If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer, look no further than this Strawberry Peach Crumble. Bursting with the sweet, juicy flavors of ripe peaches and strawberries, this rustic treat is topped with a buttery, golden crumble that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a comforting dessert, this recipe is both easy to make and irresistible.
In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about making the perfect Strawberry Peach Crumble – from its origin and ingredients to step-by-step instructions and delightful variations. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your crumble is a huge hit!
What is Strawberry Peach Crumble?
A Strawberry Peach Crumble is a sweet, fruit-based dessert made with a combination of fresh peaches and strawberries, topped with a buttery, crumbly mixture. It’s baked to perfection until the fruit filling becomes jammy and the topping turns golden brown and crispy. This dessert is the epitome of rustic charm, with the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. It’s also an incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed both warm or cold, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
What makes this recipe so special is the combination of juicy, ripe peaches and strawberries, which create a jam-like filling when baked. The crumble topping, made from simple ingredients, adds a buttery richness and a slight crunch to each bite.
The Origin of Strawberry Peach Crumble
While crumbles themselves are quite popular in many parts of the world, the exact origins of the Strawberry Peach Crumble are not entirely clear. Crumbles, or “crisp” as they are often called in North America, are believed to have originated in Britain during World War II. They were created as a simple, affordable dessert when rationing limited the availability of certain ingredients like butter and sugar. However, the concept of fruit-based desserts with a buttery topping dates back centuries, with early versions appearing in cookbooks dating back to the 19th century.
The Strawberry Peach Crumble, as a combination, likely gained popularity due to the abundance of summer fruits like peaches and strawberries. These fruits, when in season, are perfect for crumbles, as they provide a deliciously sweet and juicy base that pairs wonderfully with the buttery, crumbly topping. This dessert celebrates the warm, sun-drenched days of summer when fresh fruit is at its peak.
Ingredients for Strawberry Peach Crumble (Serves 6–8)
To make this delicious Strawberry Peach Crumble, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 2 lbs ripe peaches (peeled, pitted, and sliced)
- 1 lb strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for a hint of tartness)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (to sweeten the fruit)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the fruit filling)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar (for added richness)
- ½ tsp salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 12 tbsp salted butter (melted for a rich, buttery flavor)
These ingredients come together to create a dessert that is as simple as it is delicious. The fruit filling is easy to prepare, and the crumble topping requires just a few basic pantry staples. It’s the perfect dessert for both novice bakers and seasoned pros!
Step-by-Step Directions for Strawberry Peach Crumble
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this Strawberry Peach Crumble.
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the crumble bakes evenly and the filling becomes bubbling and jammy while the topping crisps up nicely.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the crumble from sticking to the pan during baking. Set the dish aside for later use.
3. Make the Fruit Filling
In a large bowl, combine the peeled, pitted, and sliced peaches with the hulled and halved strawberries. Add the fresh lemon juice to the fruit mixture, followed by the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour. The sugar will help bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit, while the flour helps thicken the filling as it bakes. Toss everything together gently to coat the fruit evenly.
Once the fruit mixture is ready, transfer it to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
4. Prepare the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until well mixed. Then, pour in the melted salted butter and stir it in until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand. This crumbly mixture will form the topping for your crumble.
5. Assemble the Crumble
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit filling in the baking dish. Make sure the entire surface is covered with the buttery crumble mixture.
6. Bake the Crumble
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. Keep an eye on it – the fruit should be bubbling, and the topping should turn a golden brown color when it’s done. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
7. Cool and Serve
Once your Strawberry Peach Crumble is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This will help the filling set slightly, making it easier to serve. Serve it warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
Variations for Strawberry Peach Crumble
One of the best things about the Strawberry Peach Crumble is its versatility. Here are some simple variations and tips to enhance your dessert:
- Add Warm Spices: If you love warming spices, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the crumble topping. These spices add depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Nuts and Oats: For an extra crunch, consider mixing in sliced almonds or rolled oats into the crumble topping. The nuts add texture and the oats provide a wholesome element.
- Frozen Fruit: If fresh fruit isn’t available, you can use frozen peaches and strawberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the filling, as frozen fruit can release excess moisture.
These variations will help you customize the Strawberry Peach Crumble to your preferences, making it your own signature dessert!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Strawberry Peach Crumble
1. Can I use other fruits for this crumble?
Yes! You can easily substitute the peaches and strawberries with other fruits like apples, blueberries, or blackberries. Just ensure you use about the same amount of fruit to maintain the right balance of flavors and consistency.
2. Can I make Strawberry Peach Crumble ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Strawberry Peach Crumble ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply bake it, let it cool, and then cover it tightly before refrigerating. When you’re ready to serve, warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through.
3. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute the granulated sugar and light brown sugar with other types of sugar. For example, you could use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative or turbinado sugar for a bit of crunch and depth.
4. Can I make the crumble topping gluten-free?
Yes, if you need a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free flour in place of regular all-purpose flour. Be sure to check the other ingredients for any hidden sources of gluten.
5. Can I freeze the crumble?
Yes, you can freeze the Strawberry Peach Crumble before or after baking. To freeze before baking, prepare the crumble and place it in a freezer-safe dish. Once frozen, you can bake it directly from the freezer, just add extra time to the baking process.
Conclusion: A Dessert That Celebrates Summer
This Strawberry Peach Crumble is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of the vibrant, juicy fruits that summer has to offer. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and warm, comforting flavors, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or looking for a way to use up extra peaches and strawberries, this crumble is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Remember, the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. Feel free to experiment with different fruits, spices, and additions to make it your own. We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your dessert repertoire, and that every bite brings a little taste of summer into your kitchen!
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Strawberry Peach Crumble Recipe: A Rustic Summer Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Strawberry Peach Crumble is a sweet, fruit-based dessert made with a combination of fresh peaches and strawberries, topped with a buttery, crumbly mixture. It’s baked to perfection until the fruit filling becomes jammy and the topping turns golden brown and crispy. This dessert is the epitome of rustic charm, with the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. It’s also an incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed both warm or cold, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the fruit filling:
- 2 lbs ripe peaches (peeled, pitted, sliced)
- 1 lb strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the crumble topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 12 tbsp salted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, toss peaches and strawberries with lemon juice, sugar, and flour. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- Make the topping: In another bowl, mix flour, sugars, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Notes
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch. A sprinkle of toasted almonds can add extra crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Peach Crumble Recipe
