Easy Peach Crisp

There’s something timeless and comforting about the aroma of peaches bubbling in the oven beneath a golden, oat-strewn crust. I still remember the first time I made a peach crisp—it was mid-summer, and my neighbor left a basket of ripe peaches at my door. Not quite ready to tackle a pie, I looked for something easier. That’s when I discovered this crisp. It felt like magic: minimal effort, maximum flavor, and the kind of rustic charm that makes you feel instantly at home. If you’re new to baking or just want a no-fuss dessert, this easy sheet pan dessert is the perfect entry point.

What makes this lemon herb chicken recipe of desserts (yes, it’s that foundational) even better? It’s quick, beginner-friendly, and you can make it a bit healthier if you like—plus, the ingredients are pantry staples. Whether you’re trying to impress dinner guests or just indulge in a little weeknight sweetness, this is one of those quick and healthy meals for the soul.

Why This Recipe is Special

Peach crisp isn’t just about peaches—it’s about warmth, texture, and simplicity. Unlike pies, there’s no need to fuss over dough or worry about soggy bottoms. This dessert delivers the sweet-tart juiciness of ripe peaches paired with a crunchy, buttery oat topping that’s laced with cinnamon. It’s ideal for summer when peaches are in season, but it’s flexible enough to adapt to frozen fruit, making it an all-year-round favorite.

And the best part? It comes together in about 40 minutes with no special tools or baking knowledge required.

Ingredients and Preparation

Fresh Peaches
These are the star of the show, providing sweet, juicy flavor and soft texture after baking. Choose firm, ripe peaches for the best result. Overripe peaches will become mushy, while underripe ones won’t yield enough juice.

Granulated Sugar
Helps draw out moisture from the peaches and enhances their natural sweetness. You can reduce the sugar slightly if your peaches are very sweet.

All-Purpose Flour
Used in two ways: to help thicken the peach filling and as part of the oat topping for structure and crispness.

Cornstarch
Works alongside flour to thicken the peach juices into a luscious sauce that coats the fruit without being runny.

Ground Cinnamon
Adds a warm, spicy depth that enhances the peaches and gives the oat topping its classic cozy flavor.

Salt
Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.

Brown Sugar
Used in the topping for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. It also promotes crispiness when baked.

Butter
Room-temperature butter binds the oat topping and makes it crumbly, rich, and satisfying. Salted butter adds extra flavor, but unsalted can be used with a pinch more salt added.

Old-Fashioned Oats
These create a hearty, chewy topping that crisps beautifully. Avoid quick oats—they’ll turn mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use frozen peaches (thawed and drained) if fresh aren’t available.
• Gluten-free? Swap flour with a GF blend and increase cornstarch slightly.
• Want it vegan? Use vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans for extra crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and enhance browning.

Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced peaches with granulated sugar, a bit of flour, cornstarch, half the cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything gently until the peaches are evenly coated and start to release a bit of juice. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 3
Using the same bowl (no need to wash it), cream together the brown sugar, remaining flour, softened butter, and the rest of the cinnamon. Once you get a wet, clumpy consistency, stir in the oats. This forms your crisp topping—it should look like chunky, buttery gravel.

Step 4
Evenly sprinkle the oat mixture over the peaches. Don’t pack it down—loose crumbs create that perfect crispy texture.

Step 5
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges of the topping are lightly golden and the peach juices are bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes serving cleaner.

Step 6
Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of hot and cold is heavenly.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Too much liquid? If your peach filling seems runny, don’t panic. It will thicken slightly as it cools thanks to the flour and cornstarch.
• Topping browns too fast? Cover loosely with foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Peaches too ripe? Avoid them—they’ll get mushy and watery. Choose firm, just-ripe peaches.
• Frozen fruit tip: Thaw and drain well. Excess water will make the filling soupy.
• No pastry cutter? Use your hands to mix the topping—it’s quicker and effective.
• Want to prep ahead? Assemble everything and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temp before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your peach crisp warm from the oven with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of honey, or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a more balanced bite. Want to turn it into a complete summer dessert? Pair with mint tea or a light rosé.

For sides, consider a fresh fruit salad or light lemony arugula greens to balance the richness. This dish also works beautifully for brunch or as a comforting midnight snack.

Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a 400°F oven until crisp again or microwave single portions for about 30 seconds. Avoid over-microwaving to keep the topping from getting soggy.

Conclusion

There’s a reason this easy sheet pan dessert never goes out of style—it’s fast, flexible, and delicious. If you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal for your sweet tooth, this peach crisp recipe delivers everything you need: warm flavors, satisfying texture, and minimal fuss.

Whether you’re baking for the first time or the hundredth, this dish will make you feel like a pro. Give it a try and let me know in the comments how it turned out for you—or what twist you added. I can’t wait to hear your take!

FAQ About Easy Peach Crisp Recipe

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