Crumbles, crisps, cobblers, slumps (or grunts) and buckles – it can be confusing so let’s explore the differences!
A slump (or grunt) has steamed dumplings on top of fruit instead of the browned biscuits found on baked fruit cobblers. Buckles are made by pouring a cake-like batter over fruit then baked. They’re more like a fruity coffee cake, and are sometimes referred to as breakfast cake. Crisps almost always include oats, nuts or granola in the topping and often covers all the fruit. Crumbles can be made with a flour, butter and sugar mixture then “crumbled” on top of sweetened fruit. From there the variations are endless! Call it whatever you want … but this Easy Peach Crumble is one of the simplest desserts you can make and since appearance is not an issue, you really can’t mess it up.
Peaches are perfect in this crumble as they enthusiastically make lots of wonderful juice when combined with sugar. The topping bakes up with a nice crispy crunch on top and soaks up the juice on the bottom. The best of both worlds if you ask me!
While not necessary, a simple drizzle of almond flavored icing can easily set this recipe apart. I used minimal sugar in the peaches because I love to taste their natural sweetness and flavor. However, you need to add some sugar so the peaches will make their wonderful juice. Therefore depending on the sweetness of your fruit, you are more than welcome to adjust the sugar in this recipe. I used 1/3 cup, but would feel confident that 1/4 cup will do too, especially if your peaches are already juicy.
Thirty minutes in the oven and you have a deliciously homespun dessert that smells like heaven!
Ice cream? Now that’s a completely separate topic and I could go on, and on, and on about the benefits of ice cream on a warm, sweet, amazing crumble. You should try a scoop or two for yourself and then decide. There is something really special about the simplicity of a fruit crumble.
Did you ever make one of those recipes popular back in the 1980’s that included a can of pie filling spread in the bottom of a casserole dish, then topped it with a dry cake mix? Chunks of butter were dotted on top then baked until golden brown and bubbly. My mother-in-law made those for simple gathering and they were always well received. This Easy Peach Crumble is similar to that old recipe, except homemade.
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- 5 medium to large peaches, peeled and sliced thin
- 1/3 to 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- dash of table salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, plus more for buttering the casserole dish
- juice of ½ a lemon
- a few drops of almond extract
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks (1 stick or 8 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk or cream, more or less for desired consistency
- a few drops of almond extract
- Peel and thinly slice the peaches. Place the peaches in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 to 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Gently toss to combine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside for an hour.
- In the bowl of the food processor, combine the flour, brown sugar, butter and granulated sugar. Pulse until combined. Remove to a medium mixing bowl and using your hands, press the topping together to form large chunks. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a small 1 - 1.5 quart casserole dish.
- Once the peaches have rested for an hour, drain the juice into a medium saucepan. Set aside the sliced peaches for now.
- Whisk in the corn starch, cinnamon and salt until combined with the peach juice. Cook, whisking constantly over medium heat until the syrup boils. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, 1 tablespoon butter and the almond extract. Gently fold in the peaches and any accumulated juice. Pour the peach mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Top with the crumble mixture, leaving some pieces about the size of quarters, and bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and cool slightly.
- To make the icing combine the powdered sugar, milk and almond extract in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Add more sugar or milk as needed for the right consistency. Drizzle over the warm crumble and serve immediately.
Ice cream is also good on a warm crumble
I love my food processor! Making a crumble has never been easier 🙂
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I’m going to miss all this fresh fruit and garden vegetables when fall rolls around. Are you ready for pumpkins and fleece jackets? After this seriously hot summer, I think I am. I’ll miss the extra daylight but it’s a good trade for cooler temperatures. Have a wonderful weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by.
Tricia
I am one of those who always confuses crumbles, crisps, and cobblers. But it’s not a big problem because I love them all. 🙂 Your peach crumble with some vanilla bean ice cream is my idea of nirvana. 🙂
I don’t really think it matters Wendy 🙂 They are all good! I was thinking about the ice cream but we didn’t have any and I knew I didn’t need to go buy any!
