Peach Crumble Recipe

Few desserts capture the essence of summer like a warm, juicy peach crumble. With its golden, buttery topping and sweet, tender peaches bubbling underneath, this dessert is the perfect combination of crisp and soft, sweet and slightly tart. Whether you’re using fresh summer peaches, frozen ones, or even canned peaches, this recipe is designed to deliver the ultimate peach dessert experience.

Unlike its close relatives, the peach crisp and peach cobbler, this crumble has a rich, crumbly topping that doesn’t rely on oats (though you can add them if you prefer extra crunch). The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity—minimal ingredients, quick preparation, and flavors that speak for themselves.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to make the perfect peach crumble from scratch
• Tips for customizing the recipe with gluten-free, vegan, and spiced variations
• Serving ideas to elevate your dessert game
• Storage and reheating tips to keep leftovers fresh

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a weekend treat, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this peach crumble recipe is bound to become a favorite.

What is a Peach Crumble?

A peach crumble recipe is a classic dessert that features a layer of sweet, juicy peaches topped with a buttery, crumbly topping made from flour, sugar, and butter. When baked, the peaches become soft and syrupy, while the topping turns golden and crisp, creating a beautiful contrast in texture and flavor.

While often compared to peach crisp and peach cobbler, there are a few key differences:

• Peach Crumble: Features a streusel-like topping made with flour, sugar, and butter. It’s rich, crumbly, and slightly crisp.
• Peach Crisp: Similar to a crumble but usually includes oats in the topping for added crunch and texture.
• Peach Cobbler: Uses a biscuit or cake-like batter on top of the fruit, resulting in a softer, doughier topping.

Why Peach Crumble is a Favorite

• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already.
• Versatile: Works with fresh, frozen, or canned peaches.
• Quick to Prepare: No fancy equipment or complex techniques needed.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family barbecue, a holiday dinner, or a casual weeknight treat, peach crumble fits right in.

This dessert is beloved for its comforting flavors—the sweetness of ripe peaches balanced by the slightly salty, buttery topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients for Peach Crumble Recipe

Creating the perfect peach crumble recipe starts with simple, high-quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible you can use fresh, frozen, or even canned peaches depending on what you have on hand. The combination of juicy peaches with a buttery, crumbly topping is what makes this dessert irresistible.

Ingredients Breakdown

Category	Ingredients
For the Peach Filling	6 fresh peaches (peeled and sliced) or 4 cups canned peaches (drained)
	½ cup granulated sugar
	1 tablespoon lemon juice
	1 teaspoon vanilla extract
	1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
For the Crumble Topping	1 cup all-purpose flour
	½ cup brown sugar
	½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
	½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
	¼ teaspoon salt
	½ cup rolled oats (optional, for added texture)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Peaches:
  • Fresh Peaches: Best for peak summer flavor. Choose ripe, slightly firm peaches for easy slicing.
  • Frozen Peaches: Thaw completely and drain excess liquid to avoid a watery filling.
  • Canned Peaches: Drain well and reduce the sugar slightly since canned peaches are often in syrup.
• Butter:
  • Use cold, unsalted butter for the crumble topping to achieve that perfect, crumbly texture.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Sugar:
  • Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the crumble.
  • You can adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your peaches—less sugar for very ripe peaches, more if they’re a bit tart.
• Cornstarch:
  • Helps thicken the peach juices as they bake. You can substitute with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch if preferred.
• Oats (Optional):
  • Adding oats gives the crumble topping extra texture and crunch, making it closer to a crisp.
  • For a nutty twist, mix in chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts.

These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of sweet, juicy peaches and a rich, buttery topping. Adjustments are easy to make, allowing you to customize the crumble to your taste.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peach Crumble

Making a peach crumble recipe is simple and rewarding. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a warm, golden dessert that’s bursting with juicy peach flavor and topped with a buttery, crumbly crust. Follow this guide to achieve the perfect crumble every time.

Prepare the Peach Filling

1. Peel and Slice the Peaches:
   • If using fresh peaches, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, transfer to an ice bath, and the skins will peel off easily. Slice into even wedges.
   • If using canned peaches, drain them well to remove excess syrup. For frozen peaches, thaw and drain thoroughly.
2. Mix the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with:
     • ½ cup granulated sugar
     • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adds brightness)
     • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for depth of flavor)
     • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the juices as it bakes)
   • Toss gently until the peaches are evenly coated.
3. Layer the Peaches:
   • Pour the peach mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan. Spread the filling evenly.

Make the Crumble Topping

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together:
     • 1 cup all-purpose flour
     • ½ cup brown sugar
     • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
     • ¼ teaspoon salt
2. Add Butter:
   • Add ½ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture.
   • Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Optional Add-In:
   • Stir in ½ cup rolled oats if you prefer a heartier, crunchier texture.

Assemble and Bake

1. Add the Crumble Topping:
   • Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the peach filling, covering the fruit completely.
   • For extra crunch, press some of the crumble lightly into the peaches, leaving some pieces loose for a crumbly texture.
2. Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Place the dish on the center rack and bake for 35-40 minutes until:
     • The topping is golden brown.
     • The peach filling is bubbling around the edges.
3. Cool Slightly:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken and the flavors to settle.

