There’s something truly comforting about the warm, buttery crumble topping paired with juicy, sweet peaches bubbling beneath. One afternoon, craving a homemade dessert that didn’t require hours in the kitchen, I stumbled upon this Easy Peach Crumble recipe—and it quickly became a staple. Whether you’re winding down after a hectic day or hosting friends who adore cozy, crowd-pleasing sweets, this dish fits perfectly. The beauty lies in its simplicity: fresh peaches, a touch of cinnamon, and a crisp, golden topping that’s as effortless to prepare as it is delicious to eat. No fancy techniques or obscure ingredients—just pure, nostalgic flavor served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like. Let me show you how easy it is to whip up this timeless treat that’s sure to brighten any table.
Why is Easy Peach Crumble irresistible?
Simplicity meets deliciousness in this Easy Peach Crumble, requiring minimal effort yet delivering maximum comfort. Juicy peaches bring natural sweetness and vibrant flavor, while the buttery, crumbly topping adds the perfect contrast of texture. Versatile and crowd-pleasing, it’s ideal for quick desserts or special gatherings. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal fruit with a nostalgic, homemade touch!
Easy Peach Crumble Ingredients
For the Peach Filling
- Fresh Peaches – choose ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar – balances the tartness of the peaches and enhances their natural juices.
- Ground Cinnamon – adds a warm, cozy spice that complements the fruit beautifully.
- Lemon Juice – brightens the filling and prevents the peaches from browning.
- Cornstarch – thickens the fruit juices to keep the filling nicely set.
For the Crumble Topping
- All-Purpose Flour – provides structure for the crumbly texture that’s signature to this dish.
- Brown Sugar – adds caramel notes and helps create that golden, crispy crust.
- Cold Unsalted Butter – cut into the flour and sugar to form tender, flaky crumbs.
- Rolled Oats – lend a delightful chewiness and rustic touch to the topping.
- A Pinch of Salt – enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness in this Easy Peach Crumble.
How to Make Easy Peach Crumble
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking when your crumble is assembled and ready to go into the oven.
For the Peach Filling:
- Slice Peaches: Peel (optional), pit, and slice 5–6 ripe peaches into ½-inch wedges, aiming for consistent thickness for even baking and easy, bite-size pieces.
- Toss Filling: In a large bowl, gently mix peach slices with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch until evenly coated and fruit juices are glossy.
- Transfer Filling: Pour the coated peaches and their juices into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading them into an even layer for uniform browning.
For the Crumble Topping:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and salt until well blended and free of lumps.
- Cut in Butter: Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut cold unsalted butter into the dry mix until pea-sized crumbs form, creating that signature crumbly texture.
- Top Filling: Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the peach layer, covering all areas to form a golden, crunchy crust that bakes delightfully crisp.
- Bake Crumble: Place the dish on the middle oven rack and bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and peach juices bubble.
- Cool Slightly: Let the crumble rest for 10 minutes to thicken the filling and make slicing easier before serving warm, allowing flavors to meld and preventing burns.
Optional: Top with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Easy Peach Crumble
Room Temperature: Keep the Easy Peach Crumble at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered lightly with foil or parchment paper to keep it from drying out.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezer: Freeze the baked crumble, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven to restore crispness.
Reheating: To reheat, place the crumble in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through, ensuring that the topping remains crunchy and delightful.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Peach Crumble preparations are great for busy cooks who want to save time while still enjoying a homemade dessert! You can prepare the peach filling and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. To do this, slice the peaches and mix them with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch, then store in an airtight container. For the crumble topping, you can make it ahead as well and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the prepared peach filling in your baking dish, sprinkle the crumble on top, and bake as directed until golden and bubbly for a delightful treat that tastes just as fresh!
Expert Tips for Easy Peach Crumble
- Choose Ripe Peaches: Select peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to ensure the filling is naturally sweet and juicy without added sugar overload.
- Keep Butter Cold: Use cold unsalted butter for the crumble topping to achieve that perfect flaky, crumbly texture rather than a greasy or dense crust.
- Don’t Overmix Crumble: When combining butter with dry ingredients, mix just until pea-sized crumbs form—overmixing can make the topping tough instead of crisp.
