As the summer season brings an abundance of fresh, juicy peaches and raspberries, there’s no better way to celebrate the bounty than with a homemade Peach Raspberry Crisp. This dessert marries the sweetness of ripe peaches with the tartness of raspberries, all topped with a crunchy, golden oat crumble. It’s a delightful twist on a traditional fruit crisp, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients for Peach Raspberry Crisp
The beauty of a crisp lies in its simplicity. Using fresh, seasonal fruits and a few pantry staples, you can whip up this treat in just over an hour.
Filling:
- Peaches: 5-6 medium ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (if using frozen, thaw and drain)
- Raspberries: 1 cup fresh or frozen
- Granulated sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon to enhance the fruit flavors
- Flour or cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, to thicken the fruit juices
Topping:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: ½ cup for a hearty, crunchy texture
- Whole wheat or all-purpose flour: 2/3 cup
- Light brown sugar: ½ cup, for sweetness and caramel-like notes
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Butter: ¼ cup, cut into small cubes
- Nuts (optional): 1 tablespoon chopped almonds or walnuts for added crunch
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it or spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced peaches and raspberries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and a tablespoon of flour. This helps balance the fruit’s tartness and controls the release of juices during baking. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the juices to start flowing.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re feeling indulgent, you can add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Assemble the Crisp: Pour the fruit mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the oat crumble topping over the fruit. Be sure to cover the fruit completely for a perfectly crisped crust.
- Bake: Place the crisp in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling. The aroma of baked peaches, cinnamon, and brown sugar will fill your kitchen.
- Cool and Serve: Once the crisp is out of the oven, let it cool for 10-15 minutes. This cooling time allows the fruit juices to thicken and makes serving easier. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Tips for the Perfect Crisp
- Choose ripe but firm peaches: Overripe peaches can make the filling too watery, while unripe ones won’t release enough juices.
- Use frozen fruit wisely: If using frozen peaches or raspberries, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent the crisp from becoming soggy.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
- Add flavor twists: You can enhance the flavor with a touch of vanilla extract in the fruit filling or by adding a pinch of nutmeg to the topping.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of a Peach Raspberry Crisp is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can mix and match fruits depending on what’s in season. Try swapping out the raspberries for blackberries or blueberries for a different twist. For a tropical vibe, add a handful of shredded coconut to the topping.
For a richer, more decadent topping, try incorporating melted butter instead of cold butter cubes. The result will be a more even, cake-like texture that some crisp lovers adore.
Storing and Reheating
Peach Raspberry Crisp stores well, making it a great make-ahead dessert. Cover the crisp tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its crisp texture. You can also freeze the crisp for up to three months; just let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Information
While Peach Raspberry Crisp is a dessert, it can be made lighter by reducing the amount of sugar or using whole-wheat flour for added fiber. A serving typically contains around 300-350 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used. By swapping butter with a plant-based alternative or cutting back on sugar, you can make this dessert a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
Peach Raspberry Crisp is a quintessential summer dessert, perfect for using up ripe, seasonal fruit. Its ease of preparation, combined with its deliciously comforting flavor, makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special gatherings. Whether you’re serving it warm with ice cream or enjoying leftovers cold, this crisp is bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
For a richer or healthier version, experiment with the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs. However you make it, Peach Raspberry Crisp will bring a little taste of summer to your table, all year long.
