The Peach and Blueberry Crisp is a classic American dessert known for its simplicity and celebration of seasonal fruit. It features juicy peaches and sweet blueberries baked under a buttery, crumbly oat topping, similar to a streusel. The fruit filling becomes syrupy and bubbling in the oven, while the topping crisps to a golden brown, offering a contrast of textures.Crisps are part of traditional American home baking, especially popular in the summer and fall when fruits like apples, peaches, and berries are in season.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches and blueberries.
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the fruit, then add the lemon juice and granulated sugar.
Gently toss the mixture until the fruit is evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Add the chilled butter pieces to the dry ingredients.
Combine Mixtures
Spread the fruit mixture into a 3 quart oval or rectangular baking dish.
Sprinkle the oat mixture on top.
Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Crisp
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer the fruit filling into a 3-quart oval or rectangular baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the crisp topping over the fruit, covering it completely.
Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
For a crispier topping, you can broil the crisp for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serve
Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes.
Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Tips
Fruit Selection:Use ripe, firm peaches for the best texture. If fresh blueberries aren't available, frozen ones can be used without thawing; just increase the cornstarch to 1½ tablespoons to account for extra moisture.
Butter Temperature:Ensure the butter is cold when making the topping to achieve a crumbly texture.
Storage:Leftover crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispness of the topping.