This Peach Almond Crisp is a wholesome twist on a classic summer dessert, blending juicy peaches with a crunchy oat-almond topping.
It’s naturally rich in fiber, plant-based protein from oats and almonds, and heart-healthy fats with very little saturated fat.
Light yet satisfying, this crisp is a great option for everyday cooking—easy to prepare, nourishing, and perfect for enjoying fresh seasonal fruit without fuss.
Crispy Peach Almond Crisp
Equipment
- 1 8×8-inch glass casserole dish (or glass pie dish)
- (1) Mixing bowl (medium)
- 1 Mixing spoon or spatula
- 1 Citrus Juicer (for lemon)
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Oven (preheated to 375°F / 190°C)
Ingredients
- 4 medium peaches diced
- 1/2 medium lemon juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
Instructions
- Prepare the Fresh Peaches: Begin by washing the peaches thoroughly under cool running water to remove any surface dirt or residue. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Cut each peach in half, remove the pit, and then dice the flesh into small, bite-sized chunks (about one-inch pieces). Evenly spread these peach chunks in the bottom of a lightly greased 8×8-inch glass casserole dish (a glass pie dish works just as well). Spreading them evenly ensures every bite has a balanced layer of juicy fruit.
- Add Flavor Boosters to the Fruit: Drizzle the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon over the peach pieces. The lemon not only brightens the flavor but also prevents browning. Next, sprinkle in the cornstarch, almond extract, and sliced almonds. The cornstarch acts as a natural thickener to absorb peach juices during baking, while the almond extract and sliced almonds introduce a nutty depth of flavor. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the peaches until they’re evenly coated with the mixture, ensuring no cornstarch clumps remain.
- Preheat the Oven Properly: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat fully. This step is crucial—placing the crisp in a properly heated oven ensures the peaches begin bubbling quickly and the topping bakes to a golden crisp rather than steaming. Take a moment to prepare the crumble topping while the oven heats.
- Combine the Dry Topping Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, measure and add the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Use a spoon or whisk to blend the ingredients together, breaking up any clumps of brown sugar with the back of your spoon. Mixing thoroughly at this stage guarantees a well-balanced topping where each bite delivers both sweetness and spice.
- Incorporate the Butter into the Mixture: Add the room-temperature butter (about 1 stick or 8 tablespoons) to the dry mixture. Using your fingertips works best for this task. Gently pinch, squeeze, and rub the butter into the flour-oat blend until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly coated.You’re looking for a texture resembling coarse crumbs or wet sand, with some small pea-sized butter chunks still visible—these pockets of butter will melt in the oven and create a crisp, buttery topping.
- Assemble the Crisp for Baking: Once the topping is ready, sprinkle it evenly over the peach mixture in the baking dish. Try to cover the entire surface so that every spoonful has both fruit and a crunchy crumble. Avoid pressing the topping down firmly—keeping it loose helps air circulate and promotes an even, golden-brown crispness while baking.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Place the dish in the preheated oven on the center rack. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the peaches are bubbling around the edges and the crumble topping is golden brown. The bubbling is a sign that the cornstarch has thickened the fruit juices, creating a luscious filling beneath the crisp layer. Resist the urge to open the oven too often, as this may let out heat and extend baking time.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven using oven mitts and place it on a cooling rack or heat-safe surface. Allow the crisp to cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the juices to set slightly, making the dessert easier to scoop and preventing it from being too runny.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the Peach Almond Crisp into bowls or dessert plates. For an indulgent finish, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a swirl of Greek yogurt. The warm fruit combined with the cold creamy topping creates a delightful contrast. Serve immediately while still warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fully ripe peaches for maximum sweetness and natural juiciness.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice—it enhances flavor and helps prevent browning.
- Cornstarch is essential for thickening the peach filling; otherwise, it may become too watery.
- Room-temperature butter blends more easily into the oat mixture, creating the ideal crumbly topping.
- You can substitute almonds with pecans, walnuts, or leave them out entirely if preferred.
- Serve warm for the best taste, but leftovers are equally delicious at room temperature or chilled.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Results
The key to a great crisp lies in balance—juicy fruit underneath and a crunchy topping above.
Always choose peaches that are firm yet ripe; overly soft ones release too much liquid and may make the crisp soggy.
If your peaches are very juicy, consider adding a touch more cornstarch for a thicker filling.
For the topping, mix the butter in gently with your fingertips rather than overworking it, which ensures a crumbly, crisp texture instead of a dense crust.
Toasting the almonds beforehand also elevates their nutty flavor, giving the crisp an irresistible aroma.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
This Peach Almond Crisp shines when served warm straight from the oven.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream creates the perfect contrast with the warm, juicy filling.
For a lighter option, top it with a spoonful of Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess and extra protein.
If you’re serving it at brunch, pair it with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of granola for a wholesome touch.
A hot cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea makes the ideal companion, turning this dessert into a cozy, satisfying treat.
Storage Tips to Keep Freshness
Leftover crisp should be cooled completely before storing. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place a serving in the microwave for a quick warm-up, or use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispness.
If you’d like to freeze it, assemble the crisp but don’t bake it; wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready, bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, both canned and frozen peaches work. If using canned, drain them well to prevent excess liquid.
With frozen peaches, thaw and pat dry before baking for the best texture.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, and double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free.
The results are equally delicious.
3. How do I make the crisp topping crunchier?
For extra crunch, use cold butter instead of room-temperature butter and mix it in with a pastry cutter or fork.
You can also add a tablespoon of chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the topping.
4. Can I prepare Peach Almond Crisp in advance?
Yes. You can assemble the fruit filling and topping separately, store them in the fridge, and combine just before baking.
This prevents the topping from becoming soggy and saves time on busy days.
5. What can I serve with this crisp besides ice cream?
Besides ice cream, it pairs beautifully with lightly sweetened whipped cream, vanilla yogurt, crème fraîche, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
For a healthier option, a sprinkle of cinnamon and chopped nuts works wonders.
