When summer rolls in and fresh peaches are everywhere, there’s nothing better than a warm, sweet Fresh Peach Crumble. This classic dessert is one of the easiest ways to turn ripe peaches into a comforting treat. With juicy fruit filling and a golden, buttery crumb topping, peach crumble is the perfect blend of soft, sweet, and crisp. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, here’s how to make the best Fresh Peach Crumble at home.
Why Peach Crumble Is A Summer Favorite
Peach crumble is a timeless dessert that shows off the natural sweetness of peaches without too much fuss. Unlike pies, you don’t need to roll out pastry dough or spend hours prepping. Instead, you toss sliced peaches with a few simple ingredients and top them with a crumbly mix of butter, flour, sugar, and spices.
When baked, the peaches become tender and syrupy, while the topping turns crisp and golden. It’s rustic, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Choosing The Best Peaches
The star of any good crumble is the fruit. Always pick fresh, ripe peaches that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. Freestone peaches are best because the pits come out easily. If you’re using clingstone peaches, you’ll need a little more patience to remove the pits.
If your peaches aren’t fully ripe, let them sit at room temperature for a couple of days. A ripe peach should have a sweet aroma and a bit of give when you press near the stem.
Ingredients For Fresh Peach Crumble
Making a peach crumble doesn’t require fancy ingredients. Here’s a simple list for a classic version:
For the peach filling:
- 6 to 7 ripe peaches (about 6 cups sliced)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the crumble topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
How To Make Peach Crumble
Making Fresh Peach Crumble is simple enough for beginners. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or an 8×8 inch square pan.
Step 2: Peel and slice the peaches. To peel easily, score a small X at the bottom of each peach and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins will slip right off.
Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the peach slices with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix gently until peaches are well coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs with some larger chunks.
Step 5: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the peach filling.
Step 6: Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes or until the topping is golden and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices thicken up.
Serving Suggestions
Fresh Peach Crumble is best served warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is a classic combo that balances the warm fruit and crispy topping. You can also serve it with fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt if you want something lighter.
For a fun twist, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the crumble before serving. This adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the peaches.
Tips For The Perfect Peach Crumble
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is key for a crumbly, crisp topping. It creates small pockets that bake up crunchy and golden.
- Adjust Sugar: If your peaches are very sweet, you can reduce the sugar in the filling slightly to keep the flavors balanced.
- Add Nuts: For more crunch, stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake when you’re ready.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover the crumble and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.
Peach crumble also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm before serving.
Final Thoughts
A Fresh Peach Crumble is summer comfort food at its best. It’s simple, sweet, and uses the season’s best fruit in a way that feels homemade and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ, family dinner, or just enjoying a quiet night in, this crumble never fails to impress.