Healthy Peach Blueberry Crisp
Late summer is peak peach season in the South, and this simple Peach Blueberry Crisp is a delicious way to take advantage of it. Juicy fresh peaches and blueberries are baked beneath an oat-and-pecan crumble naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar.
And don’t bother peeling those peaches. The skin adds color, texture, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds; just wash them well before slicing.
This dessert deserves to be served warm. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt, or try a dollop of Greek yogurt for a little extra protein.
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Peach Blueberry Filling
Ingredients
- 4 cups unpeeled fresh peaches, thinly sliced (about 3–4 large peaches)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, washed and drained
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons tapioca flour
- Pinch of salt
Oat Pecan Crumble
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup oat flour*
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
To make your own oat flour, add 1/2 cup rolled oats to a food processor and blend until a fine flour forms.
Directions
- Preheat the oven. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or an 8- to 10-inch pie dish.
- Prepare the fruit. In a large bowl, combine peaches, blueberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, tapioca flour, and salt. Gently toss until the fruit is evenly coated.
- Assemble the filling. Transfer the fruit mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Make the crumble. In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, oat flour, pecans, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter, maple syrup, and almond extract until the mixture is evenly moistened and forms loose crumbles.
- Top the fruit. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the peach and blueberry mixture. Don’t press it down; the loose topping helps create those crispy, golden edges.
- Bake. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the fruit is bubbling around the edges, the peaches are fork-tender, and the topping is golden brown.
- Let it rest. Cool for 10–15 minutes before serving to let the fruit filling thicken.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, whipped cream, or plain Greek yogurt.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Celebrates fresh, seasonal Southern peaches and blueberries
- Keeps the peach skins on for additional fiber and plant nutrients
- Uses oats, pecans, and fruit for plenty of texture
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar
- Easy enough for a weeknight but perfect for a summer gathering
Thrive Tips
Don’t peel the peaches. The skin softens during baking and adds nutrients, color, and texture.
Use ripe but firm peaches. Overripe peaches can release too much liquid and create a softer crisp.
Make it gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and oat flour.
Add some protein. A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt contrasts nicely with the warm fruit while adding protein.
Save the leftovers. Refrigerate covered leftovers and gently reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to peel peaches for peach crisp?
No. Peach skins soften considerably during baking and provide additional fiber and beneficial plant compounds.
Can I use frozen peaches or blueberries?
Yes. Frozen fruit can work when fresh isn’t available, although it may release more moisture. You may need to increase the baking time slightly.
What’s the difference between a peach crisp and peach cobbler?
A crisp typically has a crunchy oat-based topping, while a cobbler is usually topped with biscuit dough or batter.
Can I make peach blueberry crisp ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the fruit and crumble separately, refrigerate them, and assemble before baking. This helps preserve the topping’s texture.
What should I serve with peach blueberry crisp?
Vanilla ice cream is the classic choice. Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt is another option that adds creaminess and additional protein.