Here’s a nostalgic dessert that’s easy to whip up and full of bold flavor: this Peach Crumble recipe! Imagine: a layer of juicy, tender peaches seasoned with vanilla and lemon juice. It’s topped with a golden crumble layer spiced with cinnamon and ginger that’s got just the right amount of crispness and irregular crumble pieces. Top with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and it’s an incredible treat. It’s become a favorite in our family rotation of summer desserts!
Ingredients in this peach crumble recipe
What’s the difference between a crumble and a crisp? Technically speaking, a crisp has oats or nuts in the topping, whereas a crumble has just butter, flour and sugar. However, the lines have blurred in modern definitions so you’ll now see a lot of crumble recipes with oats. We already have this delicious Peach Crisp recipe, so we wanted to try out a true “peach crumble” here. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ripe peaches (or canned unsweetened peaches in the off season)Granulated sugar and brown sugarCornstarchVanilla extractLemon juiceUnsalted butterAll purpose flourCinnamonGround gingerBaking powder Salt
How to ripen peaches
It’s important to have ripe peaches for any peach dessert recipe to make sure the dessert comes out sweet enough. Do not attempt this peach crumble recipe with anything but beautifully ripe peaches! Give your peaches a gentle squeeze: it should be slightly soft to the touch. If the peaches feel firm, you’ll need a few days. Here’s how to ripen peaches:
Place the peaches in a paper bag.Add a banana inside the bag. The banana emits ethylene gas, which helps the peaches ripen at the same time.Gently close the top of the bag and wait 1 to 3 days, depending on the ripeness of the peaches. Check each day by gently squeezing the fruit to see if the flesh feels soft.
Or, use canned peaches in the off season
We prefer this peach crumble recipe with fresh, ripe peaches. But if it’s the off season and you’re dying for a peach crumble, canned peaches work too! Just make sure that the can says unsweetened peaches or “no sugar added” somewhere on the label. Use sweetened peaches and this will come out much too sweet. You can also use frozen fresh peaches or frozen peaches here (you may want to add a bit more sugar for storebought frozen peaches).
Peel the peaches with the boiling water method
If you don’t mind cooked peach skin in your desserts, you can skip this step. But we think it technically makes a better peach cobbler because the texture of the fruit is smoother. To peel peaches, don’t whip out a vegetable peeler! Simply place them in boiling water for 45 seconds, then move them to ice water for about 1 minute. Use a sharp knife to pierce the skin, then use your fingers to pull it off in sheets. It’s so simple!
Serving this peach crumble
When it comes to peach desserts, here’s the thing: most of them taste better with vanilla ice cream. This isn’t always the case with other fruit desserts, but the combination of peaches plus sweet cream is to die for. Of course, you can use other things too! Here are a few ideas for how to serve peach crumble:
Vanilla ice cream: purchased or homemadeWhipped cream: homemade or yogurt whipped cream (or dairy-free whipped cream for vegan)Creme fraiche: purchased or homemadeCream sauce: try this Creme Anglaise recipe
Leftover storage info
Want to save this peach crumble? This dessert saves well at room temperature, refrigerated or frozen.
It can stand for 1 day loosely covered at room temperature. This helps to maintain the crumble texture. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. It holds up pretty well in the fridge, and tastes even better when reheated.Freeze up to 3 months. Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Reheat it in a 350 degree oven until bubbly and the topping is crisped.
More peach desserts
Love a great peach dessert? Here are a few more recipes you’ll love:
Try this showy Peach GaletteGo for creamy Peach Ice Cream Blend up a frosty Peach Sorbet or make a Peach Compote to go over ice creamMake the Perfect Peach Crisp
This peach crumble recipe is…
Vegetarian. For vegan, use vegan butter. 5 from 2 reviews
