Food
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Peach Crisp?

KD Morgan
KD Morgan

Peach crisp is a wonderful dessert prepared with a juicy fruit mixture, covered with a crumb topping. Many prefer peach crisp to pie as it is much faster to prepare and you can develop a unique flavor and texture with the crisp.

Variations of pies and crisps have been around for hundreds of years. The pie actually is a product of second century B.C.E. Rome, when meat pies were prepared. In modern times, variations of crisps have been based on seasonal fruits and berries. They are called cobblers, crisps, croustade, bird’s nest pudding, crow’s nest pudding, pies, tarts, tortes and several other regional names.

Peaches.
Peaches.

The British version of a crisp is called a crumble. The early American settlers had to improvise when ingredients were not available. This resulted in the development of new recipes and concoctions and a variety of unique names. Colonists were known to serve peach crisp for a variety of meals and often breakfast. By the late 1800’s, the peach crisp became primarily a dessert.

Walnuts are a common addition to a peach crisp.
Walnuts are a common addition to a peach crisp.

There are as many variations of peach crisp as there are palates. The simplified version consists of fresh, sliced peaches, sugar, cinnamon or nutmeg, butter, flour, oatmeal, brown sugar and baking soda. For the topping, some substitute oatmeal with graham cracker crumbs, cookie crumbs or granola. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, lemon zest, honey, vanilla extract and even toffee are options added to peach crisp recipes.

Nutmeg is often added to peach crisp.
Nutmeg is often added to peach crisp.

Usually a peach crisp is prepared in a glass or ceramic pan. Most recipes call for covering the ingredients with foil for about 15 minutes in a moderate oven. Then the foil is removed and the crisp is baked uncovered an additional 30-45 minutes. Often peach crisp is served with whipped cream, or a la mode, topped with ice cream.

Gluten free peach crisp exchanges wheat flour for blanched almond flour. Ingredients such as agave nectar or grape seed oil can be used to give it a unique flavor.

Peach crisp can also be made in a crock pot. Oftentimes, people use canned peaches for this recipe. The cooking process takes 4-6 hours; however, the heavenly scent that permeates the house is worth the wait!

Some people prefer adding other berries or fruit to their peach crisp to create their own unique dessert. Apples, blackberries, blueberries, mixed-berries and rhubarb are a few options that have become very popular.

Butter is used in a basic peach crisp.
Butter is used in a basic peach crisp.

Cognac, bourbon or scotch whiskey can be added to the peach mixture. This is a typical Southern recipe of the United States. For a Northeastern flavor, peach crisp is topped with a maple cream sauce. This sauce is prepared with heavy whipping cream, real maple syrup and corn syrup, heated until smooth. The mixture will become thick, once it is cooled. Then it is poured over your hot peach crisp.

Discussion Comments

Wisedly33

I love peaches and peach crisp is good stuff. It's not as labor intensive as cobbler and it's a good, quick dessert.

I always warn against sweetening the peaches too much. If you use canned peaches, get the kind in their own juice, not in heavy syrup. You actually want this to taste like peaches and too much sugar defeats that purpose.

Also, don't go overboard with the sugar, and remember to add some cinnamon, as well as a pinch of salt to the fruit and to the topping. You will also need to use brown sugar in the topping, for the best results. That produces a nice, brown, crispy taste and texture.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Peaches.
      By: Anna Kucherova
      Peaches.
    • Walnuts are a common addition to a peach crisp.
      By: dinostock
      Walnuts are a common addition to a peach crisp.
    • Nutmeg is often added to peach crisp.
      By: Thomas Francois
      Nutmeg is often added to peach crisp.
    • Butter is used in a basic peach crisp.
      By: Igor Kovalchuk
      Butter is used in a basic peach crisp.
    • Peach crisps are often topped with whipped cream.
      By: Tsuboya
      Peach crisps are often topped with whipped cream.
    • Blueberries pair well with peaches in a crisp.
      By: Brian Jackson
      Blueberries pair well with peaches in a crisp.
    • Granola can be used at the topping for a peach crisp.
      By: nito
      Granola can be used at the topping for a peach crisp.
    • Honey is a good substitute for sugar in peach crisp.
      By: Sergii Moscaliuk
      Honey is a good substitute for sugar in peach crisp.
    • Apples can be combined with peaches when making a crisp.
      By: xiangdong Li
      Apples can be combined with peaches when making a crisp.
    • Peach crisp is often served a la mode.
      By: munchkinmoo
      Peach crisp is often served a la mode.
    • Bourbon or scotch whiskey can be added to the fruit mixture in a peach crisp.
      By: Gresei
      Bourbon or scotch whiskey can be added to the fruit mixture in a peach crisp.