Heart-shaped Peach Crisp

Name: Heart-shaped Peach Crisp
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh peaches, sliced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Artisan Dessert Bakes

I love whipping up this Heart-shaped Peach Crisp whenever I’m craving something sweet and fruity. The combination of succulent peaches and a buttery oat topping creates a delightful contrast that melts in your mouth. Perfect for serving at a special gathering or simply enjoying at home, it never fails to impress. The heart shape adds a personal touch, making it ideal for sharing with loved ones. With just a bit of prep, you can create a dessert that’s both delicious and visually stunning!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-16T15:18:29.265Z

Creating this Heart-shaped Peach Crisp was a delightful experience, especially as I watched the ingredients transform into a warm, inviting dish. The best part was using ripe peaches, which not only provided sweetness but also a lovely texture that contrasted with the crisp topping. I’ve found that lightly tossing the peaches in sugar and a touch of cinnamon enhances their flavor remarkably!

Another tip I learned is to let the crisp rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to settle, making the serving easier and the flavors even more pronounced. It’s a dish that brings smiles, and you can tell when it’s made with love!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A beautiful heart shape that's perfect for sharing.
Juicy, ripe peaches balanced with a crunchy topping.
A simple yet impressive dessert that everyone will adore.

      

Understanding the Peach Filling

Using fresh peaches is key to creating the best flavor in this Heart-shaped Peach Crisp. Choose ripe peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure for optimal sweetness and juiciness. You can also use frozen peaches, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture to prevent a soggy filling. The combination of lemon juice and cinnamon not only enhances the sweetness but also adds a refreshing contrast that brightens the dish without overpowering the natural peach flavor.

The sugar used in the peach filling plays an important role in balancing the acidity from the lemon juice. Adjust the sugar based on your preference and the sweetness of the peaches; if your peaches are particularly sweet, you might reduce the amount slightly. Likewise, a sprinkle of cornstarch can be added to thicken the filling if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Perfecting the Crisp Topping

The crunchiness of the topping is what makes this dessert delightful. The combination of rolled oats and brown sugar creates a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet peaches. You can use quick oats in a pinch, but rolled oats provide a better texture. If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

When mixing the crisp topping, ensure that the melted butter thoroughly coats the oats and flour mixture. You'll know it's right when it resembles wet sand. For an added twist, consider incorporating nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and flavor variation. Just be mindful of baking times, as they may vary slightly with additional ingredients.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving this Heart-shaped Peach Crisp warm is essential, as the buttery topping remains crispy, providing an appealing contrast to the warm and gooey peach filling. For an indulgent experience, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you're looking to impress, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

If you have leftovers, store the crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispiness of the topping. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked crisp filling and the topping separately, then assemble and bake straight from the freezer when you're ready to enjoy it again.

Ingredients

For the Peach Filling

4 cups fresh peaches, sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Crisp Topping

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the Peaches

In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss until the peaches are evenly coated and set aside.

Make the Crisp Topping

In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be crumbly.

Assemble the Crisp

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a heart-shaped baking dish. Pour the peach mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the crisp topping over the peaches, covering them completely.

Bake the Crisp

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.

Serve

Let the crisp rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Pro Tips

Try substituting peaches with other fruits like nectarines or berries for a variation. Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of your fruit for perfect taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of fresh peaches or want to try a variation, consider substituting them with ripe nectarines, plums, or a mix of berries. Each fruit will bring a unique flavor profile while still complementing the crisp topping. Just keep in mind that different fruits may require slight adjustments in the sugar or baking time, so taste as you go.

For a dairy-free version, replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter alternatives. Ensure that your rolled oats and any other added ingredients like flour are certified gluten-free if necessary; this will cater to those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the integrity of the recipe.

Scaling the Recipe

This Heart-shaped Peach Crisp recipe can easily be doubled or halved to fit your needs. If you want to serve a larger group, simply use a larger baking dish instead of a heart-shaped one, which will allow the layers to bake evenly without overflow. Adjusting the baking time will depend on the depth of the filling in the dish; deeper layers may require an extra 5–10 minutes.

When halving, consider using individual ramekins for individual servings. This approach not only enhances presentation but also allows for quicker baking and easier serving. Just monitor the crisp closely, as mini portions may bake faster—look for that golden brown top as your guide!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with fruit crisps is a soggy bottom. To combat this, make sure to drain excess liquid from your peaches if they're overly juicy, and consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling to help absorb moisture. Partially baking the peach layer before adding the topping can also help achieve a better texture.

If you find that your topping isn't as crispy as you'd like, try baking it a few additional minutes near the end of cooking. Look for that golden, crumbly finish, and if you find that edges are browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil until the center has had time to catch up.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned peaches?

Yes, you can use canned peaches. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free oats.

→ Is it okay to make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance, cover it, and bake it right before serving.

→ What should I serve it with?

This crisp pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for added richness.