Easy Skillet Ginger Peach Crisp
Prepare to have your taste buds blown away with the irresistible flavors of this Easy Skillet Ginger Peach Crisp. Say goodbye to boring desserts and hello to a delicious new fall favorite!
Peaches are one of my favorite fruits. Pears and peaches are at the top and alternate depending on what’s in season. Then there’s mangoes, watermelon, cherries, apples, and bananas. The rest are okay but not delicious according to me.
I remember having cobbler and crisp growing up. One has a batter topping and one just has a crumb topping. Both are completely delicious. They’re a simple way to highlight in season fruit. Right now, that’s delicious peaches and nectarines. Funny thing is I thought I had bought peaches, but a white nectarine seemed to sneak their way into my bag. They’re similar in flavor but their skin doesn’t have any fur on it.
What is a Fruit Crisp?
A fruit crisp is a baked dessert made by layering sweetened fruit in a dish. It’s topped with a crumble mixture. The mixture usually features flour, oats, sugar, and butter. The topping bakes up crunchy and golden. The fruit soft and syrupy. It’s a fuss-free way to enjoy the flavors of fruit pie, without the labor of rolling out dough.
Traditional Crisp vs Skillet Crisp
Traditionally, crisps are baked in ceramic or glass baking dishes. Skillet crisps, however, are made in a skillet. The skillet method makes cleanup easier. Hello, one-pan dessert! It also gives you a beautifully caramelized edge and a rustic presentation. Skillet crisps often cook up a little faster. Plus, the even heat distribution ensures both the topping and the fruit cook perfectly.
Picking the Perfect Peaches
The secret to a standout peach crisp is, of course, the peaches! Look for ripe, fragrant peaches. They should have a slight give when gently pressed. The skin should be vibrant and free of blemishes. And they should smell like peaches. Smell the peach at the stem end. If it doesn’t smell like a peach, then it’s not ready to eat. For the best flavor, consider hitting your local farmers market and buy peaches in season.
Freestone vs Clingstone Peaches
I feel like most don’t know what these terms mean. There are two main types of peaches. There are freestone and clingstone.
Freestone peaches have pits that pop out easily. Slice around the equator of the peach. Then give it a twist. The pit should easily come out.
Clingstone peaches have pits that stick to the flesh. You slice around the equator. However, with this type you must cut around the pit to remove it.
There’s no way that I know to tell the difference when you’re purchasing peaches. For me, I just ask. Ask the produce manager or the farmer’s market vendor what type of peaches they are. I always look for freestone peaches. They save you time and frustration. If you end up with clingstones, just slice around the pit and use a spoon to scoop out any remaining fruit.
Traditional Topping for a Fruit Crisp
The classic topping is a blend of flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter, often with a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg. This mixture is sprinkled over the fruit, then baked until golden and crunchy. The oats add texture, while the butter helps everything crisp up beautifully. You can also toss in chopped nuts for extra crunch.
However, this recipe is all about quick and easy. So, instead of a traditional topping, I used a French vanilla flavored granola. It makes a fantastic shortcut topping. Simply sprinkle your favorite granola over the fruit. Granola adds instant crunch and flavor, and you can experiment with combinations like vanilla almond or maple pecan to suit your taste.
The granola simmers on top of the sauteed peaches allowing them to absorb the flavors of the peach and brown sugar. And allowing it to being less crunchy granola and more like a fruit crisp texture.
Adding Crystallized Ginger
Crystallized ginger is the secret ingredient that elevates this crisp. Its spicy-sweet flavor complements peaches perfectly. It also adds a little zing to each bite. Chop it finely and mix it into the fruit for a subtle heat and aromatic boost.
Ingredients for Skillet Ginger Peach Crisp
Pantry ingredients – brown sugar, crystalized ginger, ground cinnamon, granola
Refrigerator ingredients – peaches, butter
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide
Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter, brown sugar, and crystalized ginger. Simmer until the brown sugar dissolves. Stir in the peaches and cinnamon and simmer 7 to 10 minutes or until the brown sugar is dissolved and begins to thicken.
Top with 1 cup of granola. I used a French vanilla flavored granola. Simmer the skillet crisp for another 5 to 7 minutes. Serve over ice cream or yogurt for a deliciously healthy dessert.
Master the Skillet Technique
Using a cast iron skillet is key for even heat and a crisp, caramelized edge. Make sure your skillet is well-buttered to prevent sticking. If you’re new to cast iron, don’t worry. Just make sure to rinse your skillet in hot water after simmering. If there are any stuck on bits, grab some salt to scrub them off. But make sure not to use any soap on cast iron. It will ruing that nonstick seasoning.
Time-Saving Tips
Use pre-sliced frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. They work almost as well and save peeling time. Just make sure to taste them to check their sweetness. Using a granola topping cuts prep time and cleanup. This makes skillet crisp easy and quick for weeknight dessert.
Skip peeling the peaches for a more rustic look and texture. I always skip peeling when I can. There’s a lot of nutrients in the peel.
What does this skillet ginger peach crisp taste like?
The peaches and brown sugar syrup are sweet and rich. Then you feel the warmth and zing of the crystallized ginger. It’s my favorite go to ingredient to kick up a dessert or baked good. It adds a little sweet and little heat to any recipe.
The granola softens as it simmers on top of the peaches so it’s not overly crunchy. The peaches are tender and sweet with a little kick from the ginger. And the cinnamon adds a layer of warmth to the whole dish. Which is even better served over vanilla ice cream for a quick and easy dessert.
Easy Skillet Peach Crisp
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with this Easy Skillet Ginger Peach Crisp 🔥🍑 Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your friends at a tailgate party.
Ingredients
- 2 cup sliced peaches
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped crystralized ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup granola (I used French vaniolla flavored)
Instructions
- Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter, brown sugar, and crystalized ginger. Simmer until the brown sugar dissolves. Stir in the peaches and cinnamon and simmer 7 to 10 minutes or until the brown sugar ibegins to thicken.
- Top with 1 cup of granola. I used a French vanilla flavored granola. Simmer the skillet crisp for another 5 to 7 minutes. Serve over ice cream or yogurt for a deliciously healthy dessert.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 47Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 8mgSodium 23mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 0g
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Beware the sneaky nectarines! Farms are loaded with peaches this year, I picked up one and ate it on the ride home and immediately wished I’d gotten more. Guess I’ll have to go back!
Right? It took me a minute to figure it out, too. I had a good laught at myself.