The Best Easy Peach Crumble Recipe (Fresh or Frozen!)

There’s something magical about a warm peach crumble fresh from the oven—the bubbling, golden fruit beneath a buttery, crispy topping that crackles when you break through with your spoon. This Easy Peach Crumble Recipe is the perfect summer dessert that celebrates juicy, sweet peaches at their peak, though it works beautifully year-round with frozen fruit too!

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dessert, planning a backyard barbecue finale, or need a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this peach crumble delivers every single time. It’s simpler than pie (no rolling dough!), more impressive than store-bought, and absolutely irresistible when topped with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. The best part? You can have this stunning dessert on the table in under an hour with just a handful of pantry staples.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, with warm cinnamon notes and a crumble topping that’s both crunchy and tender. It’s the dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds and begging for the recipe!

History / Background

Crumbles, sometimes called crisps in different regions, have a fascinating culinary history that spans continents and centuries. The fruit crumble as we know it today originated in Britain during World War II when strict rationing made traditional pastry desserts nearly impossible to create. Ingenious home cooks developed the crumble topping as a way to stretch limited ingredients—flour, butter, and sugar—over abundant seasonal fruit, creating a dessert that was both economical and delicious.

The concept quickly traveled across the Atlantic to America, where it was embraced wholeheartedly, especially in regions with abundant fruit harvests. In the Southern United States, peach crumble became a beloved staple, taking advantage of the region’s famous peach crop. Georgia, known as the “Peach State,” and South Carolina, which actually produces more peaches than Georgia, have long celebrated this stone fruit in countless desserts.

Peach crumble represents the best of American farmhouse cooking—straightforward, unfussy, and focused on letting quality ingredients shine. Unlike more elaborate desserts that require specialized techniques, crumbles were designed to be accessible to every home cook. The dessert became a symbol of resourcefulness and comfort, often appearing at church socials, family reunions, and Sunday dinners throughout the American South and Midwest.

Today, peach crumble remains a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking. It’s a dessert that connects us to generations of home cooks who understood that the best recipes don’t need to be complicated—they just need to taste like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This peach crumble is about to become your go-to summer dessert, and here’s why: it combines the nostalgic comfort of homemade baked goods with the ease of a weeknight recipe. You don’t need any special skills or fancy equipment—just a bowl, a baking dish, and about 15 minutes of hands-on time.

Here’s what makes this recipe absolutely irresistible:

• Incredibly Easy – No pie crust to roll, no complicated techniques. Just slice, mix, sprinkle, and bake!
• Flexible Fruit Options – Works perfectly with fresh summer peaches, frozen peaches, or even canned peaches in a pinch
• Minimal Ingredients – Uses basic pantry staples you probably already have on hand
• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness – Not too sugary, letting the natural peach flavor shine through
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble hours ahead and bake when ready, or enjoy leftovers for days
• Budget-Friendly – Feeds a crowd without breaking the bank, especially when peaches are in season
• Customizable – Easily adapt with different spices, nuts, or oats based on your preferences
• Impressive Presentation – Looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen
• Allergy-Friendly Options – Can be modified for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple substitutions

Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone who rarely turns on the oven, this recipe sets you up for success. The forgiving nature of crumbles means you can’t really mess it up—and the results taste spectacular every single time.

Ingredient Notes

Let’s break down what makes this peach crumble so delicious and talk about how each ingredient contributes to the final dish:

Fresh Peaches – The star of the show! Look for ripe but still slightly firm peaches that give just a little when gently squeezed. Yellow peaches offer classic sweetness, while white peaches provide a more delicate, floral flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, frozen peaches work wonderfully (no need to thaw—just add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time). You can even use canned peaches; just drain them thoroughly and reduce the sugar slightly.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the fruit filling and helps draw out the natural juices from the peaches to create that luscious, syrupy base. The amount can be adjusted based on how sweet your peaches are—taste as you go!

