Easy Frozen Peach Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert made with juicy frozen peaches and a simple cinnamon-butter topping. Because the fruit goes directly from the freezer into the baking dish, there is no peeling, pitting, or slicing required.
As the crisp bakes, the peaches soften and release their sweet juices while the flour-based topping becomes golden and crumbly. The result is a bubbling fruit dessert with a tender peach filling and a buttery, cookie-like crust.
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for an easy weeknight dessert, casual family gathering, holiday meal, or last-minute treat when fresh peaches are unavailable.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Frozen Peach Crisp
This recipe turns a short list of freezer and pantry staples into a cozy homemade dessert.
- Uses frozen peaches with no thawing required
- Contains only five essential ingredients
- Requires about 10 minutes of preparation
- Does not contain oats
- Can be prepared without a mixer or food processor
- Works throughout the year
- Produces a buttery, shortbread-style topping
- Easy to customize with spices, nuts, or additional fruit
Unlike a traditional peach cobbler, this recipe does not require biscuit dough or cake batter. The topping is mixed in one bowl and sprinkled directly over the frozen fruit.
Baking With Frozen Peaches
Frozen peaches release more moisture than firm fresh peaches because freezing changes the structure of the fruit. That is not necessarily a problem, but the extra liquid must have time to bubble and reduce in the oven.
For this recipe, add the peaches to the baking dish while they are still frozen. Thawing them first creates additional liquid in the dish and can make the finished filling softer and juicier.
Separate any peach slices that have frozen into large clumps. Arranging the slices in an even layer helps them cook at approximately the same rate.
The crisp is ready when the topping is golden and the fruit juices are visibly bubbling around the edges. Bubbling is important because it indicates that the center of the frozen fruit has heated thoroughly.
The filling will look loose when the dish first comes out of the oven. Allowing the crisp to rest for 10–15 minutes gives the hot juices time to cool and thicken slightly.
Key Ingredient Notes
Only five ingredients are required to make Easy Frozen Peach Crisp.
Frozen peach slices
Use approximately 24 ounces, or 6 cups, of unsweetened frozen raw peach slices. Avoid peaches packed in syrup because they would make the dessert considerably sweeter.
Do not thaw the peaches before assembling the crisp. If they are covered with excessive loose ice crystals, brush away some of the ice before adding them to the baking dish.
Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the peaches and helps the topping develop a lightly crisp, golden surface.
The sweetness of frozen peaches can vary. This recipe uses ½ cup, which creates a noticeably sweet dessert. If your peaches are naturally sweet, you may reduce the sugar slightly, although the texture of the topping may become less crisp.
All-purpose flour
Flour gives the topping its structure and absorbs the melted butter. Once baked, it creates a tender, crumbly texture similar to a simple shortbread topping.
Measure the flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling the top. Scooping directly from the flour container can compact it and result in a dry topping.
Ground cinnamon
One teaspoon of cinnamon adds a warm flavor that complements the peaches without covering their natural fruitiness.
For a more complex spice profile, a small pinch of nutmeg may be added as an optional variation.
Unsalted butter
Melted butter coats the flour and sugar, producing moist crumbs that become golden in the oven.
Unsalted butter provides better control over the final flavor. If salted butter is all you have, it can be used without making any other major adjustments.
Recommended Kitchen Equipment
An 8-by-8-inch baking dish provides enough depth for the peach juices while keeping the fruit and topping in balanced layers. A similar 2-quart baking dish will also work.
A glass or ceramic baking dish makes it easy to check whether the fruit is bubbling around the edges. If using glass, avoid exposing the dish to sudden temperature changes.
You will also need a medium mixing bowl, a whisk, a fork, and measuring cups and spoons. Place the baking dish on a rimmed sheet pan if it is filled close to the top. The sheet pan will catch any juice that bubbles over.
How to Make Easy Frozen Peach Crisp
Prepare the oven and baking dish
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven so the filling cooks evenly and the topping does not sit too close to the upper heating element.
