Picture this: warm, juicy peaches bubbling beneath a golden, crispy oat topping, finished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Does anything scream summer dessert perfection louder? As a baker, I treasure recipes like this easy homemade peach crisp—where minimal prep meets maximum reward.
Why is this my go-to?
It’s foolproof baking at its finest. Ripe seasonal peaches do the heavy lifting, while the simple topping comes together in minutes. No fancy skills needed! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving cozy sweetness, this crowd-pleasing treat adapts: serve it warm with ice cream for decadence, or with yogurt for a lighter twist.
Ready to turn those fresh peaches into pure comfort? Let’s bake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trust me—this isn’t just another peach crisp. It’s juicy perfection in a baking dish, and here’s why it’ll become your summer staple:
Foolproof & Fast
No pastry skills needed! With minimal prep (just 15 minutes hands-on), this recipe lets your oven do the heavy lifting. Even beginners nail it every time.
Summer’s Sweetness, Captured
Ripe, fresh peaches star here—their natural sugars caramelize into a lush, jammy filling beneath that iconic crispy oat topping. Pure seasonal magic.
Crowd-Pleasing Flexibility
Serve it warm with melting ice cream for dessert, or chilled with yogurt for brunch. It’s gluten-free adaptable, vegan-friendly, and always a hit.
Embrace Imperfections
Peach skins sticking to your slices? Juices bubbling over? These “flaws” add rustic charm and intense flavor. No stress, just deliciousness.
Pro Tip: Use slightly firm peaches—they hold shape while baking but still turn fork-tender. Overripe? Swap 1 tbsp cornstarch for 2 tbsp flour to thicken excess juice!
Ingredients for Peach Crisp with Fresh Peaches
Gather these simple staples—no fancy flour needed! Every layer builds toward that juicy, crispy perfection:
Peach Filling
- 6 cups fresh peaches(about 8 medium), peeled and sliced ½-inch thick
(Freestone peaches work best! See Pro Tip below) - ⅓ cup granulated sugar(adjust +/- 2 tbsp based on peach sweetness)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch(or arrowroot for clearer juices)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon(adds warmth without overpowering)
- Pinch of salt(balances sweetness)
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats(not instant—they add crunch!)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour(or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar(light or dark—your preference!)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon+ pinch of nutmeg (secret flavor boost)
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed(keeps topping crisp)
- Optional:¼ cup chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch
Pro Tip: Freestone peaches peel faster than clingstone! To test ripeness:
- Gently press near the stem—it should give slightly.
- Sniff the stem end—ripe peaches smell sweet and floral.
How To Make Peach Crisp with Fresh Peaches
Let’s transform those ripe peaches into juicy perfection! Follow these simple steps for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling every time.
Prep Work (10 mins)
- Preheat ovento 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly greasea 9×9-inch baking dish (or deep pie dish).
Make the Filling (5 mins)
- In a large bowl, gently tosssliced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Tip: Avoid overmixing—you want intact slices!
Create the Topping (5 mins)
- In a separate bowl, combineoats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cut in cold butterusing a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
(No pastry cutter? Pulse in a food processor for 10 secs!) - Fold in nutsif using.
Assemble & Bake (45 mins)
- Spread peach fillingevenly in your prepared dish.
- Sprinkle toppingover peaches—don’t press down! (Loose crumbs = crispier texture).
- Bake 40-45 minsuntil filling bubbles vigorously and topping is deeply golden.
Key visual cue: Juices should thickly bubble around edges! - Cool 15 minsbefore serving—this lets the filling set.
Pro Tip: Place a baking sheet under the dish to catch any bubbly overflow. No burnt sugar cleanup!
Substitutions & Variations
No stress tweaks! This peach crisp is wonderfully adaptable. Use these tested swaps to match your pantry or dietary needs—without sacrificing that juicy, crispy magic:
Ingredient Swaps
- Gluten-Free:Use 1:1 GF flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill) in the topping. Guaranteed crispiness!
- Vegan:Replace butter with cold coconut oil or vegan butter sticks.
- Sugar Options:
- Filling:Swap white sugar for maple syrup (reduce to ¼ cup).
- Topping:Coconut sugar works for brown sugar 1:1.
- Nut-Free:Skip nuts or use toasted sunflower seeds.
Fruit Twists
- Peach Shortcut:Replace fresh with 6 cups frozen peaches (thawed, drained). No cornstarch needed!
- Berry Blend:Mix in 1 cup raspberries or blueberries for tart contrast.
- Stone Fruit Swap:Try nectarines or plums—same measurements!
Flavor Boosters
- Bourbon-Spiced:Add 1 tbsp bourbon + ¼ tsp cardamom to filling.
- Ginger Zing:Stir 1 tbsp minced crystallized ginger into topping.
- Extra Crunch:Use ½ cup shredded coconut in topping.
Pro Tip: Avoid honey in the filling—it thins the juices too much. For vegan dessert success, choose refined coconut oil to avoid coconut flavor clash!
