Strawberry Peach Crisp
Highlighted under: Sweet Indulgence
When I first made this Strawberry Peach Crisp, I couldn’t believe how the flavors danced together. The sweet, juicy fruits combined with the crunchy topping create a delightful contrast that I can’t resist. As the crisp bakes in the oven, the aroma fills the kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait. Perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert has quickly become a family favorite that I love to share at gatherings and special occasions.
Creating this Strawberry Peach Crisp was an adventure in flavor combination. I realized that using ripe, fresh fruits makes all the difference. I often mix different fruit ratios, but the classic pairing of strawberries and peaches has stolen my heart. I suggest slicing the peaches and strawberries just right to ensure they soften perfectly during baking.
As I perfected this recipe, I learned that the key to achieving a crunchy topping is not to overmix the oats and butter. A little inconsistency in size helps create those delightful little crunchy bits that contrast with the tender fruit underneath. Serve it warm for the best experience!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bright, fruity flavors that burst with freshness
- Crunchy oat topping that complements the soft fruit
- Easy to make and perfect for gatherings
Understanding Your Ingredients
The choice of fruits is critical for achieving the best flavor in your Strawberry Peach Crisp. Fresh strawberries and peaches are essential, as they provide a juicy, sweet, and tangy combination. If fresh fruit isn’t available, you can use frozen fruit, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture to prevent a soggy crisp. For a twist, consider adding other seasonal fruits like blueberries or raspberries, which can complement the main flavors beautifully.
Brown sugar in the crisp topping is not just for sweetness; it adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor that enhances the overall dessert. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half of the brown sugar with coconut sugar or even maple syrup, but keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture of the topping.
Perfecting the Crisp Topping
When making the topping, it's important to achieve a crumbly texture that still holds its shape. If your mixture feels too dry, don’t hesitate to add a touch more melted butter, one tablespoon at a time, until it resembles damp sand. This balance ensures that you get those delightful crispy bits on top while preventing it from being overly greasy.
For variations, feel free to experiment with the spices in the topping. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract can create a different flavor profile that pairs well with the fruit. Additionally, if you want a nutty crunch, consider mixing in some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans – just be sure to adjust the amounts of oats and flour accordingly.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients before you start for a smoother cooking experience.
For the Crisp
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups fresh peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Make sure everything is fresh for the best taste!
Instructions
Preheat the oven and prepare your baking dish for an easier baking process.
Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and peaches with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir until well-coated.
Make the Crisp Topping
In another bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Stir until crumbly but combined.
Assemble
Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly distribute the oat topping over the fruit.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Don’t forget to let it cool slightly before digging in!
Pro Tips
- For the best flavor, use ripe fruits and serve warm with ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serving your Strawberry Peach Crisp warm is the key to unlocking its full flavor potential. To elevate the experience, top each serving with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing it to melt slightly over the hot fruit. This contrast of temperatures creates a delightful experience, making it an unforgettable dessert for your guests.
For an added touch of sophistication, consider drizzling your crisp with a homemade berry sauce made from simmered berries and a splash of lemon juice. This will enhance the fruity flavors while adding a beautiful visual element to the plate.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (though they are unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the fruit mushy.
For longer storage, consider freezing the prepared, unbaked crisp. Just assemble the fruit and topping in your baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw — just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, but keep in mind that frozen fruit may result in a slightly wetter filling. You might need to adjust the baking time.
→ Is there a gluten-free option?
Sure! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and topping separately and assemble before baking. Just increase the baking time if refrigerated.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Strawberry Peach Crisp
When I first made this Strawberry Peach Crisp, I couldn’t believe how the flavors danced together. The sweet, juicy fruits combined with the crunchy topping create a delightful contrast that I can’t resist. As the crisp bakes in the oven, the aroma fills the kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait. Perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert has quickly become a family favorite that I love to share at gatherings and special occasions.
Created by: Bethany Clarke
Recipe Type: Sweet Indulgence
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Crisp
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups fresh peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and peaches with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir until well-coated.
In another bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Stir until crumbly but combined.
Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly distribute the oat topping over the fruit.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Extra Tips
- For the best flavor, use ripe fruits and serve warm with ice cream.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g