Peach Crumble

Peach crumble is summer’s love letter written in butter and sugar. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t need a pedigree or polish—it’s raw, rustic, and completely irresistible. You don’t need a culinary degree to throw it together. In fact, it’s better if you don’t overthink it. This is the kind of recipe your grandmother might’ve made after a morning at the farmer’s market or after peeling too many peaches that were seconds from going soft.

Picture this: juicy, golden peaches bubbling under a blanket of crisp, golden-brown crumble that’s just the right mix of sweet and salty. The smell alone will yank your neighbors to the kitchen window. And that first bite? It’s the definition of summer comfort—ripe fruit softened to jammy perfection under a buttery, oat-packed crust that crunches like autumn leaves.

You can eat it warm straight out of the dish, topped with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Or you can sneak cold spoonfuls from the fridge at midnight like a dessert outlaw. It’s a dish that doesn’t pretend to be fancy, but damn, does it deliver.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just need a fix for your sweet tooth on a Tuesday night, this peach crumble hits the spot. It’s fast, forgiving, and downright legendary when done right.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses fresh or canned peaches—whatever you’ve got
• Quick prep time, under 20 minutes
• Buttery, crunchy oat topping that’s foolproof
• Perfect for summer BBQs or cozy nights in
• Pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped cream
• Can be made ahead and reheated
• No fancy equipment required—just a bowl and a baking dish

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or 2 cans, drained)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Crumble Topping

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently until all the peach slices are coated. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 3: Make the Crumble

In another bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers, a fork, or a pastry cutter to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the peach mixture. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Let It Cool

Remove from the oven and let it sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken up a bit.

Tips & Variations

Add Crunch

Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the topping for an extra crunch.

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger for extra depth of flavor.

Go Gluten-Free

Substitute a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.

Use What You Have

Out of butter? Coconut oil can work in a pinch, though the flavor will differ.

Softer Peaches

If your peaches are a bit firm, microwave them for a minute before mixing to help soften them up.

Note

Don’t overmix the crumble topping—you want it crumbly, not a dough. Always taste your peaches before baking. If they’re extra sweet, scale back the added sugar a bit.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm, with vanilla ice cream melting into the topping
• Topped with cinnamon whipped cream
• Cold from the fridge for breakfast, paired with Greek yogurt
• Served with a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce for a boozy twist
• Dished up in individual ramekins or mason jars for parties

Nutrition Information

(Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 29g
• Sodium: 120mg

User Reviews/Comments

“Tried this with canned peaches and it was insanely good. My husband didn’t leave a crumb.” — Sheila T.
“Added chopped almonds to the topping. Game changer. Super crunchy and satisfying.” — Marcus H.
“I’m no baker but this was easy and foolproof. Will definitely make again.” — Darnell B.
“Had it warm with vanilla ice cream and bourbon sauce. Heaven in a bowl.” — Priya N.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for this crumble?

Yes, frozen peaches work great. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in your crumble.

What if my peaches aren’t very sweet?

If your peaches are underripe or tart, consider increasing the sugar in the filling to 1/2 cup. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can also help.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the crumble in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.

Is this dessert freezer-friendly?

Yes. You can freeze the assembled, unbaked crumble for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.

Can I use other fruits?

Definitely. Substitute or mix in apples, berries, or plums. Adjust the sugar level based on the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Conclusion

This peach crumble isn’t just a recipe—it’s a reminder that the best things in life are simple. Peaches, oats, sugar, butter—each ingredient has a job, and together, they create magic. There’s no pretense here, no puff pastry or piping bags. Just honest flavor and texture that punch you in the mouth in the best way.

You could dress it up for a dinner party or spoon it straight from the dish while standing at the kitchen counter. Either way, it delivers—warm comfort, nostalgia, and that buttery crunch you didn’t know you were missing. And hey, if you want to take a detour and read more about peaches and their cultural history, you might end up appreciating this fruit even more.

Now go grab those peaches, and let the crumble do what it does best—steal the show.

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