Peach crisp with almond topping is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances juicy, tender peaches with a crunchy, nutty crumble. The almond topping adds a fragrant, buttery texture that elevates this classic comfort food, making it ideal for summer gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 5-6 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar size.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss gently to coat the peaches evenly. Set aside to macerate while you prepare the topping.
- In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
- Stir in the sliced almonds and vanilla extract until just combined. The almonds add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the topping.
- Pour the peach mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the almond oat topping evenly over the peaches, covering them completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.
Tips
- Peach selection: Use ripe but firm peaches to avoid a mushy filling. Freestone varieties work best for easy peeling and slicing.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have almonds, chopped pecans or walnuts make a great alternative for the topping.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
- Prevent soggy topping: Keep the butter cold and don’t overmix when preparing the topping to maintain a crumbly texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your peach crisp warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top adds an extra layer of flavor. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of black tea or a light dessert wine like Moscato.
Variations
For a twist, try adding a handful of fresh berries (such as raspberries or blueberries) to the peach filling for added color and tartness. You can also swap out the almond topping for a classic pecan streusel or add shredded coconut for a tropical touch. For a spiced version, include a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the filling.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover peach crisp covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or place the entire dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the crisp in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned or frozen peaches if fresh aren’t available. Drain canned peaches well to avoid excess liquid, and thaw frozen peaches completely, draining any excess moisture before using. You may want to reduce or omit the cornstarch slightly if the peaches are very juicy.
How do I peel peaches easily?
To peel peaches quickly, blanch them in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then transfer them immediately to an ice water bath. The skins will loosen and slip off easily with your fingers or a paring knife.
Is almond topping better than traditional crumble?
The almond topping adds a nutty flavor and extra crunch that complements the soft peaches beautifully. While traditional crumble often uses just oats, flour, sugar, and butter, the almonds elevate the texture and taste, making the dessert more interesting and flavorful.
Can I prepare peach crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the peach crisp a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated before baking. For best results, bake it shortly before serving to maintain a crisp topping. Alternatively, bake it fully and reheat when ready to serve.
What if my topping isn’t crisp after baking?
If the topping is soft after baking, it could be due to overly juicy fruit or insufficient butter in the topping. To fix this, bake a little longer uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate and the topping to brown. Using cold butter and not overmixing helps create a crisp texture from the start.
Can I make this vegan?
To make a vegan peach crisp with almond topping, substitute the butter with a plant-based vegan butter or coconut oil. Ensure the brown sugar is vegan-friendly (some sugars are processed with bone char). The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
With its juicy peaches and crunchy almond topping, this peach crisp is a simple yet impressive dessert that brings out the best in summer fruit. Whether for a family dinner or a potluck, it’s sure to become a favorite.
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