Peach Cherry Crisp Delight

This Peach Cherry Crisp brings together the vibrant sweetness of summer fruits with a buttery, crunchy oat topping for an effortlessly delicious dessert. Perfect for sharing, it fills your kitchen with fruity warmth and golden brown aroma that instantly makes the day better.

I first made this crisp after discovering some ripe peaches at a local farmers market, and it quickly became a household favorite that everyone asks for during warm-weather get-togethers.

Ingredients

• Sliced peaches: two and a half cups about five medium peaches for their juicy sweetness and natural aroma
• Pitted cherries: two cups for a tart contrast balancing the peaches
• Granulated sugar: for sweetness and to help fruit juices thicken when combined with cornstarch
• Cornstarch: two tablespoons to thicken the fruit filling so it is luscious not watery
• Lemon juice: one tablespoon and zest of one lemon to brighten the dish with fresh citrus notes
• Ground cinnamon: half teaspoon adds warmth and depth
• Salt: quarter teaspoon to enhance all other flavors in the filling
• Rolled oats: one and a quarter cups for a chewy crunchy topping texture
• All-purpose flour: one cup to bind the topping and give it structure
• Brown sugar: half cup packed for rich molasses undertones in the topping
• Granulated sugar: half cup to balance sweetness in the oats
• Cold unsalted butter: one cup cut into cubes to create a tender crumbly topping when baked
• Ground cinnamon: half teaspoon in the topping to complement the filling spices
• Salt: half teaspoon in the topping to bring out buttery richness
• Sliced almonds: half cup folded into the topping for a nutty crunch and extra texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Filling:

In a large bowl gently toss sliced peaches cherries granulated sugar cornstarch lemon juice lemon zest cinnamon and salt. This ensures every piece is coated evenly so the filling thickens beautifully while baking. Pour the fruit mixture into a large cast iron skillet or a nine by thirteen inch baking dish for even cooking.

Prepare the Topping:

Combine flour brown sugar granulated sugar cinnamon and salt in a separate bowl. Add cold butter cubes. Using a pastry blender or two knives cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger butter pieces remaining. This technique creates a tender crisp topping. Stir in rolled oats and sliced almonds for texture and flavor balance.

Top the Fruit:

Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the prepared fruit filling making sure to cover all the fruit to trap moisture and create a golden crust.

Bake:

Place the dish in a preheated oven at three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius. Bake for thirty five to forty minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles vigorously. Let the crisp cool for at least fifteen minutes to allow the filling to set before serving with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

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One of my favorite memories with this recipe comes from a summer picnic where my grandma insisted on adding extra cinnamon to the topping. It created a cozy spice aroma that made everyone smile and kept them coming back for seconds.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. To bring the crisp back to life reheat in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for ten to fifteen minutes to refresh the topping's crunchiness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh peaches are not available use frozen thawed peaches to keep the flavor and texture close to fresh. For the cherries, frozen pitted cherries work well too. You can swap sliced almonds for chopped walnuts or pecans depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a strong cup of black coffee or a mild herbal tea. For a festive touch sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top before serving.

Cultural Context

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Fruit crisps are a classic American dessert known for showcasing seasonal fruits under a crumbly topping. This Peach Cherry version highlights the combination of summer’s sweet and tart bounty, reflecting an easy home-baking tradition that celebrates simple ingredients prepared with care.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the topping is crispy and not greasy?

Use cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid using softened butter to prevent greasiness.

→ Why do I need to toss the fruit with cornstarch before baking?

Cornstarch helps thicken the fruit juices as the dish bakes, preventing the filling from becoming too runny and ensuring a nice set texture.

→ Can I prepare the crisp ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking. Allow extra baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

→ What’s the best way to serve this dish?

Let it cool for at least 15 minutes to let the filling set, then serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for added richness.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes to bring back the crisp texture on top.