Peach Crumble
A rustic, heartwarming dessert featuring juicy summer peaches nestled beneath a golden, buttery oat topping. This homemade peach crumble balances sweet fruit with a crispy, cinnamon-spiced crust for the perfect easy-to-make comfort dessert.
Easy Peach Crumble Recipe
There’s something magical about the simplicity of a perfect peach crumble. As summer’s bounty of ripe, fragrant peaches begins to appear at farmers’ markets and grocery stores, this classic dessert becomes an essential way to showcase their natural sweetness. Unlike fussy desserts that require technical skills, a peach crumble welcomes bakers of all experience levels with its forgiving nature and reliable results.
This particular peach crumble recipe has been in my family for generations, passed down from my grandmother who insisted on using the ripest peaches and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon in the topping. The contrast between the soft, jammy fruit filling and the crisp, buttery crumble creates a textural symphony that’s simply irresistible when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
THIS RECIPE:
- Uses just 8 simple ingredients you likely already have at home
- Requires only 15 minutes of hands-on preparation
- Creates the perfect balance of sweet fruit and crispy topping
- Works beautifully with fresh or frozen peaches for year-round enjoyment
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 8 servings |
| Yield | One 9×9-inch crumble |
This easy peach crumble recipe is the definition of low-effort, high-reward baking. The preparation couldn’t be simpler—just slice peaches, toss with a few basic ingredients, and top with a quick crumble mixture before baking until golden and bubbling. The result is a homestyle dessert that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and delivers pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients for Peach Crumble
The quality of your peach crumble depends greatly on the quality of your ingredients, particularly the star of the show—the peaches. When making an exceptional peach crumble, look for fruit that yields slightly to gentle pressure and offers a sweet, floral fragrance. The remaining ingredients are pantry staples that combine to create the perfect contrast to the juicy peaches.
For the Peach Filling:
- 6 large ripe peaches (about 2 pounds), peeled and sliced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
When selecting peaches for your crumble, look for fruit that’s fragrant and gives slightly when gently pressed. If your peaches are too firm, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for 1-2 days to ripen. During peak season (July through September), local peaches will typically offer the best flavor, but good-quality frozen peaches can work beautifully when fresh aren’t available.
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Peaches | 6 large (2 lbs) | Choose fragrant, slightly soft fruit; yellow varieties offer more traditional flavor |
| Sweeteners | 1⅓ cups (combined) | Use both white and brown sugar for depth of flavor |
| Flour | ¾ cup + 2 Tbsp | Unbleached all-purpose gives best results |
| Oats | 1 cup | Use old-fashioned rolled oats for texture, not quick-cooking |
| Butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | European-style butter (higher fat content) creates a richer crumble |
How to Make Peach Crumble
Creating a perfect peach crumble involves a straightforward process that allows the natural flavor of the peaches to shine. The key lies in properly preparing the fruit and achieving that ideal crumble texture—neither too dry nor too wet, with a satisfying crispness that contrasts beautifully with the soft fruit beneath.
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butter a 9×9-inch baking dish or 10-inch cast iron skillet.
- Gather and measure all ingredients before beginning.
Step 2: Prepare the Peach Filling
- If using fresh peaches, blanch them to remove skins: score an X on the bottom of each peach, place in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily.
- Cut peeled peaches into ½-inch slices.
- In a large bowl, gently toss the peaches with sugar, flour, lemon juice, vanilla, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Transfer the peach mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading into an even layer.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients.
- Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the peach filling, covering it completely.
- Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bubbling juices.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
- Check at the 25-minute mark – if the topping is browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
Allow your peach crumble to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. The crumble will be extremely hot straight from the oven, and the brief cooling period creates a more enjoyable eating experience.
Tips for Making Peach Crumble
Achieving peach crumble perfection is all about understanding a few key techniques that elevate this simple dessert to extraordinary status. These professional insights will help you navigate common pitfalls and enhance both flavor and texture.
Expert Tips at a Glance:
- For the best texture, use peaches that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when baked
- Keep your butter very cold until the moment you incorporate it into the topping
- Don’t overwork the crumble mixture – those varied butter pieces create perfect texture
- Add a pinch of salt to both the filling and topping to enhance the sweetness of the peaches
| Technique | Recommendation | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Peach Preparation | Leave some peach slices thicker than others | Creates textural variation in the filling |
| Sweetness Balance | Adjust sugar based on peach ripeness | Allows natural fruit flavor to shine |
| Crumble Texture | Use fingertips to create some larger clumps | Provides contrasting textures in the topping |
| Baking Position | Use middle rack in oven | Ensures even heating for perfect doneness |
Pro tip: If your peaches are particularly juicy, toss them with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in addition to the flour. This will help thicken the filling without affecting flavor.
