Peach crisp is a classic dessert that brings together the sweet, juicy goodness of ripe peaches with a crumbly, buttery topping. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a summer BBQ. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Mom’s Best Peach Crisp, a tried-and-true favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of tender peaches, warm spices, and a crunchy oat topping will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients for Mom’s Best Peach Crisp:
- For the filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6-8 large peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- For the topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How to Make Mom’s Best Peach Crisp:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Peaches: If using fresh peaches, begin by peeling and slicing them. To peel peaches easily, you can blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds and then transfer them to an ice water bath. The skins should slip off easily. Slice the peaches and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Filling: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the bowl with the sliced peaches. Gently toss everything together until the peaches are well-coated with the sugar and spice mixture. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices as the crisp bakes.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the peach filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In another large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the Butter: Pour the melted butter over the dry topping ingredients. Stir until the mixture comes together and resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re using chopped nuts, fold them into the topping mixture at this stage.
- Top the Peaches: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the peach filling in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the peaches completely for a nice, even layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
- Cool and Serve: Once the peach crisp is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Mom’s Best Peach Crisp is delicious on its own, but it’s also wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Peaches: The star of this dessert is, of course, the peaches. Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal for this recipe as they offer the best flavor and texture. Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma. If fresh peaches are out of season, you can use frozen or canned peaches. Just be sure to drain canned peaches well and thaw and drain frozen peaches before using.
- Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar is used in both the filling and the topping. The granulated sugar sweetens the peaches, while the brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your peaches.
- Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice enhances the natural flavor of the peaches and balances the sweetness. It also helps to prevent the peaches from browning as you prepare the filling.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a thickening agent that helps to create a slightly thickened, syrupy filling as the peaches release their juices during baking. This prevents the crisp from becoming too watery.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to the peach filling and the topping. These spices complement the sweetness of the peaches perfectly.
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the crisp topping its signature texture and crunch. They hold up well during baking and provide a hearty contrast to the tender peaches.
- Butter: Melted unsalted butter binds the topping ingredients together and helps to create a rich, crumbly texture. Be sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts are optional but highly recommended. They add an extra layer of crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the peaches and spices.
Mom’s Best Peach Crisp is a timeless dessert that’s sure to delight your taste buds with every bite. Its comforting flavors and textures make it a favorite for any occasion, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm summer evening or as a cozy winter treat, this peach crisp is bound to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Enjoy!