An ungreased 8-by-8-inch baking dish works well because the fruit releases enough moisture during baking to prevent sticking.
Arrange the frozen peaches
Pour 6 cups of unthawed frozen peach slices directly into the baking dish.
Use a wooden spoon or clean hands to separate any large frozen clumps. Spread the peaches into an even layer so there are no thick piles in the center.
Combine the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon.
Mix thoroughly to distribute the cinnamon evenly. Breaking up any flour lumps now will help the topping bake with a consistent texture.
Make the crumb topping
Pour the melted butter over the dry mixture. Stir with a fork until no large areas of dry flour remain.
The mixture should resemble damp sand with small and medium-sized clumps. Do not press it into a smooth dough. Those uneven crumbs create the crisp’s characteristic texture.
Assemble the crisp
Sprinkle the butter mixture evenly over the frozen peaches. Cover the center and corners of the baking dish, but do not press the topping firmly against the fruit.
A loose topping allows steam to escape while the peaches cook.
Bake until golden and bubbling
Bake on the center rack for 35–45 minutes. Depending on the thickness of the frozen slices and the material of your baking dish, the crisp may need a few additional minutes.
Look for three signs of doneness:
- The topping is golden brown.
- The peach slices are tender when tested with a thin knife.
- Fruit juices are actively bubbling around the edges.
If the topping becomes dark before the peaches are fully tender, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the final 10 minutes.
Rest before serving
Remove the baking dish from the oven and place it on a heat-safe surface. Let the crisp rest for at least 10–15 minutes.
The fruit filling will be extremely hot and slightly loose immediately after baking. Resting makes the dessert safer to eat and gives the juices time to settle.
Tips for the Best Results
Keep the peaches frozen
Transfer the peaches from the freezer to the baking dish only when you are ready to assemble the dessert. Completely thawed fruit releases more liquid before the topping begins baking.
Break apart frozen clusters
A solid block of peaches will cook unevenly. Separate the pieces and distribute them throughout the baking dish before adding the topping.
Create different crumb sizes
When stirring in the butter, leave a combination of fine crumbs and larger clumps. Fine crumbs cover the fruit, while larger pieces provide more noticeable crunch.
Watch for bubbling fruit
A golden top alone does not guarantee that the frozen peaches are thoroughly heated. Wait until juices are bubbling around multiple edges of the dish.
Protect the topping when necessary
Ovens and baking dishes conduct heat differently. If the surface reaches the desired color too early, add a loose foil tent rather than reducing the oven temperature.
Let the dessert rest
Serving the crisp immediately can produce very runny portions. A short resting period improves both the consistency and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Thawing the fruit completely
Thawed peaches can make the dessert considerably juicier. If your peaches have already thawed, drain off excessive liquid before using them.
Using sweetened peaches
Frozen fruit packaged with added sugar can make the crisp overly sweet. Choose plain, unsweetened peach slices whenever possible.
Packing the topping down
Pressing the crumb mixture into a solid layer creates a dense crust. Sprinkle it loosely over the fruit so the surface can become crumbly.
Removing the crisp too early
Because the peaches begin frozen, they require enough time to become hot and tender. Do not rely only on the topping’s color; check for bubbling juices as well.
Reheating only in the microwave
A microwave heats individual portions quickly, but steam softens the topping. An oven or air fryer is better when restoring the crisp texture matters.
Variations and Optional Add-Ins
The original five-ingredient version is delicious as written, but these optional additions provide easy ways to change it.
Peach and blueberry crisp
Replace 1 cup of frozen peaches with 1 cup of frozen blueberries. Add both fruits directly from the freezer and bake until the filling bubbles.
Pecan peach crisp
Stir ⅓ cup of chopped pecans into the prepared topping. The nuts provide additional crunch and a toasted flavor.
Traditional oat topping
Add ½ cup of old-fashioned rolled oats to the flour mixture. You may need 1–2 additional tablespoons of melted butter if the topping appears excessively dry.
