Peach crumble is a timeless dessert beloved for its comforting, rustic charm. Originating from British and American kitchens, this dish showcases ripe, juicy peaches topped with a golden, buttery crumble. It’s a sweet celebration of summer’s bounty, though it can be enjoyed all year round thanks to fresh, frozen, or canned peaches.
What makes it special? The contrast of textures: the tender, syrupy fruit beneath a crisp, crumbly topping. Often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, peach crumble feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients
For the Peach Filling:
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6 cups fresh, frozen, or canned peaches (peeled and sliced)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
For the Crumble Topping:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup rolled oats
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⅔ cup brown sugar (packed)
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Substitution Suggestions:
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Use gluten-free flour and oats for a gluten-free version.
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Replace sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option.
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Try vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or equivalent size.
2. Make the Peach Filling
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In a large bowl, mix sliced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
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Toss gently until evenly coated.
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Spread the mixture evenly in your baking dish.
3. Prepare the Crumble Topping
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In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
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Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fingers to mix until the texture is like coarse crumbs.
4. Assemble and Bake
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Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the peaches.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the peach filling is bubbly.
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Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
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Don’t overmix the crumble — it should stay crumbly, not pasty.
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Avoid underripe or overripe peaches for best texture.
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Don’t skip the cooling step — it helps set the filling.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Use chilled butter for a crispier topping.
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Add chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) to the crumble for crunch.
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A touch of ginger or cardamom can add a unique twist to the spice blend.
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If using frozen peaches, thaw and drain excess liquid first.
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A cast-iron skillet works great for baking and serving this rustic dessert.
Variations and Customizations
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Vegan: Use plant-based butter and maple syrup.
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with almond or GF flour blends.
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Low-Carb/Keto: Try almond flour, monk fruit sweetener, and skip the oats.
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Regional Twist: Add bourbon to the peach mix for a Southern flavor.
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Fruit Mix: Combine peaches with berries or nectarines for variety.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with:
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Vanilla ice cream
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Whipped cream
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Greek yogurt for a tangy twist
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Garnish with:
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Fresh mint leaves
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A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
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Caramel drizzle for extra indulgence
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Perfect pairings:
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Hot tea, iced coffee, or dessert wine
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Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 320 kcal
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Protein: 3g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Sugars: 25g
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Fat: 15g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: 120mg
Note: Values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prep everything and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Q: Can I freeze peach crumble?
A: Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Q: My topping turned soggy. What happened?
A: This usually means too much juice or not enough baking time. Try adding a bit more cornstarch next time.
Closing Thoughts
Peach crumble is more than just a dessert — it’s a delicious tradition that brings comfort, nostalgia, and a touch of sweetness to any table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is simple enough to master and impressive enough to share.
