Sweet, juicy peaches topped with a thick buttery, crunchy oatmeal crumble make this Peach Crisp one of the best summer desserts you’ll ever make. It’s simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between a peach crisp and a peach cobbler, you’re not alone. A traditional Southern peach cobbler usually has a biscuit-like or cake-style topping, while a peach crisp is topped with a buttery oat crumble that bakes up golden brown and crisp. Both are delicious, but I love the crunchy topping on a good peach crisp.
There’s just something special about peach season in the South. Whether you’re picking up fresh Georgia peaches from a roadside stand, the farmers market, or using peaches from your freezer, this easy dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.
I love this Peach Crisp because it’s easier than pie, quicker than most cakes, and always gets rave reviews. The peaches bake up sweet and bubbly while the buttery brown sugar oat topping turns perfectly golden and crisp.
With Fourth of July celebrations, family reunions, church potlucks, and summer cookouts right around the corner, this easy peach dessert is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, freshly whipped cream, or both. After all, who’s counting calories during peach season?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Thick, buttery crisp topping
- Perfect for fresh summer peaches
- Can be made with frozen or canned peaches
- Easier than making a pie
- Great for cookouts and family gatherings
- Perfect served warm or cold
- Delicious with ice cream or whipped cream
- Can be made year-round
What You’ll Need to make this Best Peach Crisp Recipe
(Be sure to see the full printable recipe below this post.)
For the Peach Filling
●Fresh peaches
• Butter
●Granulated sugar
●Brown sugar
●Cornstarch
●Lemon juice
●Vanilla extract
●Ground cinnamon
●Pinch of salt
For the Crisp Topping
●Old-fashioned oats
●All-purpose flour
●Brown sugar
●Granulated sugar
●Ground cinnamon
●Salt
●Cold butter
How to Make Peach Crisp
- Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter and combine the peaches sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. . Cook on medium heat until the peaches are tender. About 3 minutes. Next add the cornstarch and cook over low heat for about 1 minute.

- Spread the peach mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

- Mix together the crisp topping ingredients until crumbly.

- Sprinkle the topping generously over the peaches.
- Bake for about 50 to 55 minutes or until the peaches are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.

- Let rest for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Successful tips for Making the Best Peach Crisp
- Use ripe but firm peaches for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch—it helps thicken the peach juices.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor if desired.
- Use cold butter for the crispiest topping.
- Let the crisp cool slightly before serving so the filling can set.
- If using frozen peaches, thaw and drain them first.
- If using canned peaches, drain them well before using.

Variations
Peach Blueberry Crisp
Add 1 cup fresh blueberries to the peach filling for a beautiful summer variation that’s perfect for Fourth of July celebrations.
Peach Blackberry Crisp
Fresh blackberries add a delicious sweet-tart flavor that pairs beautifully with peaches.
Peach Raspberry Crisp
Raspberries add a bright pop of color and flavor.
Peach Pecan Crisp
Mix ½ cup chopped pecans into the topping for extra crunch and Southern flavor.
Cast Iron Peach Crisp
Bake the crisp in a cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation that’s perfect for entertaining.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern Peach Crisp is perfect for:
●Fourth of July celebrations
●Memorial Day cookouts
●Labor Day gatherings
●Family reunions
●Church potlucks
●Summer picnics
●Backyard barbecues
●Sunday dinners
●Holiday gatherings
Serve with:
●Vanilla ice cream
●Homemade whipped cream
●Fresh whipped topping
●Caramel sauce
●A sprinkle of cinnamon
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best peaches for peach crisp?
Freestone peaches are my favorite because they’re easy to peel and slice, but any ripe, sweet peach will work.
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes. Simply thaw and drain them well before using.
Can I use canned peaches?
Absolutely. Drain them thoroughly before adding them to the recipe. Peaches packed in juice are ideal, but peaches packed in syrup work too.
Do I have to peel the peaches?
I recommend peeling them for the best texture, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
What’s the difference between a peach crisp and a peach crumble?
Peach cobbler typically has a biscuit, batter, or cake-like topping, while peach crisp features a buttery crumb topping made with oats. Both are delicious Southern desserts, but a crisp has a crunchier texture thanks to the oat topping.
Can I make peach crisp ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it several hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze peach crisp?
Yes. Bake, cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months.
If you’re looking for an easy summer dessert that everyone will love, this Easy Southern Peach Crisp is hard to beat. Sweet peaches, a buttery oat topping, and a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream make this one of those old-fashioned desserts that brings people back for seconds every single time.
Whether you’re making it with fresh peaches during peach season or using frozen or canned peaches during the winter months, this Southern favorite is always a winner.
Thank you for stopping by. I’ll be back soon with more delicious Southern recipes.
With love,
Aletia
More recipes that you will love!!
Southern Old-Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler
Pineapple Cherry Crunch with Salted-Caramel Pecans
Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions about the recipes. I would love to hear from you and if you make it, be sure to use #deliciouslysouthern and let me know how you like it. Lastly, please follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
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Best Peach Crisp Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 to 45 minutes
Total Time: -29720942.55 minute
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Description
Sweet, juicy peaches topped with a thick buttery, crunchy oatmeal crumble make this Peach Crisp one of the best summer desserts you’ll ever make. It’s simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Peach Filling
● 8 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
●. 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) salted butter, melted
●. 1/3 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
●. 1/2,cup granulated sugar
●. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
●. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
●. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
●. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
●. Pinch of salt
Crisp Topping
●. 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
●. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
●. 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
●. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
●. 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
●. 1/2 teaspoon salt
●. 1 cup (2 sticks) cold salted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large saucepan melt 1/4 cup butter.
- Add peaches, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt to the melted butter. Stir well. Cook on medium high for about 3 minutes or until peaches are slightly tender. Let sit 4 to 5 minutes until the peaches begin releasing their juices.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the peaches and stir well. Cook 1 additional minute until slightly thickened.
- Pour the peach mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over peaches.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Optional Variations
- Add 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Add 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.
- Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the topping.
- Use frozen peaches if fresh are not in season.
Notes
Make Ahead:
Prepare the peach filling and crumble topping separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. You can also assemble the entire crisp a few hours ahead and refrigerate until baking.
Storage:
Store leftover peach crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm larger portions in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Freezing:
Peach crisp freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through and crisp on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg



