Classic Peach Crisp Recipe with Oat Topping

Peach Crisp Recipe: This easy peach crisp is a summer favorite. When peaches are ripe and juicy, nothing beats a warm peach crisp with a golden, crunchy oat topping. This recipe is simple to assemble, uses a single bowl for the filling and another for the topping, and bakes into a comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Peach crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a square baking dish.

When August arrives, many of us stock up on juicy summer peaches. Fresh peaches are ideal, but frozen peaches will work if they are fully thawed and well drained. Use this recipe to highlight peak-season fruit in a straightforward dessert that everyone will love.

This peach crisp is perfect for busy cooks — the filling comes together quickly, and the oat crumble topping is tender and crisp. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or on its own for a lighter treat.

What You Need for Peach Crisp

  • 8×8-inch baking pan: a square pan works best for even baking.
  • Peaches: fresh are preferred; frozen work too if thawed and drained.
  • Ginger: a small amount of fresh or ground ginger brightens the filling and complements the peaches.

Top Tip: Store large fresh ginger roots in the freezer so they’re easy to grate when frozen and stay fresh longer.

Sliced peaches in a bowl topped with flour and spices.

Why Make Peach Crisp?

Seasonal: This peach crisp showcases summer fruit and is ideal for warm evenings and outdoor gatherings.

Healthier dessert option: Crisp recipes are fruit-forward, and this version uses minimal added sugar while delivering maximum flavor.

Easy to make gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and swap the flour for a gluten-free blend to adapt the recipe.

Peach crisp ingredients in a baking dish.

Substitution Options

If you need to swap ingredients, here are reliable substitutions:

  • White whole wheat flour → all-purpose flour or almond flour.
  • Rolled oats → quick-cooking oats (texture will be slightly different).
  • Light brown sugar → white sugar or maple syrup (adjust dry/wet balance).
  • Butter → coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Peach crisp crumble topping in a bowl.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

  • 8×8-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Fork for cutting butter into the topping (or pastry cutter)
Peach crisp with crumble topping ready to be baked.

FAQ

Can I use canned peaches for this recipe? Canned peaches are softer and contain more liquid, so they are not recommended for best texture and flavor.

Can I substitute another fruit? Yes. Apples, cherries, mixed berries, or stone fruits can be used in place of peaches.

What can I use instead of sugar? Honey, maple syrup, or other liquid sweeteners can be used but may change texture and baking time slightly.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes. Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

close up of a peach crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Storing Peach Crisp

Store the peach crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic presentation.

Freezing Peach Crisp

To freeze, assemble the crisp in a freezer- and oven-safe container but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze until needed. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a little extra time to reach a bubbling filling and golden topping.

Why freeze it? Freezing lets you prepare dessert ahead of time for last-minute gatherings or busy nights.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat in the oven for best texture, or use the microwave for speed.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to prevent over-browning and heat for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in 30–60 second intervals until warm. Microwave reheating is quicker but can soften the crumble topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm as a simple dessert at home or bring it to BBQs and picnics. Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel for an indulgent touch.

Peach Crisp Recipe (Makes 6 servings)

Prep time: 15 minutes • Cook time: 45 minutes • Total: 1 hour

Ingredients

Filling

  • 5 cups sliced peaches
  • 2 tablespoons white whole wheat flour (or substitute)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping

  • 5 tablespoons salted butter, softened (or coconut oil)
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup white whole wheat flour (or substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced peaches with the flour, ginger, and cinnamon until the fruit is evenly coated.
  3. Pour the peach mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  4. In the same bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt for the topping.
  5. Add the softened butter and use a fork or your fingers to cut it into the dry ingredients until small crumbles form.
  6. Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the peaches.
  7. Bake at 400°F for 40–50 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oven and let sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.

Tips & Notes

  • If using frozen peaches, thaw and drain them well before assembling to avoid excess liquid.
  • Adjust sweetener to taste depending on the sweetness of your peaches.
  • For a crunchier topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely to prevent burning.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 286 kcal • Carbohydrates: 46 g • Protein: 3 g • Fat: 10 g • Fiber: 2 g • Sugar: 30 g

Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.

Peach crisp in a bowl with vanilla ice cream.

Photography by: The Wooden Skillet