Easy Old-Fashioned Peach Streusel
Description
This Easy Old-Fashioned Peach Streusel brings back memories of my childhood, when my mom would whip up this simple yet comforting dessert. It’s a recipe she clipped from an old magazine, and though the original paper is falling apart, the flavor remains timeless. Perfect for beginners and anyone looking for a quick, economical treat. Enjoy it warm, plain, or topped with cream or ice cream. You’ll love how easy and delicious it is!
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Fruit, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Under 30 Minutes, Beginner Cook, Easy
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peaches (canned, drained) | 1 can (approx. 15 oz) |
| Lemon juice | 2 teaspoons |
| Light brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter (or margarine) | 2 tablespoons |
| Crushed cookies (plain or vanilla) | 3/4 cup (about 10 cookies) |
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 179.9 |
| Fat | 7.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 12.8 mg |
| Sodium | 95.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29.4 g |
| Fiber | 2.1 g |
| Sugars | 20.6 g |
| Protein | 1.7 g |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is nice and hot when you’re ready to bake, allowing the streusel to turn golden brown and crunchy. |
| 2. | Prepare the peaches. Drain the peaches, but don’t throw away that syrup! It can be used as a base for a refreshing beverage or as a dessert sauce later on. Arrange the drained peaches in a single layer inside a buttered 9-inch pie plate. Drizzle them with the lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon enhances the peaches’ natural sweetness while adding a hint of tang. |
| 3. | Crush the cookies. Place the cookies between two sheets of waxed paper. Use a rolling pin to crush them into coarse crumbs. You’ll need about 3/4 cup of crushed cookies. These will form the streusel topping, adding texture and a delightful crunch to each bite. |
| 4. | Make the streusel topping. In a small bowl, combine the crushed cookies with the light brown sugar and cinnamon. This mixture gives the streusel its warm, sweet flavor. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter (or margarine) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter helps the topping become golden and crisp during baking. |
| 5. | Assemble the dessert. Sprinkle the crumbly streusel mixture evenly over the peaches in the pie plate. The streusel should cover the peaches completely, giving the dish its signature crunchy top layer. |
| 6. | Bake. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the streusel topping is lightly toasted. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary, and you don’t want the topping to burn. The peaches should be bubbly and the topping golden brown. |
| 7. | Serve. Let the peach streusel cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed on its own, but for an extra indulgence, serve it with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm peaches and cool cream is heavenly! |
| 8. | Enjoy! For the best experience, serve the streusel warm, as we always did in my family. The flavors meld together beautifully when it’s fresh from the oven. |
Notes:
- Cookie Crumbs: You can use any plain or vanilla cookies for this recipe. Vanilla wafers or graham crackers work beautifully, though you can experiment with what you have on hand.
- Peaches: Canned peaches are convenient and work perfectly here, but you can also use fresh or frozen peaches. If using fresh, you’ll want to peel and slice them first.
- Make It Your Own: Add a handful of chopped nuts (such as pecans or almonds) to the streusel mixture for an extra crunchy texture. You could also sprinkle a bit of ground ginger or nutmeg for a slightly spicier flavor profile.
This peach streusel is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the buttery streusel topping adding a delightful crunch. It’s a great way to use canned peaches, and the best part? It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
