Peach crumble is my favorite recipe to bake when summer peaches hit their peak and my kitchen fills with sunshine and memories. Every year, as soon as peaches show up at the farmer’s market, I just know my kitchen’s about to become the place everyone wants to be. I grew up in a family where food meant togetherness, so for me, a homemade peach crumble is pure happiness in a dish. I swear, nothing compares to the smell of bubbling peaches and that sweet, golden topping as it bakes. So, if you want your next gathering, or just a chill night in, to feel extra special, this peach crumble has you covered!
Table of Contents
What Is Peach Crumble?
Let’s be honest, there’s something comforting about peach crumble. It’s the classic dessert where juicy peaches get tucked under a crispy, buttery blanket and baked until golden and gorgeous. I like to call it peach pie’s cool, no-fuss cousin. There’s no dough to roll out, and everything just comes together with pantry basics. While the peaches get all syrupy and sweet, the topping turns crisp and irresistible. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll feel like a total pro. And honestly, after making this, you might find yourself obsessed with easy fruit desserts, kind of like those no-bake banana split dessert bars that everyone raves about.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Crumble
Let’s talk about what makes this peach crumble so lovable! First up, it’s all about those fresh, juicy peaches, bursting with sweet-tart flavor. The buttery crumble topping gets perfectly crisp, and every bite is a happy mix of textures. And it couldn’t be easier, no rolling pins, no fancy gadgets. If you have a bowl and a spoon, you’re set! Got some extra peaches? You’re already halfway there. I’ll confess, leftovers never last long at my place. (I may or may not have eaten the last scoop cold, straight from the fridge for breakfast, zero regrets.) If you’re a fan of sweet treats with fun flavors, you’ll probably love trying out strawberry cheesecake cookies on your next baking day.
How to Make Peach Crumble
Quick Overview
Making peach crumble is so simple. Toss together a sweet peach filling, top with a quick crumble, and bake until bubbly and golden. Minimal prep, maximum joy.
Ingredients Overview
- Fresh peaches: Ripe and juicy. If you’re out of fresh, use frozen or canned (just drain them!).
- Granulated sugar: For that perfect sweetness. Brown sugar brings a touch of warmth.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling and builds the crumble.
- Old-fashioned oats: Adds crunch to the topping.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, this gives you those irresistible crumbs.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a gentle, cozy spice to the whole thing.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor. Fresh is fab, bottled works in a pinch.
- Salt: Just a little, for balance.
- Cornstarch (optional): For thickening, especially if your peaches are extra juicy.
If you need it gluten-free? Swap for gluten-free flour and oats. Want it vegan? Try coconut oil. Nuts like pecans or almonds are a delicious addition for extra crunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the peaches: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice peaches into wedges, then toss with sugar, a bit of flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
- Assemble the filling: Spread peach mixture in a buttered baking dish. Get every corner!
- Make the crumble: In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Top the peaches: Sprinkle crumble all over the peaches, no fruit should peek through!
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes. Look for bubbling juices and a golden top.
- Cool and serve: Let cool slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a scoop of Greek yogurt if you’re feeling wild.
Helpful Tips & Customizations
- Pick super-ripe peaches for the best flavor.
- Don’t have fresh peaches? Frozen or canned are totally fine, just thaw or drain them.
- For a crunchy twist, mix in chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Dairy-free? Swap butter for coconut oil or your favorite plant-based spread.
- Spice it up with a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a cozier flavor.
Serving Suggestions
You really can’t go wrong serving peach crumble hot from the oven, it’s comfort food at its finest. I always top mine with vanilla ice cream, but whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel is amazing too. If you love dessert variety, pair your crumble with one of my gooey pecan pie brownies for the ultimate treat. For a brunch vibe, a side of these crumbl red velvet cookies is always a hit. Fresh mint leaves and extra peach slices make things extra pretty for guests.
FAQs About Peach Crumble
Do you have to peel peaches for crumble?
Nope, it’s all about personal taste! Leaving the skins on is quick and rustic, and they soften up in the oven. Want a smoother filling? Peel away.
Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Absolutely! Just drain canned peaches and thaw frozen ones. Cut down the sugar a bit if your canned fruit is packed in syrup.
How do I keep my crumble topping crisp?
Cold butter is the secret. Mix until you get big crumbs, and don’t take it out of the oven too soon. Letting it cool a bit helps the topping set, too.
How do I thicken the peach filling?
A spoonful of flour or cornstarch does the trick. Use a little extra if your peaches are extra juicy.
Conclusion
Peach crumble is honestly the best of summer baking, simple, crowd-pleasing, and just so full of sunny flavors. It’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to bake over and over, whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying some much-needed me-time. If you’re craving even more sweet ideas, don’t miss my collection of homemade cosmic brownies and chocolate thumbprint cookies for more baking inspiration. You’ll find even more deliciousness on MyRecipeCast’s Pinterest page.
Peach Crumble
Equipment
- 1 9×13 baking dish Buttered
- 2 Mixing bowls Large & medium
- 1 Pastry cutter Or use clean fingers
- 1 Spoon/spatula For mixing & spreading
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 8 Fresh peaches – Sliced or use frozen/canned (thawed/drained)
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar – Or use brown sugar for more flavor
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour – For thickening filling
- 2 tsp Lemon juice – Fresh or bottled
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon –
- 1/4 tsp Salt –
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch optional – If peaches are extra juicy
- 3/4 cup All-purpose flour – For crumble topping
- 3/4 cup Old-fashioned oats –
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar – Light or dark
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter – Cold and cubed
- 1/3 cup Chopped nuts optional – Pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch
Instructions
- Prep the peaches: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice peaches and toss with sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
- Assemble filling: Spread peach mixture evenly in a buttered baking dish.
- Make the crumble: In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add nuts (optional): Mix in chopped nuts if using.
- Top the peaches: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the peaches.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool & serve: Let cool for about 15 minutes. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.