This Easy Strawberry Peach Crisp is a sweet delight that combines juicy strawberries and ripe peaches, all topped with a crunchy oat topping. Perfect for any day!
Seriously, who can resist warm fruit with a golden crust? I like to enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—pure happiness in a bowl! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star here. If they are out of season, feel free to use frozen strawberries; just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal, but you can substitute canned peaches (drained) or even nectarines if that’s what you have on hand.
Sugar: I like using a mix of granulated and brown sugar for depth of flavor. For a healthier version, you can substitute half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture, but quick oats can work in a pinch. If you’re gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.
Butter: Unsalted butter is what I prefer, but you could substitute coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crisp Topping?
The topping is what makes this dish special! It should be crunchy and crumbly. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix the dry ingredients well (flour, oats, sugars, and cinnamon) before adding the melted butter.
- When you add the butter, use a fork or your hands to combine everything. You want small clumps of the mixture to form, not a dough.
- Spread the topping evenly over the fruit layer, ensuring it covers all the fruit for even baking.
Keep an eye on it while baking; if the topping becomes too dark, you can cover it loosely with foil to let the fruit finish baking without burning.
Easy Strawberry Peach Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert requires about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus 40 to 45 minutes of baking. You’ll have a warm, gooey treat ready in about an hour! Enjoy the sweet smells wafting through your kitchen while it bakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your crisp bakes evenly from the start.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hulled and halved strawberries and sliced peaches. Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss everything gently to coat the fruit evenly and distribute the sugar flavor throughout.
3. Transfer the Fruit Mixture:
Pour the fruit mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will be the tasty base of your crisp.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Combine these dry ingredients thoroughly.
5. Combine with Butter:
Pour the melted butter over the oat mixture. Use a fork or your hands to mix until the ingredients are crumbly. You want small clumps that will bake up nicely.
6. Assemble the Crisp:
Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover all the fruit so it stays juicy while baking.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and you can see the fruit bubbling underneath.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the juices settle a bit. Serve it warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra special touch.
Enjoy your delicious and easy strawberry peach crisp with family and friends! It’s a crowd-pleaser!
FAQ for Easy Strawberry Peach Crisp
Can I Use Frozen Fruit for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries and peaches! Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in your crisp. Adjust the baking time slightly, as frozen fruit may take a bit longer to cook through.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Can I Make This Crisp Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fruit filling and oat topping separately up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor!
