How to Make a Simple Peach Crisp from Scratch

A simple, healthy peach crisp that's vegan and gluten-free. Juicy peaches with a crunchy oat and almond crumble topping. Ready in 40 minutes.
peach crisp

Golden Peach Crisp with California Almond Crumble

A simple, healthy peach crisp that's vegan and gluten-free, featuring a crunchy oat and almond topping.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dessert, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 215

Ingredients
  

For the Crumble Topping
  • 1 cup gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
For the Peach Filling
  • 4 cups sliced fresh peaches about 4-5 medium peaches, peeled if desired

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with a little coconut oil or nonstick spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir in the melted coconut oil and maple syrup until everything is well coated and clumps together.
  3. Spread the sliced peaches evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the oat crumble mixture over the top, covering the fruit completely.
  4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the topping is golden and the peaches are bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 5mgFiber: 5gSugar: 18g

Notes

For a nut-free version, replace the almonds with an equal amount of sunflower seeds or extra oats. If using frozen peaches, thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid. This crisp is best served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave. To make ahead, assemble the crisp (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes if needed.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Why You’ll Love This Peach Crisp

It’s 90 degrees outside, you have a basket of peaches that smell like heaven, and you need dessert in under an hour. I’ve been there. And honestly? This peach crisp is exactly what you need. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and comes together in about 40 minutes flat. No complicated steps, no weird ingredients, just juicy peaches with a crunchy oat topping that’ll make your kitchen smell like a county fair.

Here’s the thing about this recipe. It’s one of those that feels fancy but is secretly the easiest thing you’ll make all summer. The topping? Just oats, almonds, a few warm spices, coconut oil, and a touch of maple syrup. The filling? Ripe peaches, sliced and ready to go. That’s it. No pre-cooking the fruit, no standing over a hot stove. Everything bakes right in the oven.

My grandmother always said the best desserts are the ones you don’t have to fuss over. And she was right. This peach crisp proves it. You get that perfect contrast tender, jammy peaches on the bottom and a buttery, cinnamon-scented crumble on top. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and I promise you’ll get wows.

peach crisp - main ingredients

Ingredients for Peach Crisp

Let’s talk about what goes into this easy peach dessert. The ingredient list is short, which I love. You probably already have most of this stuff in your pantry.

For the crumble topping:

  • Gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats These give the topping that classic nubby, crunchy texture. Regular oats work too, but if you need it gluten-free, grab certified GF oats from Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.
  • Sliced almonds Adds a nice little crunch and nutty flavor. You can swap for chopped pecans if that’s what you have.
  • Ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg The warm spice trio. This is where that cozy, comforting aroma comes from.
  • Melted coconut oil Keeps everything vegan and adds a subtle richness. Vegan butter works great too.
  • Maple syrup Just a tablespoon to sweeten the topping. It helps everything clump together nicely.

For the peach filling:

  • 4 cups sliced fresh peaches That’s about 4 to 5 medium peaches. Yellow peaches hold up better when baked, so grab those if you can. Peel them if you want, or leave the skins on for extra color and fiber. Totally up to you.

One thing I want to mention. This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, which is awesome. But even if you’re not following either diet, you’ll still love it. It’s just a really good peach crisp recipe.

How to Make Peach Crisp

Alright, let’s get into the how-to. I’ll walk you through the four main stages. It’s super straightforward, I promise.

Stage 1: Prep the oven and dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a little coconut oil or nonstick spray. This is your standard baking dish size, and it works perfectly for this amount of fruit and topping.

Step 1: Slicing fresh peaches
Step 1: Slicing fresh peaches

Stage 2: Make the crumble topping. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Give it a stir. Then pour in the melted coconut oil and maple syrup. Mix until everything is well coated and starts forming little clumps. That’s what you want those clumps will bake into crunchy bits. If the mixture looks too dry, drizzle in a tiny bit more melted oil. It always works.

Step 2: Mixing dry crumble ingredients
Step 2: Mixing dry crumble ingredients

Stage 3: Assemble the crisp. Spread the sliced peaches evenly in your prepared baking dish. Don’t overthink this part. Just make sure they’re in a single-ish layer. Then sprinkle the oat crumble mixture over the top, covering the fruit completely. It might seem like a lot of topping, but keep in mind that some of it seeps down into that juicy peach layer during baking. That’s a good thing.

Step 3: Combining wet and dry crumble ingredients
Step 3: Combining wet and dry crumble ingredients

Stage 4: Bake to golden perfection. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This traps steam and helps the peaches soften without drying out. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. The topping should be golden brown and the peaches should be bubbly around the edges. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me. It needs that rest time to set up a little.

Step 4: Assembling the crisp before baking
Step 4: Assembling the crisp before baking

Tips for the Best Peach Crisp

I’ve made this peach crisp more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. Here’s what I’ve learned.

  • Use ripe but firm peaches. Super-ripe peaches that are practically falling apart will turn to mush in the oven. You want peaches that give a little when you squeeze them but still hold their shape. Yellow peaches are your best bet they bake up firmer than white peaches.
  • Don’t skip the foil. Baking covered for the first 20 minutes ensures the peaches cook through without the topping burning. If you skip this step, you’ll end up with a burnt topping and raw fruit underneath.
  • Let it rest. That 5-minute rest after baking isn’t just for show. It lets the juices thicken up a bit so you don’t end up with a soupy mess on your plate.
  • If the topping browns too fast, cover it again. Every oven is different. If you notice the topping getting dark before the time is up, just tent some foil over it.

