Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp: A Classic Dessert Recipe You’ll Love

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked Peach Crisp wafting through the kitchen. This old-fashioned dessert is a crowd-pleaser, featuring juicy peaches baked beneath a buttery, cinnamon-spiced oat topping. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this Peach Crisp recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the best Peach Crisp, including:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Key Ingredients & Substitutions

• Step-by-Step Instructions

• Expert Tips for the Perfect Crisp

• Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Variations & Serving Suggestions

By the end of this post, you’ll be a Peach Crisp expert—ready to impress family and friends with this irresistible dessert!

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Why You’ll Love This Peach Crisp Recipe

Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about why this Peach Crisp stands out:

✅ Easy to Make – No fancy techniques required! Just mix, layer, and bake.
✅ Perfect Texture – Juicy peaches with a crisp, buttery oat topping.
✅ Versatile – Works with fresh, frozen, or even canned peaches.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing – A guaranteed hit at potlucks, BBQs, and family gatherings.
✅ Great for Any Season – Enjoy summer peaches at their peak or make it year-round with frozen fruit.

If you love fruit desserts like apple crisp, berry cobbler, or peach cobbler, this Peach Crisp will quickly become a favorite!

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Peach Crisp Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Peach Filling:

• 8 cups peeled & thinly sliced fresh peaches – About 6-8 medium peaches. (See notes on using frozen peaches.)

• ½ cup granulated sugar – Adjust based on peach sweetness.

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the juices.

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Ensures the filling isn’t too runny.

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth.

• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.

For the Crisp Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crumble.

• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar – Adds caramel-like sweetness.

• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, room temperature – Creates a rich, crispy texture.

• 1 ¾ cups old-fashioned oats – For that signature crunch.

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Enhances flavor.

Possible Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free? Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.

• Vegan? Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter.

• Less Sugar? Reduce sugar by ¼ cup if peaches are very sweet.

• Frozen Peaches? Thaw and drain excess liquid first.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Peach Crisp

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof dessert:

1. Prep the Peaches

• Peel and slice 8 cups of fresh peaches (about ½-inch thick).

• In a large bowl, toss peaches with sugar, flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt until well coated.

• Pour into a buttered 9×9-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Make the Crisp Topping

• In the same bowl (no need to wash!), mix brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly.

• Stir in oats until the mixture is coarse and clumpy. (Using your hands works best!)

• Sprinkle evenly over the peaches.

3. Bake to Perfection

• Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.

• Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving (this helps the juices thicken).

4. Serve & Enjoy!

• Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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 The Best Peaches for Peach Crisp – How to Choose & Prep Them

When making Peach Crisp, the quality of your peaches makes all the difference. Using the right peaches ensures a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and juiciness. Here’s everything you need to know about selecting and preparing peaches for the best results.

1. Choosing the Right Peaches

Not all peaches are created equal. For the best Peach Crisp, you want peaches that are:

✅ Just Ripe – They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but still feel firm. Overripe peaches turn mushy when baked.
✅ Fragrant – A sweet, peachy aroma indicates good flavor.
✅ Freestone vs. Clingstone – Freestone peaches are easier to slice since the pit separates cleanly.

Pro Tip: If your peaches are underripe, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for 1-2 days to speed up ripening.

2. Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Canned Peaches

• Fresh Peaches (Best Choice) – Ideal for peak flavor and texture.

• Frozen Peaches (Good Substitute) – Thaw and drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy crisp.

• Canned Peaches (Convenient Option) – Use in a pinch, but drain well and reduce added sugar.

3. How to Peel Peaches Easily

Peeling peaches can be tedious, but these methods help:

🔹 Blanching Method

1. Score a small “X” on the bottom of each peach.

2. Boil for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water.

3. The skins will slip right off!

🔹 Vegetable Peeler (For Firm Peaches)
Works well if peaches aren’t too soft.

4. Slicing Peaches for Even Baking

• Cut peaches into ½-inch thick slices for even cooking.

• Uniform pieces prevent some from turning mushy while others stay firm.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Using overripe peaches, which release too much juice and make the crisp soggy.

