the peaches with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Mix the topping until crumbly, sprinkle over the fruit, and bake!

Want to make it gluten-free? Swap in almond flour or gluten-free 1:1 baking mix. You can even use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan option.

If you’re already exploring warm-weather favorites, I highly recommend this rice krispie treat with marshmallow fluff for your summer dessert table too.

👩‍🍳Step-by-Step Instructions

You’ll be surprised how quickly this comes together. Perfect for weeknights, BBQs, or when guests show up unannounced.

🔥 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prep the peaches: If using fresh, peel and slice. Toss with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla.
3. Spread peaches evenly in a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. Make the topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the topping over the peaches.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the peach juices are bubbling.
7. Cool slightly before serving warm. Add vanilla ice cream if desired (you definitely should!).

It’s just like my boston cream cupcakes—easy steps, big payoff.

Need something even faster? Try eggless chocolate chip cookies while the crisp cools!

🥄 Is Peach Crisp Healthy? (And How to Lighten It Up)

Let’s be honest, it isn’t a health food, but it doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure either. Peaches themselves are packed with vitamins A and C, and the oats add fiber. If you tweak the sugar and butter just a bit, it’s totally possible to make it healthier.

Healthier Swaps:

• Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
• Replace some butter with Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce.
• Use whole wheat flour or oat flour instead of white flour.
• Add chopped almonds or flaxseed to the topping for extra nutrients.

Still need that sweet snack fix with fewer calories? These peanut butter oatmeal balls are bite-sized and nourishing.

Peach crisp also stores well. Just cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze in individual portions for a future treat.

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❓FAQ: Peach Crisp Questions Answered