Introduction
Transform humble peaches and strawberries into a warm, bubbly dessert that’s ready in under 30 minutes! This Strawberry Peach Crisp is the perfect answer for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious without the fuss. Forget complicated recipes – this one’s all about speed and simple, amazing flavor.
Why This Works
This recipe triumphs because of its incredible ease and delicious balance of sweet and tart. The buttery oat topping perfectly complements the juicy summer fruit filling, creating a texture sensation that’s hard to resist. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert, ready in a flash.
Key Ingredients
🍑 4 cups fresh peaches, sliced
🍓 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
🍋 2 tablespoons lemon juice
🍯 1/2 cup granulated sugar
🥄 1 tablespoon cornstarch
🧈 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
🥣 1/2 cup rolled oats
🌰 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
🧈 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
🤎 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
🍂 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Fruit: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently toss together the sliced peaches and strawberries with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch.
2️⃣ Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, pecans (if using), brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3️⃣ Assemble the Crisp: Pour the fruit mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit.
4️⃣ Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Handy Tips
- Use a variety of berries for a more complex flavor profile.
- For a crispier topping, bake for a few extra minutes.
- Don’t overmix the fruit filling; a few broken pieces add character.
Heat Control
Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures the fruit filling cooks through and the topping gets beautifully browned. Avoid opening the oven door frequently to maintain even heat distribution.
Crunch Factor
The combination of the crunchy oat topping and the soft, juicy fruit creates a delightful textural contrast. The optional nuts add an extra layer of satisfying crunch.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a quicker crumble, use quick-cooking oats.
- A splash of bourbon or Grand Marnier adds a sophisticated touch to the fruit filling.
- Use frozen fruit in a pinch – just let it thaw slightly before assembling the crisp.
Storage Tips
Store leftover crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This crisp makes a wonderful homemade gift! Bake it in individual ramekins for easy portioning. Tie a ribbon around a pretty baking dish, or package individual portions in decorative containers.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Berry Blast: Substitute raspberries and blueberries for the strawberries.
🌟 Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the topping.
🌟 Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the fruit filling.
🌟 Almond Crunch: Substitute sliced almonds for the pecans.
Troubleshooting
- Soggy Topping: If the topping is too soggy, try baking it for a few more minutes. Ensure your butter is cold and use your hands to ensure it’s well mixed into the dry ingredients. Consider using less fruit and/or less cornstarch.
- Burnt Topping: If the topping is burning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Undercooked Fruit: If the fruit is undercooked, bake for a few more minutes. This is likely fixed by a deeper and more even distribution of the fruit filling in your dish.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen fruit? A: Yes, but let it thaw slightly before using to prevent an overly watery filling.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the crisp ahead of time and bake it later. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
Q: What can I substitute for pecans? A: Walnuts, almonds, or even no nuts at all!
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Q: How do I know when it’s done? A: The topping should be golden brown and the fruit filling should be bubbly.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Peach Crisp is the perfect quick and easy dessert for busy weeknights. The delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with the satisfyingly crunchy topping, will become a family favorite in no time! Share this recipe with your friends and family – enjoy!
5-Ingredient Strawberry Peach Crisp: Weeknight Dessert Done Right
A quick and delicious dessert that combines juicy strawberries and peaches with a crunchy topping, perfect for a weeknight treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 cups sliced fresh peaches
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and peaches. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Spread the oat mixture evenly over the fruit in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the oat mixture.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.