This comforting peach crumble dessert brings together the natural juiciness of ripe peaches and the golden crunch of a spiced crumble topping. Succulent peach slices are layered beneath a buttery, cinnamon-kissed topping that bakes to a crisp perfection.Enjoy it warm, crowned with a hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream—where the toasty crumble meets the creamy chill for a melt-in-the-mouth symphony of textures and flavors. It’s a simple yet soul-satisfying treat that celebrates the essence of summer.
❤️ You’ll Love This Peach Crumble Recipe
- Flavor: Juicy, sun-ripened peaches bring a luscious sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich, golden crumble topping—offering a perfect balance of fruity freshness and indulgent buttery notes.
- Texture: Each spoonful delivers a satisfying contrast—tender, syrupy peaches beneath a crisp, slightly nutty crumble that adds just the right amount of crunch.
Effortless to Make: Made with pantry staples and fresh peaches, this peach crumble comes together quickly—perfect for when you want a no-fuss dessert that still feels special.
Warm & Inviting: A comforting mix of juicy peaches, cozy cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla fills your kitchen with a heartwarming aroma that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.
Versatile Delight: Serve it solo, topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, or as the highlight of your dessert table—this peach crumble brings a touch of seasonal charm to any occasion.
🧾 Ingredient Notes
For Peach Mixture:
- Peaches:
- Select fully ripened peaches to ensure rich, natural sweetness in your dessert.
- Working with underripe peaches?You might want to add a touch more sugar to offset the tanginess and achieve a well-balanced sweetness.
- No fresh peaches on hand? Frozen or canned peaches work too—just thaw frozen ones completely before use. For canned peaches, opt for those packed in water and drain thoroughly; skip varieties stored in syrup or juice to avoid excess sweetness.
- Vanilla, Lemon Juice & Cinnamon: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor of the peaches, while lemon juice cuts through the sweetness with a zesty brightness. A dash of ground cinnamon infuses both the fruit and the topping with a cozy, aromatic warmth.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener, helping the peach filling set to the right consistency. If preferred, arrowroot powder makes a great alternative for a similar effect.
- Granulated Sugar: Used to sweeten the dish, enhancing the natural sugars of the peaches without overpowering them.
For Crumble Topping:
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the crumble precisely, ensuring a well-balanced flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour forms the foundation of the crumble topping, giving it a beautifully crisp and crumbly finish once baked.
- Light Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: The duo adds layered sweetness—white sugar offers clean, pure sweetness, while light brown sugar introduces a rich, molasses-like depth.
- Pecans: Finely chopped pecans are ideal for an even texture throughout the crumble. Large pieces can create uneven bites, so smaller bits ensure better distribution.
- Nut Variations: Feel free to experiment with other nuts like chopped walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a personalized touch and added crunch.
👩🍳 How to Make Peach Crumble? (Pics)
Peel Peaches:
- Traditional Technique: Use a handheld peeler to remove the peach skins manually, offering a simple, no-fuss approach.
- Boiling Water Method: Alternatively, try the blanching method for effortless peeling. Score a small “X” at the base of each peach with a knife, dip them in boiling water for around 30 seconds, then plunge them into an ice-cold water bath.
Slice the peaches in half, discard the pit, and cut each half into moderately thick wedges.
Make Peach Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
1) In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches with white sugar, cornstarch, a dash of ground cinnamon, a splash of pure vanilla extract, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. These ingredients not only enhance the natural sweetness of the peaches but also help thicken the mixture as it bakes.
2) Gently toss everything together until the peach slices are well-coated and the sugar and cornstarch dissolve into a glossy, spiced syrup that clings to the fruit. Be sure every slice is evenly covered to ensure consistent flavor throughout the dessert.
3) Once mixed, transfer the peach filling into a lightly greased 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish, ideally with a 2-quart capacity. Spread the mixture out in an even layer, pressing down slightly to eliminate any air pockets and create a smooth base for the crumble topping.
Make Crumble Topping:
4, 5) In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, white sugar, a pinch of salt, and a generous dash of ground cinnamon. This aromatic blend forms the base of the crumble topping, with the cinnamon adding a warm, spiced depth to the sweetness of the sugars.
6, 7) Next, incorporate small cubes of cold unsalted butter into the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, gently work the butter into the flour mixture. Continue blending until the mixture takes on a crumbly texture, similar to coarse breadcrumbs. It’s perfectly fine if a few small chunks of butter remain; they will melt during baking, creating little pockets of rich, buttery flavor.
8, 9) Once the butter is mixed in, fold in the finely chopped pecans. Mix just enough to evenly distribute the nuts throughout the crumble. The pecans add a delightful crunch and a slightly nutty, earthy taste that complements the sweet and spiced elements of the mixture, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Bake:
10) Generously and evenly scatter the prepared crumble topping over the peach filling, making sure to cover the entire surface without pressing it down.
11) Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping turns a rich golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling up around the edges.
After baking, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool for approximately 20 minutes. This brief resting time gives the peach juices a chance to settle and slightly thicken, resulting in a richer, more cohesive texture.. Serve warm and savor every bite!
💭 Expert Tips For Making Peach Crumble
- Opt for Fully Ripe Peaches: Always select peaches that are fully ripe, as they offer the richest flavor and natural sweetness, which are essential for a standout crumble. Avoid underripe peaches, as they may result in a bland or overly tart filling.
- Adjust Salt Based on Butter Type: If you’re using salted butter in the crumble topping, be sure to reduce or completely omit any additional salt from the recipe to prevent the final dish from tasting overly salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor balance, so it’s generally preferred.
- Finely Chop Pecans for a Delicate Texture: When preparing the crumble topping, finely chopping the pecans will create a more uniform, delicate texture that blends seamlessly with the flour and sugar. This not only enhances the mouthfeel but also ensures a more consistent distribution of nutty flavor throughout the topping.
- Let the Crumble Rest Before Serving: After taking the peach crumble out of the oven, allow it to rest at room temperature for at least 20–30 minutes. This resting period is crucial—it allows the bubbling peach juices to settle and thicken, which improves the overall texture and helps the flavors meld beautifully. Serving too early may result in a runny filling that hasn’t yet had a chance to set properly.
🥣 Make Ahead & Storage
- Advance Preparation: You can prepare the peach filling and the crumble topping separately and keep each in airtight containers for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply combine them and proceed with baking as usual.
- Storage of Leftovers: Any remaining peach crumble should be refrigerated and can be kept for 3 to 4 days. Note that refrigeration will soften the crunchy topping, causing it to lose its crispness.
- Reheating Instructions: To savor your crumble warm once more, place it in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) and heat for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is evenly warmed throughout.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Elevate your peach crumble experience by pairing it with a generous scoop of rich, creamy vanilla ice cream. The warm, tender crumble contrasts beautifully with the cool, velvety ice cream, creating a harmonious balance of temperatures and textures that delight the palate with every bite. This classic combination never fails to satisfy and is perfect for an indulgent dessert.
- Whipped Cream or Coconut Whipped Cream: Add a light and airy touch to your peach crumble by topping it with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream. For anyone looking to avoid dairy, coconut whipped cream serves as a delicious and perfect alternative. Its subtle coconut flavor complements the peaches wonderfully, while offering a creamy texture that enhances the overall dessert without overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
- Drizzle with Sauce: For an extra layer of decadence, drizzle your peach crumble with luscious caramel or rich butterscotch sauce. These rich, buttery sauces gently seep into the crumble topping, infusing it with extra flavor and an elegant, gourmet touch.. This finishing touch transforms a simple dessert into a spectacular treat that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Yogurt and Honey: Give your leftover peach crumble a fresh and wholesome twist by serving it as a breakfast or snack option. Combine it with a dollop of thick Greek yogurt or your favorite plant-based yogurt, and finish with a light drizzle of golden honey. This pairing adds a creamy tang and natural sweetness, turning the crumble into a nutritious, energizing start to your day while still indulging in that comforting peach flavor.
