Indulge in the luscious harmony of sun-ripened peaches enveloped beneath a golden, buttery crumble. This Peach Crumble offers the perfect juxtaposition of warm, tender fruit and a crisp, caramelized topping a dessert that embodies comfort and nostalgia in every bite. Serve it fresh from the oven with a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for a truly decadent experience.
Ingredients
For the Peach Filling:
- 6 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the peach slices with granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir gently until the peaches are well-coated and slightly glossy. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes, and using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The texture should be crumbly but hold together when pressed lightly.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the peach filling, ensuring the fruit is mostly covered. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peach juices are bubbling around the edges.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the crumble cool slightly before serving to allow the juices to thicken. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream for an irresistible finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Peach Crumble:
- Choose ripe but firm peaches—too soft, and they’ll become mushy; too firm, and they won’t release enough juices.
- If fresh peaches aren’t in season, frozen or canned peaches (drained well) can be used as a substitute.
- For an extra crunch, toss in chopped pecans or almonds to the crumble topping.
- Love a deeper caramel flavor? Swap out some of the sugar for dark brown sugar or maple syrup.
This Peach Crumble is rustic, timeless, and effortless—perfect for summer gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply when you crave something warm and sweet. Enjoy!
Delicious Variations
🌿 Peach & Berry Crumble – Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries) to the peach mixture for a vibrant, tangy twist.
🥥 Coconut Almond Crumble – Stir in ¼ cup of shredded coconut and ¼ cup of chopped almonds into the crumble topping for a tropical and nutty flavor boost.
🍯 Honey Bourbon Peach Crumble – Replace half of the sugar in the peach filling with 2 tablespoons of honey and add 1 tablespoon of bourbon for a deeper, caramel-like complexity.
🍎 Peach-Apple Crumble – Swap out half of the peaches for thinly sliced apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) for a cozy autumn variation.
🌾 Gluten-Free Peach Crumble – Use almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure the oats are certified gluten-free for a fully GF-friendly dessert.
🌱 Vegan Peach Crumble – Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative to make the dish completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
How to Store & Reheat Peach Crumble
🍑 Room Temperature – If you plan to eat the crumble within the same day, you can leave it loosely covered at room temperature for up to 6 hours.
❄️ Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
🔥 Reheating – Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-40 seconds or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore its crisp texture.
🧊 Freezing Instructions – Peach crumble can be frozen before or after baking:
- Unbaked: Assemble the crumble, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
- Baked: Let the crumble cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Perfect Pairings
🍨 Classic Vanilla Ice Cream – A timeless pairing that enhances the warmth of the peaches and the buttery crumble.
🍯 Salted Caramel Sauce – Drizzle a touch of salted caramel over your peach crumble for an extra indulgent treat.
☕ Chai Tea or Cinnamon Coffee – The spiced undertones of chai or cinnamon coffee complement the cozy flavors of the crumble beautifully.
🍾 Sweet Dessert Wines – A chilled Moscato d’Asti, Riesling, or late-harvest Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the peaches.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Crumble
– Effortless Elegance – No need for fancy techniques—just mix, layer, and bake!
– Perfectly Balanced Texture – Buttery, crunchy topping meets soft, juicy peaches in every bite.
– Seasonal & Versatile – A summer classic, but easily adapted for any season with different fruits.
– Make-Ahead Friendly – Ideal for gatherings, meal prep, or last-minute dessert cravings.
This Golden Peach Crumble is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Each spoonful brings together warm fruit, a crisp, golden topping, and a hint of spice, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
A Brief History of Fruit Crumbles
Fruit crumbles have deep roots in European and American baking traditions. They gained popularity in Britain during World War II, when rationing limited access to ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour—making it difficult to prepare traditional pies. Bakers substituted the labor-intensive pie crust with a simple, crumbly topping made from flour, sugar, and fat.
In the United States, fruit crumbles (also known as crisps) evolved into a staple of home-style baking, especially in the South, where peach cobbler and peach crumble became beloved desserts. Today, the crumble is cherished worldwide for its simplicity, adaptability, and rustic charm.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Peach Crumble
🍑 Selecting the Best Peaches
- Freestone peaches are ideal since their pits separate easily from the flesh, making prep faster.
- If peaches are underripe, leave them at room temperature for 1-2 days to soften. For quick ripening, store them in a paper bag with a banana or apple to speed up the process.
- To remove the skins effortlessly, blanch peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath—the skins will slide right off!
🧈 Mastering the Crumble Topping
- Use cold butter and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a food processor. This keeps the crumble light and crisp rather than dense.