Cornstarch or Flour – Acts as a thickening agent for the peach juices, preventing a soupy filling. Cornstarch creates a clearer, glossier sauce, while flour gives a slightly more opaque result. Both work perfectly.

Lemon Juice – Brightens the peach flavor and provides crucial acidity that balances the sweetness. It also prevents the peaches from browning and enhances their natural taste. Fresh lemon juice is always best, but bottled works in a pinch.

Cinnamon & Vanilla Extract – These warm spices complement the peaches beautifully without overpowering them. Cinnamon adds cozy depth while vanilla rounds out all the flavors.

All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the crumble topping, providing structure. For gluten-free versions, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth to the crumble topping that white sugar can’t achieve. Light or dark brown sugar both work; dark will give a more molasses-forward flavor.

Butter – The key to a crispy, golden crumble topping. Cold butter is essential—it creates those coveted clumps and prevents the topping from becoming greasy. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level, but salted works too.

Rolled Oats – Optional but highly recommended! Old-fashioned oats add wonderful texture and a subtle nuttiness to the topping. Quick oats work but won’t provide as much texture; avoid instant oats.

Salt – Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and prevents the dessert from tasting one-dimensional.

Optional Add-ins – Consider chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for warmth, or a tablespoon of bourbon or almond extract for complexity.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make this beautiful peach crumble! Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish or 9-inch Deep-Dish Pie Pan – A ceramic or glass baking dish works beautifully and looks great for serving. You can also use individual ramekins for personal portions.
• Large Mixing Bowl – For tossing the peaches with sugar and spices
• Medium Mixing Bowl – For combining the crumble topping ingredients
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – For slicing fresh peaches
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions
• Pastry Cutter or Fork – To cut the butter into the flour mixture. You can also use your fingers!
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon – For mixing and spreading
• Peeler – Optional, for peeling peaches if desired (though unpeeled works great too!)
• Oven Mitts – Safety first when handling hot dishes
• Cooling Rack – Allows air circulation under the hot baking dish

That’s it! Simple, straightforward equipment that most home cooks already have in their kitchen.

Print

Nutrition information is approximate and calculated without optional ingredients like nuts or ice cream topping.

Tips & Variations

The beauty of peach crumble is its versatility! Here are some delicious ways to make this recipe your own:

Fruit Variations:

• Mixed Berry Peach: Replace 2 cups of peaches with fresh blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries
• Peach-Nectarine: Use half peaches, half nectarines for added complexity
• Spiced Peach: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the filling
• Boozy Peach: Add 2 tablespoons bourbon, dark rum, or amaretto to the filling

Topping Modifications:

• Extra Crunchy: Add ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds to the crumble
• Coconut Lovers: Replace ¼ cup oats with sweetened shredded coconut
• Nutty Delight: Substitute ¼ cup flour with almond meal or hazelnut flour
• Streusel Style: Omit oats entirely and increase flour to 1½ cups for a traditional streusel

Dietary Adaptations:

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Substitute cold coconut oil or vegan butter for regular butter
• Refined Sugar-Free: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and reduce amount by ¼ cup
• Low-Sugar: Reduce sugar in both filling and topping by half; add extra cinnamon and vanilla for flavor

Serving Style Ideas:

• Individual Portions: Divide between 6-8 ramekins for personal crumbles (reduce baking time to 30-35 minutes)
• Breakfast Twist: Reduce sugar and serve for brunch alongside yogurt
• Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Offer various ice cream flavors and toppings for a DIY dessert station

Pro Chef Tips

Want to take your peach crumble from good to absolutely phenomenal? Here are professional baking secrets that make all the difference:

1. Choose the Right Peaches: For baking, slightly underripe peaches actually work better than very ripe ones. They hold their shape better and won’t turn mushy. Freestone varieties are easiest to work with since the pit separates cleanly from the flesh.

