Delicious Peach Crisp with Maple Cream Sauce

A homestyle treat balancing juicy peaches, buttery crumbs, and a velvety maple sauce.

By Medha deb
Created on

Introduction to Peach Crisp: A Delightful Dessert

There’s something truly special about a warm, golden-brown peach crisp, especially when it’s topped with a crunchy layer of buttery crumbs and served with a side of rich, velvety maple cream sauce. This dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience that combines textures and flavors in a way that’s sure to leave everyone wanting more. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of peach crisp, exploring how to make it to perfection and pairing it with a divine maple cream sauce.

Choosing the Right Peaches

When it comes to making a peach crisp, the quality of the peaches is paramount. Opt for slightly firm peaches as they will retain their texture during baking, ensuring that each bite is both tender and slightly crunchy. Overly ripe peaches can become mushy and lose their structural integrity, which is undesirable in a crisp.

Ingredients for Peach Crisp

To make a fantastic peach crisp, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 5 to 6 whole peaches, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 stick cold butter (1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Preparing the Peach Mixture

Start by mixing the sliced peaches with the lemon zest and juice, along with 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup. Gently stir these ingredients together to create a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors.

Creating the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Use a fork or pastry blender to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Baking the Peach Crisp

Pour the peach mixture into a baking dish (8” or 9” square) and cover it evenly with the crumb topping. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If desired, broil for a few minutes to enhance the crispiness.

Maple Cream Sauce

The maple cream sauce is a crucial element that elevates this dessert to new heights. Here are the ingredients needed:

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 5 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup

Instructions for Maple Cream Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into a saucepan and add the maple syrup and light corn syrup. Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reduces by about one-third, which should take approximately 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Refrigerate the sauce until chilled, or speed up the process by placing the saucepan in a bowl of ice water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the peach crisp warm, drizzled with the maple cream sauce. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a dinner party, or simply a cozy evening at home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What type of peaches are best for peach crisp?

A: Slightly firm peaches work best as they retain their texture during baking.

Q: How do I prevent the maple cream sauce from becoming too thick?

A: If the sauce becomes too thick after chilling, you can soften it by warming it slightly or by adding a small amount of heavy cream.

Q: Can I make the peach crisp ahead of time?

A: While the peach crisp is best served fresh, you can prepare the peach mixture and crumb topping ahead of time. However, assemble and bake the crisp just before serving for optimal results.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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