Get ready to indulge in a warm, sweet treat with my Brown Butter Peach Crisp Skillet! This easy recipe combines ripe peaches and rich brown butter for a delightful dessert. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is sure to impress. Follow along as I guide you through simple steps, tips, and variations to make this timeless classic your own!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Nutty Flavor: The brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the sweetness of the peaches, making every bite a gourmet experience.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, with minimal effort needed for a stunning dessert that looks impressive.
- Perfectly Textured Topping: The combination of oats and nuts creates a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, juicy peaches.
- Customizable Delight: You can easily adjust the recipe with different fruits or nuts based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Brown Butter Peach Crisp Skillet
– 4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
– 1 cup rolled oats
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon nutmeg
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
– ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
Measurement Details
Accurate measurements are key to great taste. Use a dry measuring cup for the oats and flour. For sugars, scoop them into the cup and level off. This ensures you won’t have too much sweetness or dryness.
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor
You can enhance the flavor of your crisp by adding a few extras:
– A splash of lemon juice to the peaches for brightness.
– A pinch of ginger for a spicy kick.
– A handful of raisins or dried cranberries for chewy texture.
These simple additions can elevate your dish and give it a unique twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps Overview
First, gather all your ingredients. You need fresh peaches, oats, flour, and sugar. Don’t forget the butter and spices. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for cooking your crisp evenly.
Detailed Cooking Instructions
1. Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir it constantly. It will bubble and start to turn golden brown. This takes about 5-7 minutes. The nutty smell tells you it’s ready. Watch closely to avoid burning.
2. Prepare the Peaches: In a large bowl, add the sliced peaches. Sprinkle granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over them. Gently toss the peaches to coat. This helps enhance their natural sweetness. Place the peaches in the bottom of a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe dish.
3. Make the Topping: In another bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. If you want, add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Drizzle the brown butter over this mix. Stir until you have a crumbly topping.
4. Assemble the Crisp: Evenly spread the oat topping over the peaches. Make sure to cover them completely. This layer will turn golden and crisp in the oven.
5. Bake: Place the skillet in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown topping and bubbly peaches.
6. Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the juices settle.
Key Tips for Achieving Perfect Brown Butter
– Watch the Heat: Keep your heat at medium. Too high, and the butter burns quickly.
– Stir Constantly: This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
– Look for Color: When the butter is golden brown, it’s ready. The smell is a great clue too!
With these steps, you’ll create a delicious Brown Butter Peach Crisp Skillet. Enjoy the warm, sweet flavors!
Pro Tips
- Choose Ripe Peaches: Make sure the peaches are ripe and fragrant for the best flavor. Look for a slight give when gently squeezed.
- Perfectly Browned Butter: Watch the butter closely while browning, as it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. The nutty aroma is your cue!
- Customize Your Topping: Feel free to mix in other nuts or seeds, like almonds or sunflower seeds, for added texture and flavor in the crisp topping.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the peach crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious contrast.
Tips & Tricks
How to Choose the Best Peaches
To pick great peaches, look for ripe ones. They should feel soft but not too mushy. Check for a sweet aroma. A bright color also indicates ripeness. You can choose yellow or white peaches. Both taste good in this crisp. Avoid peaches with bruises or dark spots. These might not taste fresh.
Variations for Flavor Enhancements
You can change the flavor of your crisp. Try adding a splash of lemon juice to the peaches. This adds brightness. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of ginger. If you like nuts, mix in almonds or hazelnuts. You can even add dried fruits like cranberries. Each change can make your dish unique.
Essential Cooking Equipment for Success
Using the right tools helps a lot. You need a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe dish. This helps cook the crisp evenly. A medium saucepan is key for browning the butter. Get a mixing bowl for combining ingredients. A spatula or wooden spoon is great for stirring. Don’t forget an oven mitt for safety!
Serving Suggestions
Best Serving Practices
Serve the Brown Butter Peach Crisp Warm. The heat makes the peaches juicy and sweet. Use a large spoon to scoop out servings directly from the skillet. This method keeps the crisp warm and inviting. Place each serving in a bowl, allowing guests to enjoy the delightful aroma.
Recommended Accompaniments
Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess pairs well with warm, buttery peaches. You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for extra flavor. If you want a nutty crunch, add some chopped nuts on top too.
Storage Options for Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for about three days. To reheat, place the crisp in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick treat. Enjoy your delicious dessert again!
Variations
Alternative Fruit Combinations
You can switch up the fruit in this crisp. Try using nectarines, plums, or cherries. Each fruit adds its own flavor and sweetness. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. For a tropical twist, use mango or pineapple. These fruits create a bright, sunny taste.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or coconut flour. Oats are often gluten-free, but check the label. Use certified gluten-free oats to be safe. This keeps the crisp just as tasty and enjoyable.
Different Nut Choices for Toppings
Pecans and walnuts work well, but you can use other nuts too. Try almonds or hazelnuts for a different crunch. Chop them up and mix them into the topping. This adds flavor and texture to your crisp. You can even skip the nuts if you prefer a nut-free option.
FAQs
How can I make Brown Butter Peach Crisp Skillet ahead of time?
You can make this dish ahead of time by preparing the filling and topping separately. Slice the peaches and mix them with sugar and spices. Store this in the fridge. For the topping, mix oats, flour, and brown sugar. Keep this in a separate container. When you are ready to bake, combine the two and pour the brown butter over the top. Bake as directed. This method keeps the topping crispy and fresh.
Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Yes, frozen peaches work well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before use. Frozen peaches can release more water. This extra moisture may make the crisp soggy. To fix this, cook the peaches in a pan for a few minutes to reduce liquid. Once they are drier, mix them with sugar and spices as usual. This way, you still get that sweet peach flavor.
What substitutes can I use for brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar. Just add a tablespoon of molasses to it for flavor. Another option is to use coconut sugar. This has a similar taste and color. If you prefer a sugar-free option, try using maple syrup or honey. Just keep in mind that these will change the texture a bit. Adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly to keep it balanced.
Brown Butter Peach Crisp Skillet brings together simple ingredients and easy steps. We’ve covered measurements, optional flavors, and ways to pick ripe peaches. Cooking tips help you master perfect brown butter. Serving ideas and storage options make this dish even better. Variations let you explore new flavors with different fruits or nuts.
This dish is fun to make and enjoy. Try it out, and let your creativity shine!