2. Macerate for Maximum Flavor: After tossing peaches with sugar, let them sit for 10-15 minutes before baking. This process, called maceration, draws out natural juices and intensifies the peachy flavor. The sugar essentially pre-sweetens the fruit from the inside out.

3. The Cold Butter Secret: Keep your butter in the freezer until the last possible moment. Some pastry chefs even grate frozen butter with a box grater directly into the flour mixture! Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in that coveted flaky, crispy topping.

4. Don’t Overmix the Topping: You want visible butter pieces the size of peas in your crumble mixture. Overmixing creates a paste that bakes into a dense, cookie-like layer instead of a light, crispy crumble. Stop as soon as the mixture starts to clump together.

5. Layer Your Flavors: Brush the bottom of your baking dish with melted butter and sprinkle with a tablespoon of brown sugar before adding the fruit. This creates a subtle caramelized layer that adds incredible depth.

6. Use a Baking Sheet: Always place your baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet. The fruit juices will bubble over as they cook, and you’ll thank yourself for not having to clean your oven!

7. Test for Doneness: Your crumble is ready when the topping is deeply golden (not just lightly browned) and the fruit filling is vigorously bubbling around the edges and through the center. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil and continue baking.

8. The Patience Rule: I know it’s hard, but let your crumble rest for at least 15-20 minutes after baking. The filling will thicken considerably as it cools, preventing a soupy mess when you scoop. It’ll still be perfectly warm and comforting!

9. Reheat Properly: For the best texture when enjoying leftovers, reheat in a 300°F oven rather than the microwave. This helps maintain the crispy topping. Takes about 15 minutes for a whole dish, 5 minutes for individual portions.

10. The Ice Cream Timing: Add your ice cream only after plating. If you scoop it directly into the hot baking dish, it melts instantly into a soup. Let each guest add their own ice cream to individual servings for the perfect hot-cold contrast!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though crumble is a forgiving dessert, these common pitfalls can affect your results. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Using Overripe or Underripe Peaches: Overripe peaches turn to mush during baking and release too much liquid, creating a soupy filling. Underripe peaches won’t soften enough and can taste bland. Look for peaches that give slightly when gently pressed and smell fragrant at the stem end.

2. Skipping the Thickener: Forgetting the cornstarch or flour in the filling results in a watery dessert. Peaches release a lot of juice when baked, and without a thickening agent, you’ll have fruit soup under your topping instead of a luscious, saucy filling.

3. Warm Butter in the Topping: Room temperature or melted butter creates a greasy, dense topping instead of a light, crispy crumble. The butter must be cold so it stays in distinct pieces that create those delicious crispy clusters during baking.

4. Packing the Topping Too Firmly: Pressing the crumble mixture down compacts it into a solid mass that bakes into a hard crust. Instead, sprinkle it loosely and evenly over the fruit, allowing air pockets that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.

5. Not Baking Long Enough: A pale, underbaked topping will be soggy and doughy rather than crispy and golden. Don’t pull it out until the topping is deeply golden brown and the filling is bubbling energetically. Remember, you can always tent with foil if the top browns too quickly, but you can’t fix an underbaked interior.

6. Cutting in Too Soon: Serving immediately after removing from the oven gives you beautiful presentation but a runny filling. Those juices need time to thicken as the dessert cools slightly. Exercise patience for perfect results!

7. Incorrect Pan Size: Using too large a dish spreads the filling too thin, potentially burning it. Too small creates overflow and uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended 9×13-inch dish or 9-inch deep-dish pie pan for the quantities in this recipe.

Storage & Meal Prep

One of the best things about peach crumble is how well it keeps, making it perfect for advance preparation or enjoying leftovers throughout the week!

Room Temperature Storage:
Peach crumble can sit at room temperature, loosely covered with foil or a clean kitchen towel, for up to 4 hours after baking. This is ideal if you’re serving it later the same day—it stays warm and the topping maintains its texture beautifully.

