Healthy Peach Crisp

This Healthy Peach Crisp recipe is a delicious dessert featuring a crunchy oat crumble topping and juicy peaches. This easy-to-make treat is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for all occasions.

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We are all about treating yourself to healthy homemade desserts like this easy peach crisp. Other favorite recipes include this Healthy Coffee Cake and these Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars. Check out all of our Healthy Dessert Recipes for more inspiration.

Why we love this recipe

• It is all about texture! The crisp topping provides a sweet and crunchy contrast to the softness of the baked peaches.
• This recipe is pure comfort food making it a popular choice for family gatherings, holidays, or simply as a way to treat yourself.
• Peach crisp is relatively simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients with minimal prep time involved.
• This recipe is a naturally gluten-free peach crisp and can easily be made dairy free and vegan. Bonus!

Ingredients

For the filling:

• sliced peaches – you can use either fresh peaches or frozen peaches. If you use frozen there is no need to thaw them first.
• maple syrup – adds natural sweetness as well as moisture to prevent the peaches from becoming too dry during baking.
• lemon juice – this brings a bright and tangy flavor to the sweet peaches.
• cornstarch – absorbs the juice from the peaches and thickens them, creating a ‘jammy’ consistency for the peach filling. We recommend using a non-GMO cornstarch. You could substitute arrowroot powder.
• vanilla extract – adds that classic fresh baked aroma.

For the topping:

• oats – both quick oats and rolled oats work in this recipe.
• almond flour – this helps to bind the other ingredients in the crisp topping, creating a cohesive and crumbly texture. You can also use oat flour or all-purpose flour.
• pecans – nuts add crunch and a toasty element to the topping. Walnuts are also a good substitute.
• coconut sugar – this brings a caramel-like taste that adds a depth of flavor to the dish. We like using coconut sugar as it is less refined. You can also use brown sugar instead.
• fine sea salt – a key ingredient to bring out the flavor of this dessert.
• cinnamon – adds warmth and a hint of spiciness.
• butter or coconut oil – both great options. Butter is traditional but you can substitute coconut oil for a vegan version. Be sure to use refined coconut oil – not liquid. Vegan butter can also be used.
• maple syrup
• vanilla

Equipment

• baking dish – we use an 11 x 8 ceramic baking dish for this recipe.
• mixing bowl – since we will mix the filling ingredients right in the baking dish you only need one mixing bowl for the topping.
• spatula or spoons for stirring

Instructions

Step 1

Start by preheating the oven to 375 and lightly greasing the baking dish.

Step 2

Add the filling ingredients to the baking dish and stir well to coat the peach slices.

Make sure the cornstarch has completely dissolved.

Set the dish aside.

Step 3

Add the dry topping ingredients – oats, almond flour, chopped nuts, sugar, salt, and cinnamon – to a mixing bowl.

Stir them well.

Step 4

Add the wet topping ingredients – melted butter or coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.

Stir again until everything is incorporated.

Step 5

Crumble the topping mixture over the peaches in the baking dish.

Ensure the topping is spread in an even layer.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or so until the top is golden brown and the peach mixture is bubbling.

If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the remaining time. 

Expert tip

Wait 10-15 minutes before serving as the filling of the peach crisp will continue to set and thicken. As it cools, the flavors of the peaches, sweeteners, and spices continue to meld together, which enhances the flavor even more.

This cooling period also reduces the risk of burning your mouth! The filling can be extremely hot right after baking and waiting for a few minutes allows the dessert to cool down to a more comfortable temperature for handling and eating.

Recipe variations

• For a more adult alternative, add a splash of bourbon to the peach filling, giving it a boozy, rich flavor. We recommend using Four Roses Bourbon they use non-GMO grains.
• Make a bolder version by infusing the filling with warm spices like ginger, allspice, and cardamom, in addition to the traditional cinnamon, for a more toasty flavor profile.
• Switch up the fruit by using apples or blueberries in the filling. An apple crisp is another classic favorite.

Serving suggestions

• A classic and popular choice, serving peach crisp with creamy vanilla ice cream adds a wonderful contrast of creamy and crunchy textures. Nothing beats a scoop of ice cream on a warm dessert.
• Complement the dish with some freshly whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. We love using this Vegan Salted Caramel Sauce!
• For a healthier option, serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt. The tanginess of the yogurt complements the sweetness of the dessert while still providing a creamy element.
• Garnish the dish with a few fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and a refreshing taste.

FAQS

Storage and reheating

To store any leftovers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 days.

To store it for a longer period, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.

Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.

Want more delicious peach recipes? Check out this post with 25 Healthy Peach Recipes! Perfect for the summertime.

More healthy dessert recipes

If you’ve tried our homemade peach crisp recipe, please rate it and let us know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!

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