Grandma’s Sheet Pan Peach Crisp: A Family Favorite Made Easy
Peach crisp, a timeless dessert, evokes warmth and nostalgia, often reminding us of family gatherings and cherished recipes passed down through generations. This recipe, inspired by my own grandma’s beloved peach crisp, is designed for ease and convenience, making it perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. We’ve taken the classic and adapted it for a sheet pan, ensuring even baking and a delightful crispy-to-peach ratio in every bite. Get ready to enjoy a taste of home with this simple yet utterly satisfying dessert!
Why This Sheet Pan Peach Crisp Works
* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
* **Feeds a Crowd:** The sheet pan format makes it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need to serve a large group.
* **Even Baking:** The even distribution of peaches and crisp topping on the sheet pan ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced.
* **Deliciously Customizable:** Feel free to add your own twist by incorporating different spices, nuts, or even a hint of citrus.
* **Grandma-Approved Comfort Food:** This recipe captures the essence of a classic peach crisp, delivering that warm, comforting feeling with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
**For the Peach Filling:**
* 8-10 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (about 8 cups)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
**For the Crisp Topping:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Equipment
* Large mixing bowl
* 9×13 inch sheet pan (or larger for a thinner crisp)
* Paring knife or vegetable peeler
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pastry blender or fork (optional, for cutting in butter)
* Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Prepare the Peaches:**
* Wash the peaches thoroughly.
* Peel the peaches. The easiest way to peel peaches is to score an ‘X’ on the bottom of each peach, then blanch them in boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily.
* Pit and slice the peaches into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices. Aim for even slices for even cooking.
**2. Make the Peach Filling:**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
* Gently toss the ingredients together until the peaches are evenly coated. The flour will help to thicken the juices as the crisp bakes.
* Dot the peach mixture with the small pieces of butter. This will add richness and flavor to the filling.
**3. Prepare the Crisp Topping:**
* In a separate mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
* Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
* Using a pastry blender, your fingers, or two forks, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
* If using, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
**4. Assemble the Crisp:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Lightly grease the sheet pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
* Pour the peach filling evenly onto the prepared sheet pan, spreading it into a uniform layer.
* Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the peach filling, covering the entire surface. You can gently press the topping down to help it adhere to the peaches.
**5. Bake the Crisp:**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
* If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the sheet pan with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
**6. Cool and Serve:**
* Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the crisp cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly.
* Serve warm, plain, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Peach Crisp
* **Use Ripe Peaches:** Ripe peaches are essential for the best flavor and texture. They should be slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma. If your peaches are not quite ripe, you can place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple to speed up the ripening process.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Use a large enough sheet pan to ensure that the peaches are spread out in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan can lead to a soggy crisp.
* **Cold Butter is Key:** Using cold butter in the crisp topping is crucial for creating a crumbly texture. The cold butter will create pockets of air as it melts in the oven, resulting in a light and crispy topping.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If your peaches are very sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the filling. Taste the peach mixture before adding the topping to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
* **Add a Touch of Spice:** Experiment with different spices to enhance the flavor of the peach crisp. A pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or allspice can add a warm and inviting aroma.
* **Nuts for Texture:** Adding chopped nuts to the crisp topping adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds work well.
* **Lemon Zest for Brightness:** A teaspoon of lemon zest in the peach filling can add a bright and refreshing flavor.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for regular all-purpose flour in both the filling and the topping.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the peach filling and the crisp topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake the crisp just before serving.
* **Reheating Instructions:** Reheat leftover peach crisp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker reheating option.
Variations and Add-Ins
* **Berry Peach Crisp:** Add a cup of fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, to the peach filling for a burst of extra flavor.
* **Almond Peach Crisp:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the peach filling and use slivered almonds in the crisp topping.
* **Ginger Peach Crisp:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to the peach filling and a tablespoon of crystallized ginger, chopped, to the crisp topping.
* **Maple Pecan Peach Crisp:** Substitute maple syrup for the granulated sugar in the peach filling and use maple extract instead of vanilla. Add chopped pecans to the crisp topping.
* **Caramel Peach Crisp:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked peach crisp before serving.
* **Add other fruits:** Add apples, plums or nectarines along with the peaches or in place of them.
* **Omit Oats:** Some people do not like oats in their crisps. Feel free to omit the oats and add extra flour to the topping for a more sand-like topping.
Serving Suggestions
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing! The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm, sweet crisp perfectly.
* **Whipped Cream:** Light and airy whipped cream adds a touch of elegance to the dessert.
* **Caramel Sauce:** A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a rich, decadent flavor.
* **Greek Yogurt:** For a healthier option, top the crisp with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
* **Custard Sauce:** A creamy custard sauce adds a luxurious touch.
* **Cinnamon Sugar:** Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the warm crisp for a simple yet delicious topping.
* **Fresh Mint:** A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 3-4g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 3-4g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*
Storing Leftovers
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover peach crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the peach crisp in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* **Can I use canned peaches?** While fresh peaches are preferred, you can use canned peaches in a pinch. Drain the canned peaches well and reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
* **Can I use frozen peaches?** Yes, you can use frozen peaches. Thaw them slightly before using and drain off any excess liquid.
* **Can I make this crisp vegan?** Yes, substitute vegan butter for the dairy butter in both the filling and the topping. You can also use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to replace the binding properties sometimes provided by the slight amount of flour in the filling. Make sure to use a vegan-friendly brown sugar or another sweetener of your choice.
* **My crisp topping is too dry. What should I do?** Add a tablespoon or two of melted butter or oil to the topping and mix well.
* **My crisp topping is not getting brown enough. What should I do?** Brush the topping with a little melted butter or sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon before baking.
* **Can I make this in a smaller dish?** Yes, you can halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8 inch baking dish.
* **What kind of oats should I use?** Old-fashioned or quick-cooking rolled oats both work well in this recipe. Avoid using instant oats, as they will become too mushy.
* **How do I prevent the bottom of the crisp from being soggy?** Make sure to use a preheated oven and don’t overcrowd the pan. You can also try baking the crisp on a lower rack in the oven.
This Grandma’s Sheet Pan Peach Crisp recipe is a testament to the simple joys of home baking. It’s a recipe that’s meant to be shared, enjoyed, and passed down to future generations. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a delicious and comforting dessert that everyone will love!
Enjoy!