Healthy Peach Crisp

Healthy peach crisp is plump full of juicy, bubbly peaches, with a crispy oat topping that's naturally sweetened with maple syrup. This easy and healthy peach dessert is dairy-free/vegan, flour-less, and protein-rich. It's simpler than making a pie, and no special equipment is needed. Bring it to your next summer picnic, potluck, or bbq!

I am a big fan of fruit desserts in summer, like dairy-free blueberry cobbler, cherry galette, and vegan fruit tart.

But there's something extra special about peach season during the month of August. This healthy peach crisp really lets our juicy peaches shine - we keep things simple while still packing lots of flavor and nutrition by using oats, almond flour, and maple syrup. If you want to use frozen peaches, you can do that, too.

The crispy oat topping tastes buttery and nutty, and is dairy-free, vegan, and flour-less. You can even use certified gluten free oats if you need it to be gluten-free. This easy peach dessert is perfect for your next summer bbq!

Jump to:

• ⭐️ Why This Peach Crisp is the Best
• 💬 What's the Difference Between a Crumble and a Crisp?
• 🍑 Ingredient Notes
• 📝 Crisp Variations & Substitutions
• 🔪 Recipe Instructions
• 👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips
• 💬 Frequently Asked Questions
• 🍋 More Dessert Recipes
• Healthy Peach Crisp

⭐️ Why This Peach Crisp is the Best

• Plump, juicy peaches are topped with a buttery oat topping
• Juicy, crispy, and crunchy
• Healthy summer dessert that's flour-less, dairy-free/vegan, and protein-rich (with a gluten-free option)
• Make ahead instructions provided
• Easy summer dessert that can be prepped in 15 minutes
• Customizable: Use frozen peaches, coconut flour, add spices, nuts, etc. Make it your own!
• Perfect for a summer BBQ, picnic, or potluck

💬 What's the Difference Between a Crumble and a Crisp?

A crumble is a baked dessert made with fresh fruit and a streusel-like topping that's usually prepared in a baking dish. A crisp is very similar, but it contains oats in the streusel topping, which crisp up as they bake, hence the name.

🍑 Ingredient Notes

• Ripe peaches - Make sure your peaches are ripe enough. It usually takes 3-5 days to ripen after purchasing from the market. They should be tender and very juicy when you cut into them.
• Old-fashioned oats - This is the foundation of our crisp topping. It provides the perfect texture.
• Cornstarch - Helps to thicken our peach filling
• Maple syrup - A plant-based natural sweetener that adds rich sweetness
• Lemon juice - I recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Almond extract - Adds rich nutty, almond flavor that pairs beautifully with peaches (can be omitted).
• Vegan butter - Tastes just like (dairy) butter but it's plant-based. You can find it next to dairy butter in the supermarket.
• Almond flour - A protein-rich flour substitute with a nutty flavor.
• Brown sugar - Adds deep caramel and molasses notes.

📝 Crisp Variations & Substitutions

• Coconut flour can be substituted for almond flour
• Low sugar. This healthy peach crisp recipe is already low in sugar, but you can cut the amount in half for a more tart peach crisp.
• Coconut oil can be used in place of vegan butter
• Frozen peaches or canned peaches can be substituted for fresh. No need to thaw the frozen peaches - add them directly from the freezer!
• Honey can be substituted for maple syrup, or see my list of the best maple syrup substitutes.
• Nuts. Substitute the almonds with your favorite nut. Walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts would all be delicious.
• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats
• Spices. Replace the cinnamon (or add to it) with your favorite warm spice, like nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves.
• Add berries. Toss in 1 cup of blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries for a more complex flavor.

🔪 Recipe Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 8x8" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Peel peaches (use this hack for easier peeling) and place in a large mixing bowl.

Add cornstarch, vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon juice, maple syrup, and stir to coat peaches.

In a small bowl, whisk together oats, almond flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.

Add softened vegan butter, vanilla extract, and almonds (if using), and combine with a fork, until soft clumps form.

Pour peach filling into prepared baking dish and sprinkle with crisp topping. Use your hands to pat down lightly.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, until crust is golden brown. Let rest for at least 15 before serving to allow the juices to thicken. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips

• How to store: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• How to freeze: After completely cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight.
• How to reheat: Cover with foil and place in a preheated 350 degree F. oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
• Use ripe peaches to ensure peak juiciness.
• Make ahead: Prep and assemble crisp 3-4 hours ahead of time and chill in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
• Let it rest. Make sure that you let your crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the liquid to thicken and prevents a watery crisp.
• Serve peach crisp with a scoop of ice cream, non-dairy ice cream, or fresh whipped cream.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

🍋 More Dessert Recipes

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