- Want an extra-crunchy topping? Mix in a handful of crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or granola.
- For a richer taste, brown the butter first before incorporating it into the crumble mixture.
🔥 Baking Like a Pro
- If your peaches are extra juicy, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of additional cornstarch into the filling to prevent excessive sogginess.
- Place the baking dish on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any bubbling juices that may spill over.
- Let the crumble rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking—this allows the juices to thicken, making each serving cleaner and more flavorful.
Common Peach Crumble Troubleshooting
🚨 Crumble Topping is Too Dry & Powdery
👉 Solution: Increase the butter slightly or add a tablespoon of milk or cream to help the mixture bind together better.
🚨 Topping is Too Soft & Soggy
👉 Solution: Make sure the butter is cold when incorporated and avoid over-mixing. You can also bake the crumble 10 minutes longer to crisp it up.
🚨 Peach Filling is Too Watery
👉 Solution: Use ripe but firm peaches and always mix them with a thickening agent like cornstarch, flour, or tapioca starch. If the filling still seems too liquid, try baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
🚨 Overly Sweet Crumble
👉 Solution: Cut back on the sugar in the filling or use a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness. You can also replace sugar with maple syrup or honey for a more complex flavor.
Creative Ways to Serve Peach Crumble
For Breakfast – Enjoy a scoop of crumble with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a delightful morning treat.
As a Tart or Galette – Transform the recipe into a rustic peach galette by layering the filling in a pie crust and topping it with the crumble before baking.
Peach Crumble Parfait – Alternate layers of crumble, fresh peaches, and vanilla pudding or whipped cream in glasses for a fancy no-bake dessert.
Peach Crumble Cheesecake – Sprinkle the crumble mixture over a classic New York-style cheesecake for added texture and flavor.
Frozen Peach Crumble Bars – Press the crumble mixture into a pan, add the peach filling, and freeze. Cut into bars for a refreshing summer treat.
Before making your Peach Crumble, you might wonder whether you should peel the peaches or not. Find out the pros and cons in our guide: Should You Peel Peaches for Peach Crumble?.
FAQ
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions to help you perfect your Peach Crumble every time!
1. What’s the difference between a crumble, crisp, and cobbler?
- A crumble has a buttery, streusel-like topping made from flour, sugar, and butter.
- A crisp is similar but includes oats in the topping, giving it a crunchier texture.
- A cobbler has a biscuit or cake-like topping instead of a crumbly one.
2. Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?
Yes! Here’s how:
- Canned peaches: Drain them well and reduce the sugar in the recipe since they are often packed in syrup.
- Frozen peaches: Let them thaw completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before using.
3. How do I know if my peaches are ripe enough?
Ripe peaches should feel slightly soft when gently pressed and have a sweet, fragrant aroma. If they’re too firm, let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 days.
4. Do I have to peel the peaches?
No, but peeling makes the texture smoother. If you prefer skin-on peaches, simply wash them well before slicing.
To peel easily:
- Score an “X” on the bottom of each peach.
- Drop them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath.
- The skins should slip off effortlessly!
5. How do I make my crumble topping extra crispy?
- Use cold butter and cut it into the flour using your fingers or a pastry cutter.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts, oats, or crushed graham crackers for more crunch.
- Bake an extra 5-10 minutes if you want a deep golden brown topping.
6. Why is my peach filling watery?
- Your peaches might be extra juicy, so try adding an extra tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to thicken the filling.
- Let the crumble rest for 10-15 minutes after baking so the juices can set.
Final Thoughts
This Golden Peach Crumble is a timeless dessert that perfectly balances sweet, spiced, and buttery flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family gathering, a backyard barbecue, or simply to savor the peak of peach season, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Print
Peach Crumble Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Peach Crumble is a delightful summer dessert made with juicy, ripe peaches and a buttery oat crumble topping. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this easy recipe is perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Peach Filling
6 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
For the Crumble Topping
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
Prepare the Peaches
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the peach slices with granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir gently until the peaches are well-coated and slightly glossy. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes, and using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The texture should be crumbly but hold together when pressed lightly.
Assemble and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the peach filling, ensuring the fruit is mostly covered. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peach juices are bubbling around the edges.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the crumble cool slightly before serving to allow the juices to thicken. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream for an irresistible finish.
Notes
For extra crunch, add ¼ cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or almonds) to the crumble topping.
You can substitute peaches with other stone fruits like nectarines or plums.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: (leave blank if unknown)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 52mg
Keywords: Peach crumble summer dessert fruit crisp peach crisp