Gluten-Free Vegan Peach Crisp
This gluten free vegan peach crisp is bursting with juicy peaches and a buttery, dairy free oat topping. It is the easiest gluten free peach dessert you will make all summer.
A Peach Crisp Everyone Can Actually Eat
There is something magical about a bubbling peach crisp fresh out of the oven, and this gluten free vegan peach crisp lets everyone at the table dig in without worry. Juicy, cinnamon kissed peaches sit under a buttery, golden crumble that just so happens to be both gluten free and dairy free. If you have been searching for the perfect gluten free peach dessert that does not taste like a compromise, this is it.
I developed this recipe after one too many disappointing gluten free peach desserts that ended up either soupy on the bottom or sandy on top. This version solves both problems. The filling sets up perfectly thanks to a bit of cornstarch, and the topping turns deeply golden and genuinely crisp, not crumbly or pasty, even without a speck of dairy or gluten.
Before we get cooking, the right tools and ingredients make a real difference here. A good quality gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum already built in will give you the sturdiest crumble, and a sturdy ceramic or glass baking dish helps the filling bake evenly without scorching the edges.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This peach recipe gluten free bakers will love comes down to a few simple techniques:
- Cold vegan butter is cut into the dry topping mixture, which creates those coveted craggy, buttery clumps instead of a flat, pasty layer.
- Cornstarch in the filling thickens the peach juices just enough so every scoop holds its shape on the plate.
- A touch of almond flour in the topping adds richness and a subtle nuttiness that plays beautifully with the peaches.
Chef's Tip: Always taste a slice of your peach before mixing it into the filling. If the peaches are very sweet, you can pull back the sugar by a tablespoon or two so the natural peach flavor shines through.
Choosing and Prepping Your Peaches
The best peach desserts gluten free dairy free or otherwise start with truly ripe fruit. Look for peaches that give slightly when pressed near the stem and smell sweet and fragrant. If your peaches are still a little firm, let them sit on the counter for a day or two before baking with them.
To peel peaches quickly, drop them into boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should slip right off with your fingers or a paring knife. If you are short on time, a vegetable peeler works in a pinch, especially on softer peaches.
Ready to make it? Here is the full step-by-step recipe:
Gluten-Free Vegan Peach Crisp
This gluten free vegan peach crisp is bursting with juicy peaches and a buttery, dairy free oat topping. It is the easiest gluten free peach dessert you will make all summer.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced, about 6 to 7 medium peaches
- 3/8 cup coconut sugar, or substitute granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch, or arrowroot starch for the filling
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon, divided between filling and topping
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, pure, not imitation
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats, certified gluten free
- 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, a blend with xanthan gum works best
- 1/4 cup almond flour, adds richness to the topping
- 3/8 cup brown sugar, light or dark, packed
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, cold, cubed
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 3/8 cup chopped pecans, optional, for crunch
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with vegan butter or oil.
Peel and slice the peaches, then place them in a large bowl with coconut sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, half of the cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Toss gently until the peaches are evenly coated.
Pour the peach mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten free oats, gluten free flour blend, almond flour, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and sea salt.
Add the cold cubed vegan butter to the dry mixture and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it in until the topping looks like coarse, clumpy crumbs.
Stir the chopped pecans into the topping if using, then sprinkle the entire mixture evenly over the peaches.
Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling at the edges.
Remove from the oven and let the crisp rest for at least 10 minutes before serving so the filling can set slightly.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Whisk
- Vegetable peeler
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This crisp is wonderful served warm, about 10 to 15 minutes out of the oven, when the filling is still slightly bubbling. For the ultimate dairy free peach recipe experience, top each serving with a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. The contrast of warm fruit and cold, creamy topping is hard to beat.
A light drizzle of dairy free caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes also makes a lovely finishing touch if you want to dress things up for guests.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Once baked, let the crisp cool slightly, then cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, reheat individual servings in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave, since gentle dry heat brings the topping back to crisp perfection.
If you want to prep ahead, you can mix the dry crumble topping and store it in the fridge for a day or two before baking. The peach filling can also be prepped the morning of and kept covered until you are ready to assemble and bake.
Chef's Tip: This crisp also freezes beautifully before baking. Assemble it completely in a freezer safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding about 15 extra minutes to the cook time.
A Few Easy Variations
Once you have made this gluten free peaches recipe once, it is easy to make it your own:
- Swap in nectarines or a mix of peaches and berries for a different flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth.
- Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for added crunch and a slightly nutty finish.
However you serve it, this peach crisp gluten free recipe proves that allergy friendly baking can still be deeply comforting, wildly delicious, and worthy of seconds.