Serve and Enjoy

• Serve warm for the best flavor, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• You can also enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge—it’s just as delicious!

Serving Suggestions for Peach Crumble Recipe

One of the best things about peach crumble recipe is its versatility. Whether you prefer it warm and cozy or chilled and refreshing, this dessert can be dressed up or enjoyed simply as is. Here are some creative ways to serve your peach crumble to enhance its flavors and textures.

1. Serve It Warm or Chilled

• Warm with Ice Cream:
  The classic way to enjoy peach crumble is warm, fresh out of the oven, served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts slightly into the warm crumble, creating a creamy contrast to the sweet, juicy peaches and crispy topping.
• Chilled for a Refreshing Treat:
  For a refreshing summer dessert, refrigerate the crumble and serve it cold. The flavors become more concentrated, and the texture firms up slightly, making it easy to slice into squares.

2. Delicious Toppings to Elevate the Flavor

• Whipped Cream:
  A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds lightness to the rich, buttery crumble. For extra flavor, try adding a dash of cinnamon or vanilla to the cream.
• Caramel Drizzle:
  Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the crumble for a decadent, sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the peaches.
• Greek Yogurt or Crème Fraîche:
  For a slightly tangy contrast, serve peach crumble with a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. This works especially well if you’ve reduced the sugar in the crumble.
• Fresh Berries:
  Add a burst of color and freshness with a handful of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries sprinkled on top.

3. Creative Pairing Ideas

• Breakfast Crumble:
  Leftover peach crumble makes a surprisingly delightful breakfast! Serve it cold with a side of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. The oats in the crumble topping (if used) make it feel like a fruit-and-granola parfait.
• With Spiced Tea or Coffee:
  Enjoy a slice of warm peach crumble with a cup of chai tea, spiced latte, or cold brew coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.
• Savory Twist:
  Believe it or not, peach crumble pairs well with savory dishes. Serve it as a sweet side dish at a summer barbecue, alongside grilled meats like pork chops, chicken, or sausages. The sweet and savory combo is unexpectedly delicious!

4. Garnish Ideas for a Beautiful Presentation

• Mint Leaves: Add a pop of color with fresh mint sprigs for a clean, refreshing touch.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
• Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts on top just before serving for extra crunch.

Final Serving Tip:

For special occasions, serve your peach crumble in individual ramekins for a personalized, elegant dessert. This also helps the crumble retain its crisp texture when serving to guests.

Peach Crumble Recipe Variations

While the classic peach crumble recipe is delicious on its own, there are endless ways to customize it to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you want to make it gluten-free, vegan, or add a unique flavor twist, here are some creative variations to try.

1. Make It Gluten-Free

If you’re avoiding gluten, it’s easy to adapt this recipe without sacrificing flavor or texture.

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. These blends often contain a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum to mimic the structure of regular flour.
• Almond Flour Option: For a nutty flavor, use almond flour in place of all-purpose flour. This adds a slightly softer, crumbly texture.
• Oats: If you’re adding oats to the crumble topping, make sure they’re labeled gluten-free as some oats are processed in facilities that handle gluten.

Tip: Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling when using gluten-free flour to help thicken the juices effectively.

2. Vegan Peach Crumble

For a dairy-free, plant-based version, simply swap out the animal-based ingredients.

• Butter Substitute: Use vegan butter or solid coconut oil in place of regular butter.
• Sugar: Most granulated and brown sugars are vegan, but double-check to ensure they’re not processed with bone char.
• Serve with Coconut Whipped Cream: For a delicious, dairy-free topping, whip chilled coconut cream with a little maple syrup and vanilla.

Tip: Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor, which pairs beautifully with peaches especially if you add a little shredded coconut to the crumble topping.

3. Adding Extra Flavors

If you love experimenting in the kitchen, try enhancing your peach crumble with these flavor twists:

• Spiced Peach Crumble:
  • Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, or a pinch of cardamom to the peach filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
  • Sprinkle a dash of clove or allspice in the crumble topping during fall for a cozy vibe.
• Peach and Berry Crumble:
  • Mix in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries with the peaches.
  • The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the peaches beautifully.
• Citrus Twist:
  • Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the crumble topping for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  • A splash of orange juice in the peach filling can also enhance the fruity notes.

4. Nutty Peach Crumble

For an extra crunch and depth of flavor, nuts make a great addition.

• Add to the Topping:
  • Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the crumble mixture before baking.
• Candied Nuts:
  • For a sweeter, more decadent twist, top the crumble with candied pecans after baking for a delightful crunch.

Tip: Lightly toast the nuts before adding them to the crumble to bring out their natural oils and deepen the flavor.

5. Healthier Peach Crumble

Looking for a lighter version? Here are some simple adjustments:

• Reduce the Sugar: Cut the sugar in both the filling and topping by half, especially if your peaches are very ripe and sweet.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a slightly nutty taste.
• Natural Sweeteners: Use maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar instead of refined sugars.