Love all the different names for fruit desserts! Can’t decide if slump or grunt is my favorite name. 🙂 Although I’m more inclined to make buckles or crisps or crumbles. So this peach crumble is in my wheelhouse. And we’re awash with peaches at the moment, so your recipe is so timely. Thanks!
Haha – thanks John! You’re going to love this one 🙂
I love fruit desserts and I love summer’s bounty. We’ve had a few cool days here and it did feel good, but I sure will miss fresh peaches. Better make this while I can. This is perfect Tricia!
Thank you Abbe! I actually saw someone stocking the shelves at the grocery store today … with Halloween candy! Not yet, oh no! Not ready 🙂
Crumbles are one of my favourite desserts. I love how you can take seasonal fruit and transform it into a delightful treat, just like you did with the peaches here. Looks amazing!
Thank you so much Nancy and thanks for visiting!
This is a simple-classic and delicious recipe, like the one my mom would make on Sunday nights. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Marilyn! We LOVE this dessert 🙂
If I were to bake a fruit it would be peaches, and maybe apples. I have a hard time baking berries – they’re just so wonderful popped directly into the mouth! A beautiful peach crumble, no matter the name!
Peaches baked exceptionally well especially when combined with a little sugar 🙂 – thanks Mimi!
I think peach crumble is probably my favourite type of crumble. I love how you put icing on top too, that’s such a great idea!
Thank you Dom!
Heavenly Tricia. What a fabulous favourite.
Have a beautiful day.
🙂 Mandy xo
You too Mandy – thanks so much!
Fruit crisps and crumbles are always at the top of my wish list! This one looks amazing – I’ve never seen a crumble with an almond icing before, but it sounds wonderful!
Thanks Beth – we like to be a little different here 🙂 Hope you’re having a great summer!
You make so many beautiful dishes that remind me of my grandmother’s baking, Tricia. She was such a fabulous cook and her desserts were her pride and joy. I don’t think I’ve had this since I was a kid but wow, it sure does look fantastic!
Aww that is sweet Robyn – thank you! Maybe my grandchildren will remember me as a good baker too. And that I love to teach them how to cook!
What a perfect way to highlight beautiful summer peaches! I’ll be making this with a few of mine 🙂
Thanks Jennifer – I hope you love it too 🙂
Beautiful crisp Tricia, peaches are my favorite of all fruits summer or winter. In fact we have been eating so many this year we jokingly have been calling this the summer of peaches. Hope you are having a wonderful week-end.
Thanks Cheri! A peachy summer sounds like heaven. Hope you have a lovely week!
This is my favorite kind of dessert! It’s funny, if we’re eating out I always order the fruit crumble or cobbler or crisp… even though it’s the simplest thing to make at home. Love your almond drizzle too!
Hi Chris! I love a simple dessert too – especially one with fruit! Thanks 🙂
o gosh..Tricia, don’t do this to me…I just decided no dessert at all for a whole week…sighs..this looks to die for!
Thank you very much Angie – I have to give the sweets away – or share MOST of them anyway. But I do enjoy a taste from time to time 🙂
This is just pure peach perfection. the ultimate summer dessert!
Thank you Sara!
Fresh peaches baked up in a crumble with a touch of almond extract…life doesn’t get any better!
Simplicity in desserts is a great thing isn’t it Sue? Love fruit desserts – anytime anywhere 🙂
I’m definitely not ready for Fall yet and I’ll bask in all the summer fruits and veggies for a while longer, please. : ) This peach crumble is making me drool…we love almond flavored icing here so I’d want to serve extra on the side! What a treat, Tricia. Your family is so lucky to have you in the kitchen!
Extra almond icing on the side – now that’s a great idea! Thanks Monica – have a wonderful week.
I remember my mother in law making a dish like that. Your homemade version looks so much better. I have to try it!
Thanks Gerlinde! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do 🙂