Strawberry Peach Crisp: the very words conjure up images of warm summer evenings, the sweet scent of ripe fruit baking in the oven, and the satisfying crunch of a golden, buttery topping. Have you ever experienced that perfect bite, where the juicy sweetness of fruit melds seamlessly with a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth topping? That’s precisely what we’re aiming for today!
While crisps, crumbles, and cobblers have variations across different cultures, the basic concept – fruit baked with a sweet topping – has been a comforting dessert staple for generations. Think of it as a rustic, less fussy cousin to pie. It’s a celebration of seasonal bounty, a way to transform simple ingredients into something truly special. And this Strawberry Peach Crisp is no exception.
What makes this dessert so universally loved? Well, for starters, it’s incredibly easy to make. No fancy pastry skills are required! The combination of sweet strawberries and juicy peaches is a classic for a reason – their flavors complement each other beautifully. The crisp topping adds a delightful textural contrast, offering a satisfying crunch that balances the soft, yielding fruit. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. I promise, this will become your go-to dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Preparing the Fruit Filling
Alright, let’s get started with the heart of our crisp – the delicious fruit filling! This is where the magic happens, and we’ll combine the sweet strawberries and peaches with just the right amount of other ingredients to create a juicy and flavorful base.
- Prep the Fruit: First things first, we need to get our strawberries and peaches ready. Wash the strawberries thoroughly and hull them (remove the green tops). Slice them into even pieces – about 1/4 inch thick is perfect. For the peaches, you’ll want to peel them. The easiest way to do this is to score an “X” on the bottom of each peach, then blanch them in boiling water for about 30-60 seconds. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. The skins should slip right off! Once peeled, slice the peaches into similar-sized pieces as the strawberries.
- Combine the Fruit: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced strawberries and peaches. We want to be careful not to mash them, so a gentle toss is all you need.
- Add the Sweetness and Zing: Now, add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. The sugar will enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit, the lemon juice will add a bright zing, the cornstarch will help thicken the juices as it bakes, the cinnamon will provide a warm spice, and the salt will balance all the flavors.
- Mix Gently: Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients together until the fruit is evenly coated. Make sure the cornstarch is well distributed to prevent any clumps.
- Set Aside: Once everything is mixed, set the fruit filling aside while we prepare the crisp topping. This will give the flavors a chance to meld together.
Making the Crisp Topping
Now for the star of the show – the crumbly, buttery crisp topping! This is what gives our dessert that irresistible texture and adds a delightful contrast to the soft, juicy fruit filling. Don’t be intimidated; it’s super easy to make!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, packed light brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined. The baking powder will give the topping a little lift, making it extra light and crispy.
- Add the Cold Butter: This is the key to a good crisp topping! Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the bowl with the dry ingredients. The butter needs to be cold so that it doesn’t melt too quickly and create a greasy topping.
- Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pieces of butter throughout the mixture – this is what will create those delicious pockets of buttery goodness in the finished crisp. If using your fingertips, work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add Nuts (Optional): If you’re using nuts, now’s the time to add them! Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the crumb mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For an even crispier topping, you can chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before using. This will help the butter stay cold and prevent it from melting too quickly in the oven.
Assembling and Baking the Crisp
We’re almost there! Now it’s time to put everything together and bake our delicious Strawberry Peach Crisp. The aroma that will fill your kitchen while it’s baking is simply heavenly!
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure that the fruit filling cooks through and the topping becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the crisp from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
- Pour in the Filling: Pour the prepared fruit filling into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle on the Topping: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the fruit.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent the topping from burning. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the dish with aluminum foil.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken up a bit and prevent it from being too runny.
Serving Suggestions
Now for the best part – enjoying your homemade Strawberry Peach Crisp! Here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing for a warm fruit crisp. The cold ice cream melts slightly over the warm crisp, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is another delicious option. It adds a light and airy sweetness that complements the fruit filling perfectly.
