Easy Peach Crisp Recipe

Is there anything better than a fruit crisp? We reckon a qualifying contender would be a fruit cobbler, but we happen to prefer a fruit crisp. While both fruit crisps and fruit cobblers showcase a juicy fruity filling, fruit crisps often include a layer of crunchy caramelized oat and nutty toppings that bring an extra element to dessert.

This delicious and easy peach crisp recipe comes to us from recipe developer and registered dietitian nutritionist, Kristen Carli, MS RD. One amazing thing about this recipe is that you can substitute other fruits, if needed. Maybe you don't like peaches, or maybe you only have frozen blueberries on hand. Not a problem — simply substitute your desired fruit for the peaches in this recipe and otherwise the recipe remains exactly the same. Read on for Carli's suggestions about fruit substitutions, and otherwise, let's jump right in!

To get started, you will need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, grab your frozen peaches, vanilla extract, brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, pecans, ground cinnamon, salt, and butter. Carli recommends using pecans in this recipe, but she suggests "you can simply omit them if you do not like nuts or are allergic." Carli also mentions that "frozen peaches are incredibly easy for this recipe and allow you to find ripe peaches year round."

Carli notes that this peach crisp recipe can be easily adapted for other fruits. She advises to "simply substitute the three pounds of frozen peaches for three pounds of other frozen fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, pitted cherries, strawberries, or a blend of any of those fruits." Yum, how good does a berry cherry crisp sound? We love that this recipe calls for frozen fruit as it ensures that you can get your hands on them year round! 

To start, preheat your oven to 350 F. Any good fruit crisp needs a filling. To make this peach filling, add the frozen peaches, vanilla extract, and ⅔ cup of the brown sugar to a large bowl. Using a wooden spoon, stir this mixture well to ensure that the peaches are completely coated in the brown sugar. Then pour this mixture into the prepared 9x11-inch baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

Now, it's time to make the peach crisp flavorful topping. In a medium bowl, add the remaining brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, pecans, cinnamon, and salt. Give this mixture a good stir to ensure it is well combined. Now, add one stick of softened butter that has been sliced into tablespoons. Stir this mixture well. Make sure the butter pieces are well incorporated into the flour mixture and full coated with the flour.

Add the crisp mixture on top of the peaches you have just put in the baking dish. Using a wooden spoon, press the mixture down into the baking dish. Make sure that the tablespoons of butter, that should be coated in flour by now, are evenly distributed across the top of the peach crisp. An even distribution of butter allows for it to melt and spread down into the crisp during baking. Bake this peach crisp for about 55 to 60 minutes.

Carli notes that "in order to officially enjoy a fruit crisp for dessert, it's advised to serve with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream." We happen to agree. Nothing beats a fruit crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You, of course, can skip this addition if desired, but why would you? Leftovers of this peach crisp store best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. However, we doubt you will have leftovers for that long!