Grandma’s Gluten-Free Peach Crisp is not just a dessert; it’s a warm, comforting dish that brings back lovely memories of family gatherings and summer days. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for anyone who loves peaches, especially when they are at their peak ripeness. It’s gluten-free, so those who need to avoid gluten can enjoy it without worry. The sweet peach filling combined with the crunchy topping is a delightful balance that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, it’s versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of the year, whether you are using fresh peaches in the summer or frozen ones in the winter.
HOW TO MAKE Grandma’s Gluten-Free Peach Crisp
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh or frozen peaches, sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Topping:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced peaches with lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour this mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the almond flour, gluten-free rolled oats, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the dry topping ingredients. Use your fingers, a pastry blender, or a fork to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Evenly sprinkle the almond flour topping over the peach mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly.
- Let the crisp cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
HOW TO SERVE Grandma’s Gluten-Free Peach Crisp
Grandma’s Gluten-Free Peach Crisp is delicious served warm, straight from the oven. You can enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The cold creaminess of the ice cream or whipped cream perfectly offsets the warm, sweet peaches and crunchy topping. You might also consider serving it with yogurt for a healthier option.
HOW TO STORE Grandma’s Gluten-Free Peach Crisp
If you have any leftovers, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain the best flavor and texture. Allow the peach crisp to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store it for a longer time, consider freezing it. Make sure to wrap it tightly, and it will keep for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven.
TIPS TO MAKE Grandma’s Gluten-Free Peach Crisp
- Choose the Right Peaches: Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If they are too firm, let them ripen at room temperature for a couple of days.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet crisp, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and topping. Taste the peaches first; if they are very sweet, you might not need as much sugar.
- Use Quality Butter: Using cold, high-quality unsalted butter will enhance the flavor of the topping. Make sure it’s cold to achieve that crumbly texture.
- Mix Toppings with Care: When mixing the topping ingredients, avoid overworking the butter. You want it to look like coarse crumbs, which will bake into a crispy texture.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like ginger or allspice to give your crisp a unique twist.
VARIATIONS
While Grandma’s recipe is perfect as is, you can also add your own twist by trying these variations:
- Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Berry Crisp: Combine half peaches and half berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for added tang and flavor.
- Chai-Spiced Crisp: Add chai spices like cardamom and cloves for a warm, aromatic dessert.
- Maple Sweetener: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or maple sugar for a different sweetness.
- Coconut Flour: Replace some or all of the almond flour with coconut flour for a different flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned peaches if fresh or frozen are not available. Drain them well and adjust the sugar as canned peaches are often sweeter.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the butter with a non-dairy alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
How do I know when the crisp is done baking?
The peach filling should be bubbling, and the topping should turn a nice golden brown color. A good rule of thumb is to bake it for about 35-45 minutes, but you can check sooner if you have a dark baking dish.