Refrigerator Storage:
Once completely cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer portions to airtight containers. Properly stored, peach crumble keeps for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. The topping will soften slightly in the fridge, but reheating restores much of its crispiness.

Reheating Instructions:
For the best results, reheat in a 300°F oven for about 15-20 minutes for a full dish, or 8-10 minutes for individual portions. You can also microwave single servings for 45-60 seconds, though the topping won’t be as crispy. For extra crunch, pop reheated portions under the broiler for 30-60 seconds.

Freezing Baked Crumble:
Peach crumble freezes surprisingly well after baking! Let it cool completely, then wrap the entire baking dish tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Properly wrapped, it keeps for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed above.

Meal Prep Tips:
Prep the components separately if you want to enjoy fresh-baked crumble throughout the week. Slice peaches and toss with lemon juice (to prevent browning), then store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make the crumble topping and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days. When ready to bake, simply assemble and pop in the oven!

Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes

This is where peach crumble really shines for busy home cooks and entertainers! Here’s how to prep ahead for stress-free dessert:

Same-Day Make-Ahead:
Assemble the entire crumble up to 4 hours before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Add 5 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish. This is perfect for dinner parties—pop it in the oven when you sit down to eat, and it’ll be ready for dessert!

Overnight Prep:
You can prepare the crumble topping up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Keep the butter pieces cold! Slice the peaches the night before, toss with lemon juice to prevent browning, and refrigerate in a covered bowl. In the morning or before dinner, mix the filling ingredients, assemble, and bake.

Freezing Unbaked Crumble (Best Option!):
This is my favorite make-ahead method! Assemble the entire crumble in a disposable aluminum pan or a freezer-safe baking dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Label with the date and baking instructions. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Baking from Frozen:
No need to thaw! Remove plastic wrap, re-cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F for 60-75 minutes, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes. The crumble is done when the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling. This method is absolutely perfect for holidays—prep weeks ahead and bake fresh when needed!

Freezing Baked Crumble:
While freezing unbaked is preferable, you can freeze baked crumble too. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat at 300°F for 20-25 minutes until warmed through and the topping crisps up again.

Peak Season Preservation:
When peaches are at their peak in summer, make multiple crumbles to freeze! You’ll thank yourself in January when you can pull out a taste of summer. Use slightly firmer peaches for best results when freezing.

Serving Suggestions

Peach crumble is delicious on its own, but the right accompaniments take it from wonderful to absolutely extraordinary! Here are the best ways to serve this crowd-pleasing dessert:

Classic Pairings:

• Vanilla Ice Cream – The ultimate pairing! The cold, creamy ice cream melting into the warm fruit is pure magic
• Fresh Whipped Cream – Light and airy, it adds richness without overwhelming the peaches
• Heavy Cream Drizzle – Simply pour cold heavy cream over each serving for old-fashioned comfort
• Greek Yogurt – For a lighter, tangier option that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch

Elevated Options:

• Bourbon Whipped Cream – Add 2 tablespoons bourbon and 1 tablespoon brown sugar to whipped cream
• Cinnamon Ice Cream – The warm spice complements the peaches beautifully
• Mascarpone Cream – Whip mascarpone with a touch of honey for Italian-inspired luxury
• Salted Caramel Sauce – Drizzle over the top for sweet-salty perfection

Beverage Pairings:

• Hot Coffee or Espresso – The bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly
• Sweet Iced Tea – A Southern classic alongside any peach dessert
• Dessert Wine – Try a late-harvest Riesling or Moscato d’Asti
• Bourbon or Whiskey – A small pour alongside enhances the warm, caramelized flavors

Complete Menu Ideas:

Summer BBQ Finish:
Serve after grilled burgers or ribs with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a cold lemonade

Southern Comfort Dinner:
Follow fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread with warm peach crumble and sweet tea

Brunch Spread:
Offer alongside quiche, fruit salad, and mimosas—reduce sugar slightly for morning service

Casual Family Dinner:
After roasted chicken, green beans, and mashed potatoes, bring out the crumble with whipped cream

Potluck Contribution:
Transport in the baking dish with serving utensils, and bring vanilla ice cream in a cooler

Plating for Guests:
For a beautiful presentation, serve in shallow bowls or on dessert plates. Place a generous scoop of crumble slightly off-center, add a scoop of ice cream, garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a slice of fresh peach, and finish with a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar.