- Even Peach Slices: Slice peaches evenly to guarantee consistent baking and prevent some pieces from turning mushy while others stay firm.
- Thicken Filling Correctly: Cornstarch is key to a thick, luscious filling; toss it well with the peaches for even distribution and avoid a runny crumble.
- Watch Baking Time: Bake until the topping is golden and fruit juices bubble, but avoid overbaking which can dry out the peaches and toughen the crumble.
Easy Peach Crumble Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe, making it uniquely yours while keeping that delicious, comforting essence intact.
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Berry Blend: Replace half the peaches with fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for a delightful tartness.
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Stone Fruit Medley: Swap in nectarines or plums for a different flavor profile and a splash of color in your crumble.
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Nutty Crumble: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the topping for extra crunch and a hint of nuttiness that complements the sweetness.
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Vegan Option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter and substitute maple syrup for sugar to cater to a vegan diet while still enjoying the classic flavors.
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Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon to elevate the aroma and flavor with a cozy warmth.
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Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend for a crumbly topping that’s safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
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Crumble Bars: Transform the filling and topping into bars by pressing half the crumble into a baking pan, layering the peaches, and topping with the remaining crumble—perfect for snacks on the go!
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Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the filling for a fresh, zesty twist that brightens every bite!
What to Serve with Easy Peach Crumble?
This delightful dessert is a warm hug in a bowl, perfectly comforting and irresistibly sweet.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing to this crumble enhances its juicy peaches with creamy richness, creating a luscious contrast.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a fluffy texture and balances the warm, buttery crumble perfectly.
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Fresh Mint Leaves: Sprinkling some fresh mint over the top lends a refreshing touch, brightening each bite and giving a pop of color.
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Almond Biscotti: The crunchy, nutty flavors of almond biscotti provide a delightful texture contrast that complements the soft crumble beautifully.
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Sweet Tea: A chilled glass of sweet tea pairs splendidly, as its subtle sweetness mirrors the juicy filling and complements the warm flavors.
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Peach Iced Tea: For a cohesive sweet peach theme, serve a refreshing peach-infused iced tea that harmonizes with the dessert’s flavors.
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the crumble, making for a perfect afternoon or evening indulgence.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of dark chocolate creates a decadent touch that adds an indulgent flair, pleasing chocolate lovers.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a bit of warm caramel over each serving enhances the sweetness while adding a luxurious touch to your dessert experience.
Easy Peach Crumble Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my peaches are ripe enough for the crumble?
Look for peaches that have a sweet fragrance and yield slightly when gently pressed—no hard spots or dark spots all over. Ripe peaches will provide the best juicy flavor and natural sweetness for your crumble. If peaches are underripe, the filling can turn out too tart or firm.
What’s the best way to store leftover Easy Peach Crumble?
For short-term, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cover it lightly to prevent the crumble topping from becoming soggy. Let leftovers come to room temperature or warm them gently in the oven to keep that lovely crisp topping.
Can I freeze Easy Peach Crumble, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze, cool the baked crumble completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to revive the crispy topping.
What should I do if my crumble topping turns out too greasy or tough?
This usually happens if the butter is too warm or overworked. Next time, keep your butter cold and cut it into the dry ingredients just until you have pea-sized crumbs. Mixing gently and minimally is key to maintaining that perfect flaky, crumbly texture.
Is Easy Peach Crumble safe for pets or people with food allergies?
While peaches themselves are generally safe for many pets in very small amounts, the crumble topping contains ingredients like butter and sugar that aren’t suitable. Also, if you or guests have allergies to wheat, oats, or dairy, please modify accordingly—gluten-free flours or coconut oil may be used as substitutes to make the dessert allergy-friendly.
Easy Peach Crumble Recipe: Juicy, Warm, and Perfectly Homemade
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel (optional), pit, and slice the peaches into ½-inch wedges.
- In a large bowl, mix peach slices with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch until coated.
- Pour the peach mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and salt.
- Cut in cold unsalted butter until pea-sized crumbs form.
- Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the peach layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and juices are bubbling.
- Let the crumble cool for 10 minutes before serving warm.
