Strawberry Peach Crisp
Highlighted under: Oven Delights
Whenever I make this Strawberry Peach Crisp, I'm reminded of warm summer days spent with family. The sweet, juicy strawberries and succulent peaches create a beautiful combination that bursts with flavor in every bite. Topped with a crunchy oat and almond topping, this dish is perfect for serving at gatherings or simply enjoying on a cozy night in. I love how easy it is to prepare, making it an ideal dessert option for any occasion.
When I first attempted to make this crispy dessert, I underestimated how incredible the combination of strawberries and peaches could be. I also experimented with the topping, adding a touch of cinnamon to the oat mix, which enhanced the overall flavor profile beautifully. This crisp is not just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic treat that takes me back to my childhood.
Serving this Strawberry Peach Crisp warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, is simply divine. I find that letting it rest for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to settle and the flavors to meld together, making each bite even more satisfying. Trust me, this recipe will become a favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly sweet and tart flavor balance
- Crunchy oat topping adds texture and depth
- Quick to prepare, perfect for last-minute gatherings
Understanding the Ingredients
The star ingredients of this Strawberry Peach Crisp are, of course, the strawberries and peaches. When selecting fruits, look for ripe, sweet varieties to ensure the filling is naturally flavorful. Farmers' markets often have the freshest options during their peak seasons. If fresh fruit isn’t available, you can use frozen fruit; just ensure to thaw and drain excess moisture to prevent a soggy crisp.
Granulated sugar is essential for enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruits, while cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to create a luscious filling that won’t run. The vanilla extract and lemon juice provide a balance of flavor—one enhances sweetness, and the other adds a hint of tartness, elevating the overall taste beautifully.
Achieving the Perfect Topping
The topping is key to a successful crisp, providing that delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender fruit. It’s important to work the cold butter into the oat mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs; this ensures that the topping bakes evenly and creates a nice crumble. If using your fingers feels messy, a pastry cutter or food processor can make this step easier, helping you achieve the right texture quickly.
For an extra flavor kick, consider toasting the almonds before adding them to the mixture. This small step enhances their nuttiness, adding depth to the crisp. Keep an eye on them while toasting; they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in just a couple of minutes. You want them nicely browned but not overly dark.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful Strawberry Peach Crisp:
For the Filling
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups fresh peaches, sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
Now that you have everything prepared, let’s move on to the cooking instructions!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Strawberry Peach Crisp:
Prepare the Fruit Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and peaches. Add granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the fruits are well coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Make the Topping
In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. If desired, stir in sliced almonds for added crunch.
Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit filling. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the crisp cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It’s delicious on its own or topped with vanilla ice cream!
Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Peach Crisp! Perfect for any gathering or a sweet treat at home.
Pro Tips
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the topping. You can also substitute the peaches with other fruits like nectarines or blackberries, depending on what you have available.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Strawberry Peach Crisp can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great choice for busy nights or gatherings. You can assemble the fruit filling and topping separately, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply layer them in your baking dish and pop them in the oven straight from the fridge. This also gives the flavors time to meld!
If you have leftovers, storing them properly is essential. Cover the crisp with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes. You can reintroduce that crispy topping by placing it under the broiler for a minute or two—just watch it closely!
Serving Suggestions
Serving this crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, as the cold creamy texture complements the warm, juicy fruit wonderfully. You can also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt over the top for added flavor complexity. If you prefer a lighter option, opt for whipped cream or yogurt for topping, which will let the fruit shine.
For a twist, try adding spices such as nutmeg or a pinch of ginger to the filling for a warm flavor profile. If you want to make it more indulgent, consider adding a layer of chocolate chunks into the fruit filling, giving it a rich twist that's sure to delight chocolate lovers. Experimenting with these variations can make this dessert a staple in your repertoire.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit filling and topping separately, then bake just before serving.
→ What fruits can I use instead of strawberries and peaches?
You can use any fruits you like, such as apples, blueberries, or cherries. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit.
→ Can I freeze the Strawberry Peach Crisp?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly after thawing.
→ How long should I let the crisp cool before serving?
Let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to thicken and makes it easier to serve.
Strawberry Peach Crisp
Whenever I make this Strawberry Peach Crisp, I'm reminded of warm summer days spent with family. The sweet, juicy strawberries and succulent peaches create a beautiful combination that bursts with flavor in every bite. Topped with a crunchy oat and almond topping, this dish is perfect for serving at gatherings or simply enjoying on a cozy night in. I love how easy it is to prepare, making it an ideal dessert option for any occasion.
Created by: Rosalie Mitchell
Recipe Type: Oven Delights
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Filling
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups fresh peaches, sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and peaches. Add granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the fruits are well coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. If desired, stir in sliced almonds for added crunch.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit filling. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let the crisp cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It’s delicious on its own or topped with vanilla ice cream!
Extra Tips
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the topping. You can also substitute the peaches with other fruits like nectarines or blackberries, depending on what you have available.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 4g