One more thing. Frozen peaches work great too. Just thaw them completely, drain all the liquid, and pat them dry with paper towels before using. This prevents the filling from getting watery. Canned peaches? Not ideal. They’re too soft and mushy for this recipe.

Variations to Try

This recipe is pretty perfect as is, but I love playing around with variations. Here are a few ideas.

  • Peach-blueberry crisp. Swap out 1 cup of the peaches for fresh or frozen blueberries. The berries burst and create this gorgeous purple jammy layer. So good.
  • Different nuts. Not a fan of almonds? Use chopped pecans or walnuts instead. Or leave the nuts out entirely and just add more oats. The topping will still be crunchy.
  • Spice it up. The cinnamon-ginger-nutmeg combo is classic, but you could use apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice for a different vibe.
  • Nut-free version. Replace the sliced almonds with an equal amount of sunflower seeds or extra rolled oats. Works perfectly.

How to Store and Reheat

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s how to keep that peach crisp tasting amazing.

Storing: Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping will soften a bit, but it’ll still be delicious.

Reheating: For the crispiest topping, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch (about 30 to 60 seconds), but the topping won’t be as crunchy. I always go for the oven when I have time.

Freezing: You can freeze the baked crisp for up to 3 months. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven. If you want to make it ahead, assemble the crisp without baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Then bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes if needed.

peach crisp - final presentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Go make this. You’ve got this. And when you do, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Find me on Pinterest and share your creation I’m always looking for new inspiration. Happy baking!

What’s the difference between a peach crisp and a peach cobbler?

A crisp has a nubby, crunchy topping made with oats and nuts. A cobbler has a biscuit-like topping that’s dropped on the fruit in spoonfuls. This recipe is definitely a crisp that oat and almond crumble gets perfectly golden and crunchy in the oven.

Can I freeze this peach crisp?

Yes! Bake the crisp first, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. The topping won’t be quite as crunchy as fresh, but it’s still delicious.

Can you make this peach crisp recipe in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble the crisp without baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes since it’ll be cold from the fridge. This is perfect for summer gatherings when you want to prep ahead.

Molly Keane

Molly Keane

Hi, I’m Molly — the comfort food specialist behind Recipes by Mike, where butter and patience make everything better. Here you’ll find cozy, from-scratch recipes inspired by my Nana Keane’s farmhouse cooking. Want more? Subscribe to get warm, buttery goodness straight to your inbox!

Hi, I’m Molly — a home cook, former pastry chef, and the soul behind the cozy corner of Recipes by Mike where comfort food gets a little love and a lot of butter.

I grew up in a creaky old farmhouse in upstate New York, the youngest of four kids in a loud, loving Irish-American family. My grandmother, Nana Keane, ruled the kitchen with an iron spatula and a jar of bacon grease always within arm’s reach. She taught me that the secret to a perfect pie crust isn’t technique — it’s cold butter, a l

[email protected]

6 Responses

  1. 5 stars
    I made this last night with some slightly overripe peaches from my farmers market and it turned out amazing! The topping got perfectly crispy. I substituted coconut oil for the butter and it worked great. Will definitely make again.

  2. 4 stars
    Really enjoyed this recipe, but I found the topping a bit too sweet for my taste. Could I reduce the maple syrup to just half a tablespoon? Also, would chopped almonds work instead of pecans?

    1. Hi Tom! Yes, you can definitely reduce the maple syrup to half a tablespoon, the topping will just be a bit less caramelized. And chopped almonds would work perfectly, they’ll add a nice crunch! Enjoy!

  3. 5 stars
    This peach crisp was a hit at our family dinner! The ginger and nutmeg added such a warm flavor. I served it with dairy-free ice cream and everyone went back for seconds. Thanks for sharing this gem!

  4. 3 stars
    I appreciate that this is gluten-free, but my topping came out a bit soggy instead of crisp. Any tips? I used certified gluten-free oats and melted butter. Maybe I didn’t bake it long enough?

    1. Hi Mike! Soggy topping is usually from underbaking or too much moisture in the peaches. Try baking an extra 5-10 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbling, and make sure your peaches aren’t overly ripe. Also, letting it rest 10 minutes after baking helps the topping set!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




microwave corn on the cob 122046972
How to Microwave Corn on the Cob Without the Mess?
written by Sarah Bennett
8 minutes
peach crisp 954306844
How to Make a Simple Peach Crisp from Scratch
written by Molly Keane
40 minutes
Quick Air Fryer Garlic Chicken Sandwich in 20 Minutes
written by Nathan Pike
40 minutes
baked orzo with halloumi 945462708
How to Make Baked Orzo with Halloumi and Roasted Veggies
written by Ethan Morrison
1 hour 5 minutes
The Best Roasted Lemon Cauliflower Bites
written by Katherine Reed
20 minutes
cherry yum yum 883418547
How to Make the Best Cherry Yum Yum at Home
written by Hunter Prescott
6 hours 25 minutes
Greek Yogurt Mango Bowl 5 Minute Easy Recipe
written by Hunter Prescott
14 minutes
creamy cucumber salad 426687531
How Do You Make the Best Creamy Cucumber Salad?
written by Emma Collins
20 minutes
creamed spinach 447619721
How to Make Creamed Spinach Like a Steakhouse?
written by Andrew Collins
20 minutes
classic crab imperial 444416376
How to Make Classic Crab Imperial at Home
written by Julia Whitfield
35 minutes
The Best Roasted Honey Carrots
written by Hunter Prescott
25 minutes
Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon Bowl Easy 20 Minute Meal
written by Benjamin Whitaker
25 minutes