6. Tropical Peach Crumble

For a fun, tropical twist, try this variation:

• Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the crumble topping.
• Replace the lemon juice with lime juice for a zesty kick.
• Mix in diced pineapple or mango with the peaches for a refreshing, exotic flavor.

Final Variation Tip:

Don’t be afraid to get creative! The crumble topping is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to adjust spices, add-ins, and flavors to make it your own.

How to Store and Reheat Peach Crumble

One of the best things about peach crumble recipe is that it stores well, making it a great dessert to enjoy over several days. Whether you want to keep it fresh for leftovers, prepare it in advance, or freeze it for later, here’s how to store and reheat your crumble while maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.

1. Storing Peach Crumble

At Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage):

• If you plan to eat the crumble within 1 day, you can cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temperature.
• Make sure it’s kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

In the Refrigerator (Best for Longer Freshness):

• For longer storage, place the crumble in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
• Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
• Chilling the crumble helps preserve the fresh, juicy peach filling, but the topping may lose a bit of its crispness.

Tip: To maintain the crisp texture of the topping, you can add a piece of parchment paper between the crumble and the wrap to prevent condensation.

2. Freezing Peach Crumble

Baked Peach Crumble:

• Let the crumble cool completely after baking.
• Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Alternatively, transfer individual portions to airtight freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Unbaked Peach Crumble:

• Assemble the crumble as usual but do not bake it.
• Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Tip: Use a disposable foil pan if you’re freezing the crumble for convenience, so you don’t tie up your regular baking dishes.

3. Reheating Peach Crumble

from the Refrigerator:

• Oven (Best for Crisp Topping):
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the crumble (covered loosely with foil) in the oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  • Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the topping to crisp up.
• Microwave (Quickest Option):
  • Transfer an individual serving to a microwave-safe dish.
  • Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel.
  • Heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds.
  • Note: This method softens the crumble topping but is great for convenience.

from Frozen:

• For a Fully Baked Frozen Crumble:
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake straight from frozen, covered with foil, for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
  • Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to crisp the topping.
• For an Unbaked Frozen Crumble:
  • Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes until the peaches are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
  • No need to thaw before baking!

4. Tips to Keep the Crumble Topping Crispy

• Avoid Excess Moisture: Store the crumble uncovered (or loosely covered) when refrigerated for short periods to prevent the topping from getting soggy.
• Reheat in the Oven: Always reheat in the oven if you want to bring back that freshly baked crispness.
• Add Crunch Back: If the topping softens too much, sprinkle a little extra brown sugar and melted butter on top before reheating to restore the crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Difference Between a Peach Crumble and a Peach Crisp?

The main difference lies in the topping:

• Peach Crumble: Has a buttery, streusel-like topping made with flour, sugar, and butter. It’s crumbly and rich, with a slightly crisp texture when baked.
• Peach Crisp: Includes oats in the topping, giving it a crunchier, more textured bite. Some crisp recipes also add nuts for extra crunch.

Both are delicious, but if you prefer a more crumbly, cake-like topping, go with a crumble. If you like crunchier textures, try a crisp.

2. What is the Secret to Good Crumble?

The secret to a perfect crumble is all about achieving the right balance of texture and flavor:

• Use Cold Butter: Cold, cubed butter creates a crumbly, crisp texture. Soft butter can make the topping too dense.
• Don’t Overmix: Blend the butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs—like small pebbles. Overmixing can make the topping heavy.
• A Touch of Salt: A small pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and flavor of both the crumble and the fruit.
• Bake Until Golden: Make sure to bake the crumble long enough for the topping to turn golden brown and crisp, and the fruit to bubble underneath.

Bonus Tip: Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for an extra crunchy finish.

3. Can You Make a Peach Crumble?

Absolutely! Making a peach crumble is simple, quick, and requires basic ingredients like peaches, flour, butter, and sugar.

• Fresh, frozen, or canned peaches can all be used.
• The recipe is versatile—you can adjust the sweetness, add spices, or toss in extra fruits like berries.
• Whether you’re a beginner or experienced baker, peach crumble is a foolproof dessert that always turns out delicious.

Check out the step-by-step guide above to get started!

4. Should You Peel Peaches for Peach Crumble?

It’s optional, but peeling peaches can improve the texture of your crumble:

• Why Peel? The skins can become a bit tough or chewy when baked. Peeling ensures a smooth, tender filling.
• How to Peel Easily: Blanch peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, transfer them to an ice bath, and the skins will slide off effortlessly.
• When to Skip Peeling: If you’re short on time or using thin-skinned, very ripe peaches, leaving the skins on adds a rustic touch and extra fiber.

Tip: If using canned or frozen peaches, they’re usually already peeled, saving you time!

Conclusion – A Peach Lover’s Dream Dessert

There’s nothing quite like a warm, golden-brown peach crumble fresh out of the oven. With its juicy, sweet peaches bubbling beneath a buttery, crumbly topping, this dessert is the perfect blend of comfort and simplicity. Whether you enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chilled with whipped cream, or even as a sweet breakfast treat, peach crumble is always a crowd-pleaser.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can customize it with different fruits, add spices, or make it gluten-free or vegan with a few simple swaps. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that requires no fancy equipment—just basic ingredients and a little baking love.