There’s something magical about warm fruit bubbling under a golden, buttery topping—and this peach crumble recipe is exactly that kind of magic. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and comes together in under an hour with just a few pantry staples. I grew up eating peach crumble every summer, usually with vanilla bean ice cream melting all over the top.
Peach is one my favorite flavors for a crumble, but I also have an apple crumble recipe if that’s more your vibe! And if you’re looking for more cozy dessert recipes, make sure to check out my southern style peach cobbler, single serving apple crisp, and ultra creamy strawberry pudding.
Peach Crumble vs. Peach Crisp: What’s the Difference?
They may look similar, but crumble and crisp are technically cousins—not twins. The main difference lies in the topping:
- A peach crumble recipe has a buttery, flour-based topping—almost like cookie dough that’s been crumbled over the fruit.
- A peach crisp recipe usually includes oats in the topping for a crunchier, more textured finish.
In short: if you want something soft and buttery on top, go for a crumble (hi, this recipe!). If you’re after extra crunch, try a crisp.
Key Ingredients for my Peach Crumble Recipe (and Why They Matter)
- Peaches: Juicy, sweet, and the heart of the dish. You can use fresh, frozen (thawed), or even canned (drained)—whatever you’ve got.
- Earth Balance butter: Earth Balance creates a rich, golden crumble topping and also helps thicken the peach filling as it melts. Its higher melting point and smooth consistency help the topping bake up crisp while keeping the peaches luscious and glossy.
- Raw sugar: Raw sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness than white sugar, which enhances the natural flavor of the peaches. The larger crystals help draw out the juices in the filling while also creating a subtle crunch in the crumble topping.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s glossy and jammy—not runny.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
- Flour: Forms the base of the crumbly topping.
How to Make my Peach Crumble recipe
- Make the filling: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in the peaches and water.
- Simmer it: Transfer the mixture to a pan and simmer on medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the peaches soften and the sauce thickens.
- Prep the topping: In another bowl, mix together flour and brown sugar. Slowly add melted butter and stir until crumbly clumps form.
- Assemble: Pour the peach filling into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly and enjoy! My peach crumble recipe is best served warm with a scoop of ice cream on top!
Peach Crumble Serving Suggestions
- Pair this delicious peach crumble recipe with an iced chai latte using my homemade chai concentrate, or iced coffee for a dreamy dessert moment! The chai in particular really compliments the cinnamon undertones of the crumble!
- A big scoop of vanilla ice cream (dairy or non-dairy) is mandatory. My favorite vegan ice cream brand is So Delicious – I’ve been eating their ice creams since college!
- Serve it warm straight from the oven! Fresh crumble is the best.
- Drizzle this peach crumble recipe with a little maple syrup or caramel sauce for extra indulgence. You could even use the butterscotch sauce from my Butterbeer recipe!
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t skip the stovetop step: Simmering the peaches first helps thicken the filling and gives it a deeper, more jammy flavor.
Don’t overmix the crumble topping: You want distinct clumps! Mix gently and stop as soon as the crumbles form.
FAQ
Traditionally, cold butter is cut into the dry ingredients to create crumbles—but I actually prefer using melted butter. It’s quicker, easier, and still gives you that perfect crumbly texture, especially when using a vegan butter like Earth Balance.
Yes! You can assemble it in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave for a quick fix, or warm it in the oven for 10 minutes to crisp up the topping again.
Peach Crumble Recipe
Ingredients
Peach Filling
- 2 c peaches
- 2 tbsp earth balance butter, melted
- 1/3 c raw sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 c water
Crumble Topping
- 1 c flour
- 5 tbsp earth balance butter, melted
- 1/2 c raw sugar
Instructions
- Mix the filling base: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Add peaches + water: Stir in the peaches and water until everything is well combined.
- Cook the filling: Pour the mixture into a heavy-bottom pan and heat over medium for about 5 minutes, or until the peaches have softened and the mixture has thickened.
- Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, mix flour and brown sugar. Slowly add in melted butter, stirring until large crumbs form.
- Assemble the crumble: Grease a glass baking dish with a little butter (optional), then pour in your peach filling. Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the top.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve: Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dairy-free whipped cream!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
