Looking for easy peach desserts? Then you're going to LOVE this scrumptious Peach Crumble! This fresh peach recipe is super easy to make, and you'll crave its warm, cozy flavor ... it's the perfect treat to enjoy all summer long!
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Is there anything better than eating a sweet, juicy peach, juice dripping down your chin, on a hot summer day? I can't thing of many things, except maybe a fresh peach dessert that captures all those amazing flavors ... like this mouthwatering Peach Crumble!
You are going to love this delicious dessert! It's loaded with juicy peaches and features a buttery topping that's absolutely irresistible, making it a total crowd pleaser. Best of all, this homemade crumble is so easy to make!
Are you confused about the difference between crumbles and crisps? The names are often used interchangeably, so you are definitely not alone! These baked fruit desserts are similar, but they have different toppings. This recipe is technically a crumble (because its topping contains no oats), and not a crisp (which has oats in the topping). If you're looking for a crumble with oats though, then you can easily substitute my crisp topping recipe ... it's just as tasty either way!
Ready to start baking? Then keep reading for the easy recipe and lots of helpful tips!
Ingredients
This recipe uses basic ingredients ... most can probably be found right in your pantry! Here's what you'll need:
- Peaches - The star ingredient, and because of this, you'll want to choose the freshest, most flavorful peaches you can find! The best peaches typically have a lovely fragrant scent, and if you give them a gentle squeeze, they'll have a little give when they're ripe and ready to use. Tip: If your peaches aren't ripe when you buy them (as is often the case), store them on your counter for a few days until they ripen. Once they become ripe, use them right away, or refrigerate them for a day or two.
- Other Filling Ingredients - To make the filling, you'll mix the peaches with granulated sugar, cornstarch (which helps thicken the fruit juices), fresh lemon juice (it brightens and enhances the other flavors), ground cinnamon and ginger (two warm spices that pair perfectly with peaches), and a little salt (I recommend using kosher salt).
- Topping - This recipe's easy crumb topping is super easy to make! All you need for this buttery streusel is brown sugar (I used light, but dark brown sugar would also work), all-purpose flour, those same spices you used in the filling (cinnamon and ginger), salt, and melted unsalted butter.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and nut free! Check out the Variations section below for more tips and substitution ideas.
You'll Also Need
To prep this dessert, you'll need a sharp knife to slices the peaches, as well as three bowls (small, medium, and large, like this mixing bowl set), a whisk for making the topping, and a large spoon (I like these silicone spoon-spatulas) for mixing together the peach filling. You'll also need an 8 x 8-inch baking dish for baking the dessert. This gorgeous Emile Henry Square Baker is my favorite! It's pretty enough to go straight from the oven to the table!
How to Make Peach Crumble
This delicious dessert is really easy to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Make topping. You'll start by whisking together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl. Next, stir in the butter, and as you do, the mixture should clump together (press it together, if needed). Set the topping aside for about 10 minutes. Tip: Letting the topping rest helps it firm up, so it can hold it's shape when crumbled.
- Mix filling. While the topping rests, mix the peaches with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, spices, and salt. Be gentle, so you don't bruise the fruit.
- Add peaches to baking dish. Transfer that peach mixture to a buttered baking dish, spreading the fruit in an even layer. Make sure to scrape any juices and sugar that remain in the bowl over the peaches.
- Top with crumble. Next, you're going to crumble the topping evenly over the fruit ... this is where the recipe gets its name, from the crumbly topping! Tip: I like to leave about an inch of the filling visible around the edges. Doing this creates a more attractive dessert, but it's totally optional.
- Bake. Transfer the dessert to your oven, then bake the crumble until the topping is browned and the peach filling is bubbling. Let rest for at least 30 minutes before serving so it can cool and the fruit juices can thicken a bit.
All right? Time to try your homemade Peach Crumble, and I guarantee that you're going love the warm, old fashioned flavor!
Variations
This yummy dessert is perfect as-is, but easy to customize if you like experimenting! Here are some ideas to try:
- Fruit - Peaches pair well with other fruits, so feel free to use a mixture. Combine them with other stone fruits, such as nectarines, apricots, or plums, or pair them with your fave berries, like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or cherries. Other fruits, like apples and pears, can also be used.
- Topping - If you prefer crisps (which have oats in the topping) to crumbles (which do not), simply substitute my Crumble Topping with Oats to turn this dessert into a crisp.
- Vegan - To make this recipe vegan + dairy free, use a plant based butter when making the topping.
- Spices - I used cinnamon and ginger here, two spices that pair perfectly with peaches. However, you can experiment with other warm spices, such nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, or allspice.
Serving Suggestions
I recommend serving this fresh Peach Crumble warm. And while it's delicious served plain, it's even better topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! A dollop of whipped cream would be tasty, too.
Storage
Wrap any leftovers tightly (or transfer them to an airtight container), then store in your refrigerator. The crumble will stay fresh for up to four days, but the texture will be best when eaten within a day or two. The filling has a lot of liquid, and because of that, the topping softens over time. Tip: To make the leftovers extra tasty, rewarm them gently in your microwave before serving!
Related Recipes
If you loved this recipe, you'll want to make my homemade Peach Crisp recipe (or perhaps this Berry Crumble, Nectarine Crumble, or Rhubarb Crumble) next! Looking for more fresh peach ideas? Make sure to try these tasty recipes, too:
- Peach Baked Oatmeal
- Peach Iced Tea
- Peach Freezer Jam
- Peach Overnight Oatmeal
- Veggie Peach Wrap
- Open-Faced Peach Sandwich
- Peach Pizza
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Peach Crumbles, Crisps, and Cobblers are similar baked fruit desserts whose names are often used interchangeably. The difference is that a crumble topping contains no oats, while a crisp topping is made with oats. Meanwhile, cobblers have a biscuit-like topping.
No, it is not necessary to peel peaches for a Crumble. However, you can peel them if you don't like the texture. To peel peaches, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cut an X on the bottom of your peaches, then add them to the boiling water for one minute. Transfer the peaches to a bowl of ice water, then pull off the peel (it should come off easily).
Peach Crumble is best when made with fresh peaches, however you can use frozen peaches in a pinch. Make sure to thaw the peaches before using, then blot off any excess liquid before proceeding with the recipe.
Because canned peaches are already cooked and have a soft texture, they aren't the best choice for this Peach Crumble. The recipe works best with fresh peaches, however you may substitute frozen peaches (thawed and drained first) if that's all you have.
No, you do not need to refrigerate Peach Crumble if you plan on eating it within a day (or so). However, I would recommend refrigerating the Crumble if your home is on the warm side (like during hot summer weather), or if you still have leftovers to eat after 24 hours.
If you'd like to make Peach Crumble with oats, check out my Peach Crisp recipe instead. It's made with very similar ingredients, however the topping is made with oats.
Peach Crumble
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter (for buttering baking dish)
For Crumble Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Peaches:
- 5 cups sliced peaches (about 4 peaches / 2 pounds / 907 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- pinch salt
Equipment
- 8 x 8-inch Baking Dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish; set aside.
Prepare Topping:
- Whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Stir melted butter into flour mixture, pressing until it clumps together. Set aside for 10 minutes.
Prepare Peaches:
- Combine peaches, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
Assemble + Bake Crumble:
- Transfer peach mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading in an even layer. Scrape any juices / sugar that remain in bowl into baking dish.
- Using hands, crumble topping mixture over peaches.
- Bake until topping is browned and peaches are bubbling, about 45 to 50 minutes.
- Let cool at least 30 minutes before serving plain or topped with ice cream. Enjoy!