FAQs Section

Q: Can I make peach crumble with frozen peaches?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work beautifully in this recipe. Use them straight from the freezer without thawing—just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time. The dessert might release slightly more liquid, so make sure you’re using the full amount of cornstarch. Frozen peaches are picked and frozen at peak ripeness, so they often have excellent flavor even in the off-season.

Q: Do I need to peel the peaches?
Nope, it’s completely optional! While traditional recipes call for peeled peaches, the skins soften during baking and aren’t noticeable in the final dish. Leaving the skins on saves time and adds extra fiber and nutrients. If you prefer a more refined texture, blanch the peaches in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then plunge into ice water—the skins will slip right off.

Q: Why is my crumble topping soggy instead of crispy?
This usually happens for one of three reasons: the butter was too warm when mixed in, the crumble was underbaked, or moisture from the fruit soaked into the topping during storage. Always use very cold butter, bake until the topping is deeply golden brown, and make sure the filling is bubbling vigorously before removing from the oven. If reheating leftovers, use the oven rather than the microwave to restore crispiness.

Q: Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, but with a few adjustments. Use two 29-ounce cans of sliced peaches, drain them very thoroughly (squeeze out excess liquid), and reduce the sugar in the filling to 2-3 tablespoons since canned peaches are already sweetened. You may also need less cornstarch since there’s less liquid. Canned peaches won’t have quite the same texture or flavor as fresh, but they’ll work in a pinch!

Q: What’s the difference between a crumble and a crisp?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but technically a crumble has a simple butter, flour, and sugar topping, while a crisp includes oats. This recipe is actually a hybrid since it includes oats! Some people also distinguish by origin (crumbles are British, crisps are American), but these days the terms are fairly fluid. Either way, you end up with delicious fruit topped with a crispy, buttery layer!

Q: My filling is too runny. How do I fix it?
If you notice it’s runny after baking, don’t worry! Let the crumble sit for at least 20-30 minutes—the filling continues to thicken as it cools. If it’s still too liquidy, you likely didn’t use enough thickener or your peaches were extra juicy. For next time, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons, or drain off some of the liquid before adding the thickener. You can also return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to cook off excess moisture.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free or dairy-free?
Definitely! For gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free (regular oats can be cross-contaminated). For dairy-free, substitute cold coconut oil or plant-based butter for the regular butter—keep it very cold for best results. Both modifications work wonderfully without compromising texture or flavor!

Conclusion

There you have it—everything you need to create the most incredible, soul-satisfying peach crumble that’ll have your family and friends asking for the recipe! This dessert is proof that the simplest recipes are often the most memorable. With just a handful of ingredients and less than an hour, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a farmhouse kitchen or a charming countryside bakery.

The beauty of this peach crumble is its versatility. Make it in the height of summer when peaches are abundant and sweet, or whip it up in the middle of winter with frozen fruit when you need a taste of sunshine. Serve it at backyard barbecues, holiday gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or special celebrations—it fits every occasion.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. There’s something wonderfully comforting about pulling a bubbling, golden crumble from the oven, the aroma of cinnamon and baked peaches filling your home. It’s the kind of dessert that makes ordinary moments feel special and turns special occasions into cherished memories.

Now it’s your turn! Give this easy peach crumble recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience and see photos of your beautiful creation. Drop a comment below sharing how you customized the recipe or what you served it with. And if you loved it as much as I think you will, please share this recipe with your friends and save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again and again. Happy baking, friends! 🍑✨