Amazing Peach Crumble

This amazing homemade peach crumble features sweet, juicy peaches baked under a buttery, golden-brown crumble topping. The contrast between the warm, tender fruit and the crisp, cinnamon-spiced topping creates a dessert that's comforting yet impressive. I've been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to bring smiles around the table.

I first created this peach crumble during a summer when my neighbor gifted me a massive basket of perfectly ripe peaches. That evening, the heavenly aroma of cinnamon and baking peaches filled our home, and my family declared it their new favorite dessert. Now it's our go-to recipe whenever peaches are in season.

Ingredients

• For the Peach Filling

• 6 to 8 medium ripe peaches: choose fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a sweet fragrance

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit without overpowering it

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: adds warmth and depth to complement the peaches

• For the Crumble Topping

• 1 cup all purpose flour: provides structure to the crumble

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: creates that irresistible caramelized flavor when baked

• 1/4 cup almond flour: adds a subtle nutty flavor and improves texture though it's optional

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: reinforces the warm spice notes throughout the dessert

• 1/4 teaspoon salt: balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter: creates those perfect pockets of buttery goodness throughout the topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Peaches

For fresh peaches, score an X at the bottom of each peach and blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins should slip off easily. Slice into even wedges about 1/2 inch thick. If using frozen peaches, thaw them just until you can separate the slices and drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy crumble.

Season the Peaches

Gently toss the peach slices with granulated sugar and cinnamon, being careful not to mash the fruit. This step not only flavors the peaches but helps create that luscious syrup as they bake. Let them sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the topping this allows the flavors to meld and juices to release.

Make the Crumble Topping

Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly in a medium bowl to ensure even distribution of spices and sugar. Make sure your brown sugar has no hard lumps for the best texture. The almond flour adds a wonderful nutty dimension, but the crumble works perfectly without it if you prefer.

Add the Butter

The key here is using COLD butter cut into small cubes. Use your fingertips to pinch and rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve a mixture that resembles coarse sand with some larger pieces remaining. Work quickly to keep the butter cold, which creates those desirable crispy pockets in the finished crumble.

Assemble the Crumble

Pour the peach mixture into your baking dish, making sure to include any juices that have formed. Distribute the crumble topping evenly over the fruit, covering the entire surface. Gently press down to create a solid layer, but don't compact it too much or you'll lose the delightful crumbly texture.

Bake to Perfection

Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling juices that might overflow. Bake in your preheated oven until the topping turns a deep golden brown and you can see the peach filling bubbling around the edges about 35 minutes in most ovens. This visual cue is more reliable than strict timing.

Cool and Serve

Allow the crumble to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This cooling period lets the filling set slightly and prevents burning your mouth on molten fruit. The contrast of warm crumble with cold ice cream creates a magical temperature and texture experience.

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The peaches are truly the star of this dish. I always wait until they're perfectly ripe, with that distinctive sweet fragrance that signals peak flavor. My grandmother taught me to look for peaches with a deep yellow color at the stem end this indicates they were allowed to ripen properly on the tree. Her secret was adding just a tiny pinch of salt to the fruit filling to enhance the natural sweetness.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover peach crumble will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The topping will lose some crispness over time, but the flavor actually improves as the spices continue to meld. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping again. For individual portions, microwave for 30-45 seconds, though this won't restore the crispness of the topping.

Seasonal Adaptations

This crumble recipe provides a perfect base for using whatever fruits are in season. In winter, try apples or pears with a touch more cinnamon and some nutmeg. Spring brings rhubarb, which pairs beautifully with strawberries for a sweet-tart combination. Summer offers berries of all kinds, while fall welcomes plums and late-season peaches. Adjust the sugar slightly depending on the natural sweetness of your fruit. For instance, reduce sugar with very sweet fruits or increase it for tart varieties like sour cherries.

Serving Suggestions

While vanilla ice cream is the classic companion to fruit crumble, there are many ways to elevate this dessert. Try serving it with lightly whipped cream infused with a splash of bourbon or amaretto. A dollop of thick Greek yogurt provides a tangy contrast to the sweet fruit. For breakfast, serve a small portion with plain yogurt and a drizzle of honey. For an impressive dinner party presentation, serve individual portions in ramekins with a small scoop of cinnamon ice cream and a fresh mint leaf.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?

Yes! If using frozen peaches, thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before proceeding with the recipe. This prevents the filling from becoming too watery during baking.

→ How do I know when my peach crumble is done baking?

Your peach crumble is ready when the topping turns golden brown and the filling is visibly bubbling around the edges. This typically takes 30-40 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. Alternatively, bake completely, cool, and reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes before serving.

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts. The almond flour already adds a naturally gluten-free element to the topping. Just ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.

→ What other fruits work well in this crumble?

This versatile topping works beautifully with many fruits! Try apples, pears, berries, plums, or cherries. You can even create delicious combinations like peach-raspberry or apple-blackberry for interesting flavor profiles.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or place the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes until warmed through.