Storage & Reheating
Keep that summer sweetness alive! With these simple steps, your peach crisp stays delicious for days—and revives that crave-worthy crispy texture:
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator:
- Cool completely, cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container.
- Keeps for 3–4 days.
- Freezer (for longer storage):
- Freeze individual portions in airtight containers.
- Keeps for 2 months.
Pro Tip: Press parchment paper against the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals.
Reheating for Crispy Revival
- Oven Method (Best for Texture):
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Place crisp in baking dish, cover loosely with foil.
- Bake 15–20 mins (thawed) or 25–30 mins (frozen) until heated through.
- Uncover and bake 5 more minsto re-crisp the topping!
- Air Fryer (Quick Fix):
- Reheat individual portions at 325°F (160°C) for 6–8 mins.
- Avoid the Microwave:
(It turns topping soggy! Reserve only for emergencies.)
Serving Refreshed
- Top reheated crisp with fresh peach slicesor a drizzle of cold cream to contrast the warmth.
- Frozen? Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro Tip: Freeze topping and filling separately for impromptu desserts! Assemble frozen and bake 50–55 mins at 375°F (190°C).
What to Serve with Peach Crisp
Turn simplicity into celebration! While this crisp shines solo, a few pairings elevate it from delicious to unforgettable. Match your mood or occasion with these tested favorites:
Classic Comfort Pairings
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold cream melting into warm peaches is summer on a spoon.
- Fresh Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened, with a hint of bourbon or almond extract.
- Greek Yogurt: For brunch—adds tangy balance without heaviness.
Beverage Matches
- Iced Coffee: Bold cold brew cuts the sweetness.
- Dessert Wines: Moscato or Riesling’s honey notes mirror the peaches.
- Sparkling Water: Lemon or peach-infused for a palate cleanser.
Gourmet Touches
- Herbal Garnish: Fresh basil or mint leaves add aromatic freshness.
- Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans or almond slivers sprinkled on top.
- Caramel Drizzle: Salted caramel sauce for decadent depth.
Occasion Ideas
- Picnics: Pack in jars with layered yogurt and granola.
- Dinner Parties: Serve mini ramekins with bourbon caramel.
- Breakfast: Top with cottage cheese and honey for protein power.
Pro Tip: For hot summer days, serve crisp chilled with frozen yogurt. For cozy nights, warm it slowly and add a cinnamon stick to your coffee!
More Summer Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
Can’t get enough of seasonal sweets? I’ve got you covered! These reader-favorite recipes celebrate summer’s bounty with the same easy, foolproof approach you loved in this peach crisp. All promise minimal prep, maximum flavor, and that irresistible homemade magic:
Fruit-Forward Favorites
- 10-Minute Berry Crumble: Juicy mixed berries + crunchy almond topping (ready in 35 mins!).
- Grilled Peaches with Honey & Mascarpone: No-bake elegance—perfect for heatwave days.
- Watermelon Lime Popsicles: 3-ingredient refreshment with a salty-sweet kick.
No-Fuss Pastries
- Rustic Plum Galette: Free-form baking with a flaky thyme crust.
- Lemon Blueberry Sheet Pan Pancakes: Breakfast-dessert hybrid (with maple glaze!).
- Vegan Coconut Mango Sticky Rice: Tropical comfort in 20 minutes.
Chilled Treats
- No-Churn Peach Icebox Cake: Layers of ginger snaps + whipped peach cream.
- Salted Honey Frozen Yogurt Bark: Customizable with seasonal fruit + nuts.
- Iced Matcha Affogato: Pour espresso over matcha ice cream for an adult twist.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this page! When peaches fade, swap in late-summer plums or figs using the same crisp topping formula.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Below, quick solutions to common peach crisp curiosities:
What is peach crisp with fresh peaches made of?
Two simple layers create juicy perfection:
- Filling: Fresh peaches + sugar + cornstarch (thickener) + vanilla + cinnamon.
- Topping: Rolled oats + flour + butter + brown sugar + cinnamon.
No eggs, leaveners, or fuss!
Is peach crisp with fresh peaches good?
Absolutely—here’s why:
- Flavor: Sweet-tart peaches caramelize into jammy bliss.
- Texture: Crisp oat topping + tender fruit = irresistible contrast.
- Versatility: Serve warm, cold, solo, or topped (see serving ideas).
What are the three types of peach crisp with fresh peaches?
Customize your crisp with these popular variations:
- Classic: Original recipe (oats + butter topping).
- Gluten-Free: GF flour + certified GF oats (same crunch!).
- Vegan: Plant-based butter + coconut sugar (indulgent & dairy-free).
See Substitutions & Variations for details!
What do you need for peach crisp with fresh peaches?
Essential tools + ingredients:
- Peaches: 6 cups ripe, peeled, sliced (freestone preferred).
- Pantry Staples: Sugar, cornstarch, oats, flour, butter, cinnamon.
- Equipment:
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls + pastry cutter (or fork)
- Oven (375°F)
No mixer, food processor, or special pans needed!
Pro Tip: Cornstarch is non-negotiable—it thickens peach juices without cloudiness. Flour can make filling gummy!