For the crumble topping, temperature matters significantly. Start with butter straight from the refrigerator and work quickly to maintain those small, cold pieces throughout the mixture. This is what creates the perfect “short” texture in the finished crumble. If the butter begins to soften too much during preparation, simply chill the completed crumble mixture for 15 minutes before topping your peaches.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the greatest virtues of homemade peach crumble is its flexibility for busy schedules. You can prepare components ahead of time or assemble the entire dessert, making it perfect for entertaining or planning around hectic weekdays.
For the filling, you can peel and slice peaches up to 24 hours in advance. Toss them with the lemon juice and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents browning and actually helps the peaches release some of their juices, creating an even more flavorful filling. Add the remaining filling ingredients just before assembly.
The crumble topping can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Mix all dry ingredients with the butter as directed, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This make-ahead step actually improves the texture, as the flour has time to fully hydrate from the butter. The topping can also be frozen for up to 3 months – use it straight from frozen when ready to bake.
For a completely assembled but unbaked crumble, you can prepare everything up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled ingredients.
Storing Leftovers
Proper storage of leftover peach crumble ensures you can enjoy this delightful dessert for days after baking. While it’s at its textural peak on the first day, careful storage preserves both flavor and safety.
A baked peach crumble can be kept at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to 24 hours. This is ideal if you plan to enjoy it again the next day, as it maintains the crispness of the topping. For longer storage, refrigeration is necessary to prevent spoilage, especially during warmer months.
When refrigerating leftover crumble, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. Properly stored in the refrigerator, peach crumble will maintain quality for up to 4 days. The topping will soften somewhat due to moisture from the filling and refrigeration, but the flavor remains excellent.
To restore some crispness to refrigerated crumble, reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave portions for 30-45 seconds for quick serving, though this won’t restore crispness to the topping.
Freezing Peach Crumble
For longer-term storage, freezing your peach crumble allows you to enjoy this summer dessert well into the cooler months. Both baked and unbaked crumbles freeze beautifully with the right techniques.
To freeze an unbaked peach crumble, assemble the dessert in a freezer-safe baking dish (aluminum foil disposable pans work well). Cover tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then label with the date and freezing instructions. Unbaked crumble will maintain quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When ready to bake a frozen unbaked crumble, remove it from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the plastic wrap but keep the foil in place, then bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
For freezing baked crumble, allow it to cool completely first. Portion the crumble into individual servings for easier thawing, or freeze the entire baking dish. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, keeping air exposure to a minimum. Baked crumble will maintain quality in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat frozen baked crumble, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Individual portions can be microwaved from frozen for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
A perfectly baked peach crumble deserves complementary accompaniments that enhance its fruity warmth and textural contrasts. How you serve this homestyle dessert can elevate it from simply delicious to truly memorable.
The classic pairing for warm peach crumble is vanilla ice cream, which melts slightly into the hot dessert creating a creamy sauce that mingles with the fruit juices. For an adult twist, try bourbon vanilla or brown butter ice cream. If you prefer something lighter, lightly sweetened whipped cream makes an excellent topping, especially when flavored with a touch of cinnamon or maple syrup.
For beverages, peach crumble pairs beautifully with:
- Coffee (particularly a medium roast that won’t overpower the dessert)
- Earl Grey or Darjeeling tea
- Dessert wines like Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling
- Bourbon or Amaretto for an adult accompaniment
Serve peach crumble warm (not hot) for the ideal experience – about 15 minutes out of the oven is perfect. If reheating, individual portions should be warmed until just heated through to maintain the integrity of the fruit.
For presentation, consider serving in small individual ramekins for a more elegant approach, or family-style in a rustic ceramic dish. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a professional touch, and a few fresh mint leaves provide a beautiful color contrast against the golden crumble and peachy filing.
FAQ
Can I use canned peaches for this crumble?
Yes, canned peaches can work in a pinch. Choose peaches packed in juice rather than syrup, drain well, and reduce the sugar in the filling by about 2 tablespoons. You’ll need approximately two 15-ounce cans for this recipe. The texture will be softer than with fresh peaches, but the flavor remains delicious.
Do I have to peel the peaches?
While peeling is traditional and provides the best texture, it’s not strictly necessary. If using unpeeled peaches, choose fruits with thin skins and slice them a bit thinner. The peels will soften during baking but will remain noticeable in the final dish. For guests with texture sensitivity, peeling is recommended.
Can I make this peach crumble gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in both the filling and topping. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, as some may have cross-contamination. Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum to the topping if your gluten-free flour blend doesn’t already contain it for better structure.
Why is my peach crumble topping soggy?
Soggy topping usually results from one of three issues: the filling was too juicy, the crumble topping contained too little flour, or the dessert was covered while still warm. For very juicy peaches, add an extra tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the filling. Ensure the butter is cold when making the topping, and allow the baked crumble to cool uncovered so steam can escape.
How do I know when my peach crumble is done baking?
A perfectly baked peach crumble shows these signs of doneness: the topping is golden brown (not just in spots, but overall), the filling is visibly bubbling at the edges, and when you insert a knife into the center, the peaches offer just slight resistance. Baking times may vary based on your oven and the ripeness of your peaches, so these visual cues are more reliable than timing alone.