Vanilla-spiced peaches
Toss the frozen peaches with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract before adding the topping.
Warm spice variation
Add a small pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon. Use these spices sparingly so the peach flavor remains noticeable.
What to Serve With Peach Crisp
Easy Frozen Peach Crisp is best served warm, either by itself or with a creamy topping.
Try serving each portion with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream
- Greek yogurt for a less-sweet option
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped toasted pecans
- A small dusting of cinnamon
Cold vanilla ice cream creates an especially satisfying contrast with the warm peaches and buttery topping.
For a summer-style meal, pair the dessert with grilled chicken, barbecue, burgers, or picnic foods. During fall and winter, it works well after roasted meats, casseroles, or a casual holiday dinner.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The dry topping ingredients can be mixed several days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the melted butter immediately before assembling the crisp.
You may also assemble the entire dessert and freeze it briefly while the oven heats. However, do not leave the assembled crisp at room temperature because the peaches will begin releasing moisture into the topping.
For the best texture, bake the dessert shortly before serving and allow time for the required 10–15-minute rest.
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before covering the baking dish or transferring portions to an airtight container.
Store the crisp in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat several portions, place them in an oven-safe dish and warm at 325°F (165°C) for approximately 10–15 minutes. For a single portion, use an air fryer at about 325°F (165°C) for several minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
The microwave can be used when convenience is more important than texture. Heat an individual serving in short intervals, but expect the topping to become softer.
Freezing the baked crisp is possible, although the topping may lose some of its original crunch. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, but canned peaches produce a softer result. Drain them thoroughly and choose peaches packed in juice rather than heavy syrup. Because canned peaches are already tender, begin checking the crisp earlier.
Can I use fresh peaches?
Yes. Use approximately 6 cups of peeled or unpeeled fresh peach slices. Fresh fruit may finish baking slightly sooner than frozen fruit, so begin checking it after about 30 minutes.
Why is my peach crisp watery?
Frozen fruit naturally releases juice during baking. The filling may also appear thin while it is extremely hot. Make sure the juices bubble in the oven, then let the dessert rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Can I add oats?
Yes. Add ½ cup of old-fashioned rolled oats to create a more traditional crisp topping. Quick oats will produce a softer texture, while steel-cut oats are not recommended.
How do I know when frozen peach crisp is finished?
The topping should be golden, the peaches should be tender, and the fruit juices should bubble around the edges. If the center is still cold or the fruit is firm, continue baking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A dependable 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour can generally replace the all-purpose flour. Results vary among flour blends, so use one intended for direct substitution.
How much does this dessert cost?
Ingredient prices vary by store and season, but the complete dessert will often cost approximately $6–$10 in the United States. When divided into eight servings, that is roughly $0.75–$1.25 per serving.
Easy Frozen Peach Crisp Recipe Card
Description: Frozen peach slices baked beneath a simple cinnamon-butter crumb topping until tender, golden, and bubbling.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 60–70 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 6 cups frozen raw peach slices, about 24 ounces, unthawed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Position an oven rack in the center.
- Pour the frozen peach slices into an ungreased 8-by-8-inch or similar 2-quart baking dish.
- Break apart any large frozen clumps and spread the peaches into an even layer.
- Whisk the sugar, flour, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl.
- Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients. Stir with a fork until the mixture resembles damp sand with small clumps.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the frozen peaches without pressing it down.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden, the peaches are tender, and the juices are bubbling around the edges.
- If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent the baking dish with foil during the final 10 minutes.
- Remove the crisp from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Notes
- Do not thaw the peaches before assembling the dessert.
- Baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the peach slices and type of baking dish.
- Place the baking dish on a rimmed sheet pan if there is a risk of the fruit bubbling over.
- The filling will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Estimated Nutrition
Approximately 180 calories per serving, based on eight servings. Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on ingredient measurements, brands, and optional toppings.