Golden Baked Peach Crisp

This summery peach crisp combines juicy, sweet peaches with a buttery, cinnamon-scented oat topping for the perfect balance of fruit and crunch. The natural caramelization of the peaches creates a heavenly sauce while the topping bakes to golden perfection.

I first made this peach crisp when I had an abundance of ripe peaches from our local farmers market. The heavenly aroma that filled my kitchen instantly transported me back to my grandmother's summer desserts, and it has become my go to entertaining dessert when peaches are in season.

Ingredients

• For the Peach Filling
• 6 ripe peaches sliced about 4 cups worth for juicy natural sweetness
• 1/3 cup sugar balances any tartness in the fruit
• 1/4 cup flour helps thicken the natural juices as they bake

• For the Crisp Topping
• 1/2 cup flour provides structure for the crumbly topping
• 1/2 cup brown sugar adds rich caramel notes that pair beautifully with peaches
• 1/2 cup chilled butter creates those perfect buttery pockets throughout
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon brings warm spice that enhances the peach flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon salt balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors
• 1 cup rolled oats adds wonderful texture and nutty flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Take a moment to thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish ensuring no spots are missed to prevent sticking. The wide surface area of this dish allows for more of that delicious crisp topping per serving.

Create the Crisp Topping

In a mixing bowl combine the flour brown sugar chilled butter cinnamon and salt. Use a pastry cutter working with purpose until the mixture forms evenly sized crumbles about the size of small peas. The cold butter is crucial here as it will create pockets of buttery goodness when baked. Gently fold in the oats being careful not to break down the butter crumbles you just created.

Chill the Topping

Place your prepared topping in the refrigerator while you work on the filling. This keeps the butter cold which is essential for achieving that perfect crisp texture. Even a few minutes makes a difference in the final texture.

Prepare the Peach Filling

In a large bowl gently toss the sliced peaches with sugar and flour until every piece is well coated. The flour will combine with the natural juices released from the peaches during baking to create a luscious sauce. Take care not to crush the peach slices as you want them to hold their shape.

Assemble the Crisp

Arrange the coated peach slices evenly in your prepared baking dish creating a level layer. Remove the chilled topping from the refrigerator and sprinkle it over the peaches using your fingers to create an even layer. Press down very gently to ensure the topping adheres slightly to the fruit.

Bake to Perfection

Place the assembled crisp in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You are looking for a deeply golden brown topping and bubbling fruit around the edges. The aroma will be irresistible but try to wait until it is properly cooled before serving.

Bookmark

The cinnamon in this recipe is my secret weapon. I actually use Ceylon cinnamon rather than the more common Cassia variety because it has a more delicate floral quality that perfectly complements the peaches without overpowering them. Every time I make this dessert it reminds me of summers spent at my grandparents farmhouse where we would pick peaches from their trees and make dessert together.

Choosing the Perfect Peaches

The key to an exceptional peach crisp lies in selecting the right peaches. Look for fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren't mushy. A ripe peach should have a sweet fragrance and no green areas near the stem. For this recipe slightly firm peaches actually work better than extremely ripe ones as they hold their shape during baking. If your peaches are underripe place them in a paper bag at room temperature for 1 to 2 days to speed up ripening.

Make Ahead and Storage

This peach crisp is wonderfully adaptable for busy schedules. You can prepare the topping up to 3 days in advance keeping it covered in the refrigerator. The peach filling can be assembled a few hours before baking though not much longer as the peaches will release too much juice and become soggy. Once baked the crisp will keep at room temperature covered with a clean kitchen towel for 2 days. For longer storage refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds or place the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes to restore the crisp texture.

Seasonal Variations

While peaches create a magnificent summer dessert this versatile crisp recipe works beautifully with other fruits throughout the year. In fall substitute apples or pears adding a pinch of nutmeg. Winter calls for frozen berries or a mix of apples and cranberries. Spring welcomes strawberry rhubarb combinations which benefit from an extra tablespoon of sugar to balance rhubarb's tartness. The topping remains the same regardless of fruit choice making this recipe a year round staple in my kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

For the ultimate dessert experience serve warm peach crisp with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that melts into the nooks and crannies. For breakfast transform leftovers into a decadent treat by topping with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. When entertaining I sometimes serve individual portions in ramekins topped with freshly whipped cream and mint leaves for an elegant presentation. The contrasting temperatures and textures make each bite a delightful experience.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen peaches work well in this crisp. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using. You may need to add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour to the filling to account for the additional moisture.

→ How do I know when my peach crisp is done baking?

Your peach crisp is done when the topping turns a golden brown color and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges. This typically takes 35-45 minutes at 350°F.

→ How should I store leftover peach crisp?

Store leftover peach crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore the crispy topping.

→ Can I make peach crisp ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the peach filling and crisp topping separately up to a day in advance. Store both in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

→ What can I serve with peach crisp?

Peach crisp is delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. For a special touch, try drizzling with honey or caramel sauce.

→ Can I substitute the peaches with other fruits?

Absolutely! This crisp topping works wonderfully with apples, berries, plums, or a mixture of summer fruits. Adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of your chosen fruit.