In the sweltering days of summer, the last thing you want to do is turn on your oven and heat up your entire house just to enjoy a delicious dessert. But fear not, because there's a wonderful alternative that allows you to savor the flavors of summer without the added heat. Enter the world of skillet - made cobblers and crisps!
There's something truly magical about using a ripe, juicy fruit to create a dessert that is both comforting and refreshing. And when it comes to summer fruits, peaches are an absolute star. Their sweet, fragrant flesh is the perfect base for a peach crisp that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Let's start with the ingredients. For the fruit layer, you'll need about 4 - 5 ripe peaches. Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a lovely, sweet aroma. Wash them thoroughly, and then peel and slice them. You can also add a bit of lemon juice to the sliced peaches to prevent them from browning and to give them a little extra zing. A tablespoon of sugar and a half - teaspoon of ground cinnamon can be sprinkled over the peaches to enhance their natural flavors.
Now, onto the crisp topping. In a medium - sized bowl, combine half a cup of rolled oats, half a cup of all - purpose flour, a quarter - cup of brown sugar, and a quarter - teaspoon of salt. You can also add a bit of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for an extra crunch. Next, cut in about 4 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process can be a bit messy, but it's worth it for that perfect crumbly texture.
Here's where the skillet comes in. Preheat a large, heavy - bottomed skillet over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the sliced peaches to the skillet and cook them for about 5 - 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll notice the peaches starting to release their juices and become tender. This stovetop cooking step is what makes this dessert unique and allows you to skip the oven.
After the peaches are cooked, sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the peaches in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the crisp cook for another 10 - 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peaches are bubbling. You can peek under the lid every now and then to check on the progress, but be careful not to let too much heat escape.
Once the peach crisp is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. This gives the crisp time to set a bit and makes it easier to serve. And what's a peach crisp without a scoop of vanilla ice cream? The creamy, cold ice cream is the perfect contrast to the warm, sweet crisp. As the ice cream starts to melt over the crisp, it creates a delicious sauce that ties all the flavors together.
This easy peach crisp is not only a great dessert for summer, but it's also a versatile one. You can experiment with different fruits, such as berries, apples, or plums, to create your own unique twists on the classic. And because it's made on the stovetop, it's a great option for those who don't have access to an oven or for those who want to save on energy costs.
So, the next time you're craving a sweet treat on a hot summer day, don't reach for the oven. Instead, grab a skillet and some ripe fruit, and whip up this amazing peach crisp. Your taste buds and your house will thank you!
Whether you're enjoying it as a solo indulgence after a long day or sharing it with friends and family at a summer gathering, this dessert is sure to be a hit. The combination of the sweet, tender fruit, the crunchy topping, and the creamy ice cream is a match made in heaven. And the best part is, you can make it all without turning your kitchen into a sauna.
So go ahead, embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this stovetop peach crisp. It's a summer dessert that you'll want to make again and again.
