Easy Peach Crumble Recipe for a Perfect Dessert

Peach crumble is one of those desserts that encapsulates the joy of summer in every bite. It’s a simple, yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for those warm afternoons when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This peach crumble recipe takes advantage of fresh, ripe peaches, the star of the dish, and pairs them with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crumble topping that adds the perfect contrast in texture. It’s an easy recipe that requires minimal effort, yet results in a dessert so delicious, it’ll quickly become a family favorite.

What sets this crumble apart is its balance of flavors and textures. The peaches offer a natural sweetness that’s highlighted with a dash of cinnamon and a touch of lemon juice. Meanwhile, the crumble topping—lightly sweet, buttery, and crisp—perfectly complements the juicy peaches below. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s not overly sweet, which allows the natural flavors of the peaches to shine through. It’s the kind of dessert you can enjoy on a sunny afternoon with a cup of tea or as a sweet finish to a casual dinner party.

Peach Crumble Recipe Ingredients

One of the greatest things about this peach crumble recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re working with fresh peaches from the farmer’s market, frozen peaches that you have on hand, or even canned peaches in your pantry, this recipe can be adapted to suit what’s available to you. Each option brings something slightly different to the table, allowing you to create a delicious crumble regardless of the season.

Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Peaches: Which to Use?

When making a peach crumble, fresh peaches are undeniably the ideal choice. Their natural juiciness and ripeness contribute to a filling that is full of vibrant flavor. The key is to select ripe, but not overripe, peaches. You want peaches that yield to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy. When in season, fresh peaches bring a sunny sweetness that’s perfect for a summer dessert. If fresh peaches are available, simply peel and slice them into thin wedges for the best results.

However, if fresh peaches are not in season, frozen peaches are an excellent alternative. When using frozen peaches, be sure to partially thaw them before beginning the recipe. This will help prevent excess moisture from releasing into the filling, which could result in a soggy crust. Additionally, frozen peaches often contain more water, so it’s important to drain them well before using. If you find that the filling is too watery after baking, adding an extra tablespoon of cornstarch can help thicken it to the desired consistency.

Canned peaches, another viable option, are convenient and easy to use, especially when fresh or frozen peaches are out of reach. For the best results, choose canned peaches packed in water, rather than syrup, to avoid making the crumble overly sweet. If you must use peaches in syrup, reduce the sugar in the filling by about half to account for the additional sweetness from the syrup. Regardless of whether you use fresh, frozen, or canned peaches, the key to a great peach crumble is to make sure the peaches are the star of the dish.

Peach Filling Ingredients

The peach filling is the heart of this crumble, and it’s important to get the right balance of sweetness, acidity, and thickness. Below are the essential ingredients for making a luscious peach filling that holds up beautifully under the crumble topping.

5-6 Large Ripe Peaches (or Equivalent Frozen/Canned)
Fresh, ripe peaches are best for the filling, but frozen or canned peaches can be substituted in equal measure if necessary. The more ripe your peaches are, the sweeter and juicier your filling will be. The natural sugars in the peaches will melt during baking, creating a beautiful, syrupy base for the crumble.

1/4 Cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds a deeper, more complex sweetness to the peach filling. It also contributes a hint of molasses, which enriches the overall flavor profile of the crumble. This helps balance the brightness of the peaches and adds warmth to the dessert.

1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar adds the sweetness necessary to bring out the best in the peaches. While the brown sugar offers depth, the granulated sugar helps sweeten the fruit without overpowering it. Together, these two sugars create a filling that is perfectly balanced.

1 1/2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
Cornstarch is essential for thickening the peach filling, ensuring that it holds together under the crumble topping rather than becoming runny. It also helps prevent the excess moisture from the peaches from pooling around the crumble, keeping the dessert from becoming soggy.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a classic addition to any fruit dessert, and for good reason. It enhances the natural flavor of peaches, adding a warm, aromatic depth to the filling. The hint of spice also provides a comforting warmth that pairs beautifully with the buttery crumble topping.

