Strawberry Peach Crisp
Highlighted under: Classic Inspiration
I love making Strawberry Peach Crisp during the summertime when the fruits are perfectly ripe. The combination of sweet strawberries and juicy peaches, all topped with a crunchy oat mixture, creates a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Each spoonful is a burst of fruity goodness, and the best part is how simple it is to prepare! Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own, this dessert is sure to impress family and friends throughout the season.
When creating my Strawberry Peach Crisp, I really wanted to capture the essence of summer in every bite. I found that mixing fresh strawberries with ripe peaches brings a delightful harmony of flavors. As I experimented with different sweetener levels, I discovered that a hint of brown sugar complemented the fruits perfectly, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Baking the crisp is where the magic truly happens—the golden top creates a delightful contrast to the soft, gooey fruit filling underneath. Serve it warm; you'll find that the combination of warmth and cool vanilla ice cream makes for an unforgettable treat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Juicy fruits create a refreshing summer dessert
- Crunchy oat topping adds the perfect texture
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up anytime
Understanding the Fruit Selection
When making Strawberry Peach Crisp, selecting the ripest fruits is essential for achieving the best flavor. Look for strawberries that are bright red and shiny, with no white tips, as this indicates they’re ripe and sweet. For peaches, choose those that yield slightly to pressure without being overly soft. During peak summer season, local farmers' markets are an excellent place to find the freshest options, which will elevate the overall taste of your dessert.
If you can’t find fresh peaches or strawberries, frozen fruits can be a suitable alternative. Just remember to thaw them beforehand and drain any excess juice to prevent a soggy bottom on your crisp. For extra flavor, you can toss in some blueberries or raspberries along with the strawberries and peaches, creating a delightful mixed fruit crisp that brings an extra layer of tartness.
Perfecting the Crisp Topping
The crisp topping is what makes this dessert truly irresistible. To achieve that perfect texture, the rolled oats should be old-fashioned rather than quick-cooking oats, as they provide a heartier crunch. Mixing the dry ingredients with melted butter is key; this helps to distribute the fat evenly through the mixture, which will result in a beautifully golden and crunchy topping. Aim for a consistency that resembles wet sand—this will ensure even clumping while baking.
For an additional flavor boost, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, into the crisp topping. Not only do they enhance the texture, but they also add a nutty depth that wonderfully complements the sweet fruit underneath. If you're looking to make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; just be mindful to monitor baking time as it may vary.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Once your Strawberry Peach Crisp is baked to perfection, allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This short cooling period allows the juices to set, making it easier to scoop out portions for serving. While the crisp is delicious on its own, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to another level of indulgence. A sprinkle of mint leaves can also brighten up the presentation.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or warm them up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the crisp before baking; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake from frozen, extending the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups fresh peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Mix both fillings and top with the crisp for a delicious dessert!
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and peaches. Add in the granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss together until well mixed, then set aside.
Make the Crisp Topping
In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the fruit mixture in an even layer in a greased baking dish. Top with the crisp mixture and bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly delightful dessert experience.
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Pro Tips
- For an added twist, try mixing in some blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries and peaches.
Ingredient Roles
In this crisp, strawberries and peaches create a harmonious balance of sweetness and tartness that defines the dessert. Sugar acts as a flavor enhancer for the fruits, helping to amplify their natural sweetness. The cornstarch also plays a crucial role; it thickens the fruit juices as they bubble during baking, preventing a watery filling that interferes with the topping's texture.
The melted butter in the crisp topping not only adds richness but also aids in binding the dry ingredients. When the butter meets the sugars and oats, it allows the crisp to form a golden crust that is both crunchy and satisfying. The addition of spices like cinnamon not only contributes warm flavors but also elevates the aroma, making your kitchen smell wonderful as it bakes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your crisp topping remains too crumbly or does not form a cohesive layer, try adding a bit more melted butter. The right balance of fat is essential for binding. Conversely, if the topping is too greasy, you may have used too much butter or not mixed it thoroughly. This can happen when the dry ingredients do not fully absorb the fat, so ensure you stir until the crumbs are well combined.
For a burnt topping, check that you are baking at the correct temperature and not placing the dish too close to the oven's heat source. If you notice the topping browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last stages of baking to prevent over-browning. This will allow the fruits to continue cooking without burning the topping.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the fruit filling and crisp topping separately, then combine and bake when ready.
→ Is it possible to use other fruits?
Absolutely! Apples and cherries also work beautifully in this crisp.
Strawberry Peach Crisp
I love making Strawberry Peach Crisp during the summertime when the fruits are perfectly ripe. The combination of sweet strawberries and juicy peaches, all topped with a crunchy oat mixture, creates a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Each spoonful is a burst of fruity goodness, and the best part is how simple it is to prepare! Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own, this dessert is sure to impress family and friends throughout the season.
Created by: Nell Abernathy
Recipe Type: Classic Inspiration
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Filling
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups fresh peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and peaches. Add in the granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss together until well mixed, then set aside.
In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the fruit mixture in an even layer in a greased baking dish. Top with the crisp mixture and bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Once baked, allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly delightful dessert experience.
Extra Tips
- For an added twist, try mixing in some blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries and peaches.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g