- Greek Yogurt: For a slightly healthier option, try serving the crisp with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. It adds a tangy flavor and a creamy texture.
- A Drizzle of Honey or Maple Syrup: If you want to add a little extra sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the top of the crisp before serving.
- Enjoy it Warm: The best way to enjoy this crisp is warm, right out of the oven. The flavors are at their peak, and the topping is at its crispiest.
Tips and Variations
Want to customize your Strawberry Peach Crisp? Here are a few tips and variations to try:
- Use Different Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits! Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples, and pears all work well in a crisp. You can even create a mixed berry crisp for a burst of flavor.
- Add Spices: Get creative with your spices! A pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom can add a warm and inviting flavor to the crisp.
- Use Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans or walnuts, try using almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts.
- Make it Gluten-Free: To make this crisp gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Make it Vegan: To make this crisp vegan, use a vegan butter substitute and ensure that your sugar is vegan-friendly (some granulated sugar is processed with bone char).
- Add a Streusel Topping: For an even richer topping, try adding a streusel topping made with flour, butter, sugar, and spices.
- Make Individual Crisps: Instead of baking the crisp in a large baking dish, you can bake it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftover crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:
- Topping is Too Dry: If your topping is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of melted butter or milk to the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Topping is Too Wet: If your topping is
Conclusion:
This Strawberry Peach Crisp isn’t just a dessert; it’s a burst of summer sunshine in every bite! The sweet, juicy strawberries and peaches, perfectly complemented by the buttery, crumbly topping, create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a restaurant-quality dessert right in your own kitchen. Forget complicated baking projects; this crisp is all about simple pleasures and satisfying results.
But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. While it’s absolutely divine served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (my personal favorite!), there are so many ways to customize it to your liking. For a richer experience, try adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the topping will add a delightful crunch.
And don’t limit yourself to just strawberries and peaches! This recipe is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to experiment with other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of stone fruits like plums and nectarines would work beautifully. You could even add a touch of spice, like cinnamon or nutmeg, to the fruit filling for a warm, comforting flavor.
For a truly decadent experience, consider serving the crisp with a scoop of mascarpone cheese. The creamy, slightly tangy cheese perfectly complements the sweetness of the fruit and the richness of the topping. Or, if you’re looking for a lighter option, a dollop of Greek yogurt will add a refreshing tang.
Beyond the classic serving suggestions, think about incorporating this Strawberry Peach Crisp into other desserts. Crumble it over pancakes or waffles for a special breakfast treat. Use it as a topping for ice cream sundaes or parfaits. Or, get creative and layer it with yogurt and granola for a healthy and delicious dessert parfait.
I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special celebration. It’s also a great way to use up those ripe summer fruits before they go bad.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this Strawberry Peach Crisp. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you served it. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to improve my recipes. Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I can’t wait to see your creations!
Strawberry Peach Crisp: The Ultimate Summer Dessert Recipe
A classic summer dessert with a juicy strawberry peach filling and buttery oat topping. Serve warm with ice cream!
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Fruit: Wash and hull strawberries, slicing into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Peel peaches (score an “X” on the bottom, blanch in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath). Slice peaches into similar-sized pieces as the strawberries.
- Combine the Fruit: In a large bowl, gently combine strawberries and peaches.
- Add Sweetness and Zing: Add granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl.
- Mix Gently: Gently mix all ingredients until fruit is evenly coated.
- Set Aside: Set the fruit filling aside while you prepare the topping.
- Combine Dry Ingredients (Topping): In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Cold Butter (Topping): Add cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
- Cut in the Butter (Topping): Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Nuts (Optional – Topping): Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the crumb mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Chill (Optional – Topping): Chill the topping mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for an even crispier topping.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour in the Filling: Pour the prepared fruit filling into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle on the Topping: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit filling.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let cool slightly for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt.
- Experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or apples.
- Add spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
- Use different nuts like almonds or hazelnuts.
- Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Make it vegan by using vegan butter and vegan-friendly sugar.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- If topping is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter or milk.
