Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you up in the flavors of summer and the comfort of home, Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp is your answer. This classic recipe celebrates ripe, juicy peaches tucked under a crackly, buttery oat topping, all baked to golden perfection. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen, and every gooey, cinnamon-kissed bite feels like the sweetest nostalgia. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself (no judgment here!), there’s something incredibly special in this humble treat that keeps people coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of pantry staples and fresh peaches come together to create such a showstopping Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp. Each ingredient plays an essential role, working in harmony to deliver that irresistible flavor, hearty texture, and sunshiny color in every bite.
- Fresh Peaches: The star of the show, use ripe but firm peaches for the juiciest, most flavorful filling.
- Granulated Sugar: Just enough to amplify the natural sweetness of the fruit without overpowering it.
- All-Purpose Flour: Goes into both filling and topping to thicken juices and create that classic crisp texture.
- Cornstarch: Helps the peach juices set up gently, keeping the dessert from getting runny.
- Ground Cinnamon: Warming spice that adds a cozy depth to both filling and topping.
- Salt: A little pinch pulls all the flavors into perfect balance.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds rich, caramelly sweetness to the oat topping.
- Salted Butter: Softened butter holds the crisp together and guarantees golden, decadent bites.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: These create that irresistibly hearty, textured topping you expect from a true crisp.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Before you do anything, preheat your oven to 400°F and butter a 9×9-inch baking pan. This little bit of prep ensures that your Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp will release easily, and it gives the edges a delicious, buttery crunch.
Step 2: Mix the Peach Filling
Grab a large bowl and combine your sliced peaches with granulated sugar, two tablespoons of flour, cornstarch, a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Here’s where the magic starts: As you mix, the peaches will begin to glisten and their juicy sweetness will blend beautifully with the spices and starches.
Step 3: Pile Filling Into the Pan
Spoon the peach mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Make sure to pour in every last drop of that syrupy nectar forming at the bottom of the bowl—it’s pure flavor gold for your Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp.
Step 4: Prepare the Oat Topping
In the same bowl (less dishwashing later!), cream together the light brown sugar, remaining flour, softened salted butter, and last teaspoon of cinnamon until you’ve got a craggy, clumpy mixture. Now add the old-fashioned oats, stirring until everything is just combined into a crumbly, irresistible topping.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Scatter the oat topping evenly over your peaches, gently pressing some clumps together for extra texture. Slide the dish into the oven and let the aroma of bubbling fruit and toasted oats fill your home for 20 to 25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown around the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Resist the urge to dig in immediately! Let your Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp rest for about 10 minutes after baking. It’ll thicken up slightly, making it easier to serve those gorgeous, jammy scoops—especially with a melting scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp
Garnishes
A warm scoop of Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp practically begs for a little something extra on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the undisputed favorite, with its creamy coldness melting into the warm crisp. For a different take, try a dollop of gently whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for crunch.
Side Dishes
While this dessert really shines on its own, you can make your table even more inviting by pairing it with light side dishes. A fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad (if you’re having the crisp as part of brunch) adds a refreshing contrast to all the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp the main event, portion it into individual ramekins before baking for a personal touch. Or, serve it family-style straight from the baking pan and let everyone dig in at the table. You can even layer leftovers into parfait glasses with yogurt for a playful brunch or breakfast treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck—Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp stores beautifully! Let the crisp cool to room temperature, then cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. The dessert will keep fresh in the fridge for up to four days without losing its flavor or texture.
Freezing
To freeze, let your peach crisp cool completely. Wrap the whole (unbaked or baked) dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge, then reheat as needed.
Reheating
Rewarm portions of Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes for a whole pan or 5 to 7 minutes for single servings. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but a quick oven blast helps the topping stay nice and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Yes! If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can substitute well-drained canned peaches or thawed frozen peaches—though the flavor and texture will be best with ripe, in-season fruit.
Is it possible to make Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The result will be just as delicious and satisfying!
Why does my topping sometimes turn soggy?
Sogginess usually happens if the filling is too wet or the dish wasn’t baked long enough. Be sure to use just-ripe peaches (not overly ripe), measure your thickening agents carefully, and bake until the topping is beautifully golden.
Can I prepare the crisp ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble everything (except for the topping, which you can store separately), refrigerate for up to a day, then add the topping and bake just before serving. This makes Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp a dream for entertaining.
What other fruits can I use in place of peaches?
If you feel like an adventure, swap the peaches for nectarines, plums, or a mix of summer berries. The crisp topping pairs wonderfully with all kinds of seasonal fruit, making this recipe super versatile.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp has stood the test of time—it’s that perfect blend of luscious fruit, warm cinnamon, and crispy oats that never goes out of style. Give it a try for your next gathering or quiet evening in, and I promise it’ll quickly become one of your go-to desserts. Happy baking!
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Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old-Fashioned Peach Crisp recipe is a delightful summer dessert that combines sweet, juicy peaches with a crunchy oat topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for showcasing fresh peaches.
Ingredients
Peach Filling:
- 8 cups peeled and thinly sliced fresh peaches
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Oat Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ¾ cups old-fashioned oats
Instructions
- Prepare baking pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Butter a 9×9 baking pan, and set aside.
- Prepare peach filling: Mix the peaches, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt together in a large bowl until well combined. Pour the peach mixture onto the prepared pan and set aside.
- Prepare topping: In the same large bowl, cream together the brown sugar, remaining ½ cup flour, butter, and remaining teaspoon of cinnamon until it forms a wet, clumpy mixture. Add the oats and stir to form a coarse mixture.
- Assemble dessert: Crumble the oats on top of the peaches in an even layer.
- Bake and cool: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the oats start to turn a light golden color around the edges. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes to cool and set up.
- Serve warm: Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Peach Crisp, Peach Dessert, Summer Dessert, Fruit Crisp