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 Secrets to the Perfect Crisp Topping

The crisp topping is what sets this dessert apart from cobblers and crumbles. A great topping should be buttery, crunchy, and perfectly spiced. Here’s how to nail it every time.

1. The Ideal Oat-to-Flour Ratio

• Old-Fashioned Oats – Provide the best texture (quick oats can get mushy).

• Balanced Flour – Too much flour makes it dense; too little makes it crumbly.

• Brown Sugar – Adds depth and caramel notes.

2. Butter: Cold vs. Room Temperature

• Room Temperature Butter – Easier to mix into clumps.

• Cold Butter – Can be used for a flakier texture (cut in with a pastry cutter).

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking.

3. Spices & Flavor Enhancers

• Cinnamon – A must for warmth.

• Nutmeg or Cardamom – Optional for extra depth.

• Vanilla Extract – A splash in the filling enhances flavor.

4. Achieving the Perfect Crunch

• Bake at 400°F – High heat ensures crispiness.

• Don’t Overmix – Clumpy texture = better crunch.

• Let It Rest After Baking – Allows topping to set.

Common Mistake: Pressing the topping down too firmly, which can make it dense instead of crispy.

 Serving & Storing Peach Crisp Like a Pro

A perfectly baked Peach Crisp deserves to be served and stored correctly to maintain its deliciousness. Here’s how to do it right.

1. Best Ways to Serve Peach Crisp

🍨 Classic Style – Warm with vanilla ice cream (the melting contrast is heavenly).
🥄 Gourmet Twist – Drizzle with caramel or honey.
🌿 Fresh Touch – Top with whipped cream and mint.

Pro Tip: Serve in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.

2. Storing Leftovers

• Room Temp – Safe for up to 2 hours (after that, refrigerate).

• Fridge – Keeps for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

• Freezer – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

3. Reheating for Maximum Crispiness

• Oven Method (Best) – Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 mins to restore crunch.

• Microwave (Quick Fix) – 30-second bursts, but topping may soften.

4. Make-Ahead Tips

• Unbaked Crisp – Assemble and refrigerate overnight; bake when ready.

• Frozen Crisp – Bake straight from frozen (add 10-15 extra mins).

Expert Tips for the Best Peach Crisp

Want to take your Peach Crisp to the next level? Try these pro tips:

✔ Use Just-Ripe Peaches – Overripe peaches turn mushy; slightly firm ones hold their shape.
✔ Don’t Skip the Cornstarch – Prevents a soupy filling.
✔ Press the Topping Gently – Helps it crisp up without sinking into the fruit.
✔ Double the Recipe? Use a 9×13 Pan – Bake for an extra 10 minutes.
✔ Add Nuts for Extra Crunch – Try chopped pecans or almonds in the topping.

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

✅ Prep Ahead – Assemble the crisp (unbaked) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
✅ Freeze Before Baking – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen (add 10-15 extra minutes).
✅ Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
✅ Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual servings.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned peaches?

Yes! Drain them well and pat dry to avoid excess liquid.

Can I make Peach Crisp gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a GF flour blend and extra cornstarch instead of flour in the filling.

Why is my crisp soggy?

This usually happens if:

• The peaches were too juicy.

• The crisp wasn’t baked long enough.

• It wasn’t allowed to rest before serving.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?

Yes, but the texture will be less crunchy.

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Variations & Serving Ideas

Delicious Variations:

🍑 Peach Blueberry Crisp – Add 1 cup blueberries for a berry twist.
🍑 Peach Almond Crisp – Mix sliced almonds into the topping.
🍑 Spiced Peach Crisp – Add nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.

Serving Suggestions:

🍨 Classic: Vanilla ice cream
🥄 Elegant: Whipped cream & caramel drizzle
🌿 Fresh Touch: Mint leaves for garnish

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Final Thoughts: Why This Peach Crisp Recipe is a Keeper

This Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp is the ultimate dessert for any occasion—simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. With its juicy peach filling, buttery oat topping, and warm cinnamon flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.