A warm, sweet dessert fresh from the oven has the magical power to comfort, and there’s no better example of this than a peach crumble. This dessert combines juicy peaches with a golden, buttery crumble topping, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and sugar. Each bite offers a delightful balance of tender, sugary fruit and a crunchy, golden topping. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a summer barbecue, or enjoying a late-night treat, peach crumble is a dessert that’s sure to impress.
Why Is Peach Crumble Particularly Special?
Peach crumble is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting experience. Unlike more complex cakes or pastries, this dessert is straightforward, forgiving, and never fails to delight. It doesn’t matter if your peaches are a little too ripe or if your crumble topping isn’t perfectly even – it’ll still taste amazing.
This simple dessert has humble origins, relying on ingredients most people already have in their kitchen. Crumbles became popular because they’re quick and require no special skills. While fresh peaches are ideal during the summer, frozen or canned peaches make this dish a year-round treat. Even though it’s easy to make, it’s elegant enough for special occasions, and it pairs beautifully with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a foolproof dessert that’s both easy and delicious, your search ends here. This peach crumble recipe has everything you want in a sweet treat:
- Beginner-friendly: No fancy techniques or tools are required.
- Quick preparation: You can have this dessert ready for the oven in just 15 minutes.
- Versatile: Feel free to swap the peaches for apples, berries, or pears depending on what you have
- Kid-approved: A perfect choice for family baking sessions and is always a hit with the little ones.
Elements for Peach Crumble
Gather your ingredients – most of them are pantry staples! You’ll find these items in almost every kitchen, which makes this dessert both convenient and budget-friendly.
Ingredients for Peach Crumble
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes on Ingredient |
| Fresh peaches | 4-5 peaches | If peaches aren’t available, canned or frozen can work too. |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Adjust depending on how sweet your peaches are. |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Forms the base of the crumble topping. |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | Adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the topping. |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | Cold and cut into small cubes for easier mixing. |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Optional, but adds warmth and flavor. |
Recipe for Peach Crumble
This recipe has a minimal number of steps that are easy to follow, even for beginners. Let’s break it down into four simple stages.
Step 1: Get Ready Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, peel and slice your peaches. If the skins are tough, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. This will make peeling a breeze.
Once peeled and sliced, toss the peaches in a bowl with cinnamon and granulated sugar. Spread this mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have fresh peaches, no worries! Canned or frozen peaches work great too – just be sure to drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy crumble.
Step 2: Create the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add in the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture. You’re aiming for crumbs that will hold together when pinched.
For an added crunch, you can stir in some rolled oats, chopped almonds, or pecans into the crumble topping.
Step 3: Build and Bake
Now it’s time to assemble! Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the peaches in the baking dish. Be gentle while pressing it down – you want an even layer that will bake into a crisp, golden topping.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the peaches are bubbling around the edges and the crumble has turned a beautiful golden brown.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a shallow dish, place a baking sheet under your dish to catch any overflow of juices.
Step 4: Present and Savour
Once the crumble is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to thicken. For the best presentation, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pro Tip: For a sweet and savory twist, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving.
Advice for Perfect Peach Crumble
To make sure your peach crumble turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Pick the right peaches: Look for peaches that are ripe but firm. If they’re too soft, they’ll turn mushy in the oven, and if they’re too hard, they won’t cook properly.
- Cold butter for a crispy topping: Make sure your butter is cold when preparing the crumble. If the butter warms up before baking, the topping won’t be as crumbly and crisp.
- Mix it up: Add shredded coconut or chopped pecans to the topping for added texture and flavor.
- Storing leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To refresh the topping, simply reheat in the oven.
Last Thought
That’s all there is to it! You’ve just mastered a simple and delicious peach crumble recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a quiet night in, this dessert will become a staple in your kitchen.
I’d love to hear about your experience if you make this dish! Did you follow the recipe exactly, or did you put your own spin on it? Either way, your peach crumble is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Let them know about this tasty dessert – they’ll be glad you did!