1/4 Teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
While salt is often associated with savory dishes, it plays an important role in desserts as well. A pinch of fine sea salt balances the sweetness of the peaches and enhances the overall flavor, creating a more rounded and satisfying taste.

1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a crucial ingredient in this peach crumble recipe, providing a touch of acidity that brightens the sweetness of the peaches. The acidity also helps to preserve the vibrant color of the fruit and adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the crumble topping.

Crumble Topping Ingredients

The crumble topping is what sets this peach crumble apart, offering a contrast of textures that perfectly complements the soft, juicy peaches below. A well-made crumble topping should be buttery, slightly crisp, and just sweet enough to balance the tartness of the fruit.

1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour forms the base of the crumble topping, creating the necessary structure and texture. It acts as the foundation for the buttery, sugary crumble that gives this dessert its signature crunch. Be sure to measure the flour properly to avoid a topping that is too dense or too dry.

1/2 Cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
The brown sugar in the topping adds a lovely caramel-like flavor to the crumble. It not only sweetens the topping but also contributes to its golden color as it bakes. The molasses in the brown sugar enhances the buttery richness of the topping, creating the perfect contrast to the peaches.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Just like in the peach filling, ground cinnamon in the crumble topping elevates the flavor. It brings a warmth and spice that contrasts nicely with the fresh fruit and adds depth to the otherwise simple crumble.

1/2 Cup (1 Stick) Butter, Room Temperature, Cubed
Butter is the key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth crumble texture. Using room-temperature butter ensures that it blends easily with the dry ingredients, creating a cohesive dough-like mixture that bakes into crisp, golden perfection. The butter’s richness is what makes the crumble topping irresistible.

Optional Add-ins: Oats, Nuts, and Other Variations
For an extra crunch and flavor, consider adding oats or chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans to the crumble topping. Oats lend a heartiness to the crumble, while nuts add a satisfying texture and nutty depth that complements the sweetness of the peaches. You can experiment with different nuts and add-ins to customize the topping to your liking.

How to Make Peach Crumble Recipe Step-by-Step Instructions

After collecting all your ingredients, it’s time to combine them and get started. The process of making peach crumble is simple, but a few key steps ensure that it comes out perfectly every time.

Preparing the Peach Filling

Start by peeling and slicing the peaches. Remove the pit and cut the flesh into thin wedges. If you are using frozen peaches, allow them to partially thaw and then drain them thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peaches with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Gently stir to coat the peaches in the mixture. Allow the filling to sit for about 10 minutes to let the juices release, thickening slightly.

Making the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Add the cubed butter and, using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you are adding oats or nuts, mix them into the crumble at this stage. Set the topping aside.

Assembling the Crumble

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the prepared peach filling into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the peaches, ensuring an even layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the peach filling begins to bubble.

Serving Suggestions

Peach crumble is best served warm, straight from the oven. For an even more indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For those who prefer a more tangy contrast, a spoonful of Greek yogurt can add a creamy, slightly tart element that balances the sweetness of the dessert. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh peach slices for a touch of elegance.

Peach crumble can also be enjoyed the next day, making it an ideal dessert for meal prep or for serving at a family gathering. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave, and you’re ready to serve.

FAQs

What is the difference between a peach crisp and a crumble?

The key difference between a Peach Crumble and a crisp lies in the topping. A crumble features a buttery, flour-based topping, while a crisp incorporates oats, giving it a slightly more textured, crunchy finish.

What is the secret to a good crumble?

The secret to a perfect Peach Crumble lies in the balance of textures. Use cold butter to create a crisp, buttery topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft, juicy peach filling beneath.

Conclusion

Peach crumble is a dessert that brings comfort, flavor, and simplicity into one irresistible dish. With fresh, ripe peaches at its core, paired with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crumble topping, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or canned peaches, the versatility of this dish ensures that you can enjoy it year-round. Perfect for summer nights or any time you crave a