Irresistible Peach Crumb Tart Recipe: Your Go-To Summer Dessert
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary summer treat: an irresistible baked peach tart, crowned with a perfectly crumbly streusel topping! This dessert isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of peak summer flavors, combining the best elements of a pie, a tart, and a fruit crisp into one magnificent creation.
This peach tart is truly the complete package. It boasts a foundation of a super flaky, buttery crust that melts in your mouth with every bite. Nestled within this delicious base is a generous layer of ripe, sweet, and unbelievably juicy fresh summer peaches, bursting with natural goodness. And to top it all off? A crisp, golden-brown streusel crumble that adds a delightful texture contrast and a hint of warm spices. All these incredible components come together harmoniously, baked to perfection in a charming tart pan. What more could you possibly desire in a quintessential summer dessert? Frankly, what more could you want in life?
This peach crumb tart is a beloved classic, an “oldie but a goodie” that I’m thrilled to be bringing back from the depths of the 2012 archives today. It’s a recipe that resonates with comfort and joy, and frankly, I need it, you need it, and our summer simply wouldn’t feel complete without its comforting presence. It’s the kind of dessert that creates lasting memories and satisfies every sweet craving.
Cherishing Summer Moments: Baking as a Coping Mechanism
Life has a way of reminding us to savor every moment, especially during the fleeting days of summer. My oldest son is set to start kindergarten in just a few weeks, and I confess, I’m experiencing a mix of emotions – excitement for him, but also a significant dose of sentimental panic. It truly feels like the closing of a beautiful chapter, and I’m going to miss my little boy in more ways than I can count. To embrace these precious final days of his preschool summer, we’ve been dedicated to cramming in as much summer fun as humanly possible: exhilarating hikes through nature trails, refreshing trips to the community pool, joyful bike rides around the neighborhood, and countless other adventures.
Alongside these outdoor escapades, I’ve also been passionately cramming in as much summer baking as I can. For me, it serves a dual purpose: it’s both a deeply soothing coping mechanism for these big life transitions and a sheer indulgence because summer fruit, particularly luscious peaches, holds a very special place in my heart. The window of opportunity to bake with perfectly in-season peaches is incredibly short, a fleeting treasure that must be seized. Honestly, I probably *should* bake a peach pie or tart every single day to truly make the most of this delicious season, right? It feels like a worthwhile endeavor to celebrate the bounty of summer while it lasts.
Why This Peach Crumb Tart Will Disappear in a Flash
If baking a peach crumb tart every day were a possibility, it would be no problem at all in my household. My small family devoured this particular tart in less than 24 hours – a testament to its irresistible deliciousness! I’m absolutely confident that your family and friends will find it equally captivating, making it disappear just as quickly. Its combination of sweet, tender fruit and a crunchy, spiced topping is simply addictive. This tart isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings smiles and prompts requests for “just one more slice.”
One of the many wonderful things about this recipe is its incredible flexibility, inviting you to experiment and personalize it to your heart’s content! While fresh summer peaches are divine, you can easily swap them out for any other stone fruit that’s in season – think plums, nectarines, or even apricots for a delightful twist. Other fruits like vibrant berries (blueberries, raspberries!) or juicy cherries would also be absolutely wonderful, offering a different flavor profile but the same comforting charm. For the streusel topping, feel free to add a bit of extra texture and flavor by incorporating rolled oats or finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds. And don’t fret if you don’t own a tart pan; this entire delicious creation can be baked beautifully in a regular pie dish, achieving a rustic yet equally charming presentation.
However, there’s one crucial component that, in my humble opinion, is absolutely non-negotiable: don’t forget the generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream! The cool, creamy contrast against the warm, fruity tart is pure culinary magic, elevating this simple dessert to an unforgettable indulgence. It’s the perfect finishing touch that truly completes the experience.
Baking Tip: Master Your Pie Crust by Prepping Ahead
One of the greatest secrets to stress-free baking, especially when it comes to tarts and pies, is to prepare your pie crust in advance. This simple step can save you so much valuable time and effort on baking day! I often make a few batches of my favorite flaky pie crust recipe at once. Having them ready to go means I can whip up a delicious tart like this peach crumb tart whenever the craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive. For a truly flaky crust, remember to always use cold butter and ice-cold water – these are key for preventing the butter from melting too quickly and for creating those coveted flaky layers.
Here’s how to store your homemade pie crust both for short-term convenience and longer-term planning:
In the fridge— Once you’ve formed your pie dough into a disk, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to use it, simply take it straight from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly before rolling, making it easier to work with.
In the freezer— For longer storage, wrap your dough disk twice in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months. When the time comes to bake, transfer the frozen dough to the fridge overnight to thaw. If you’re in a bit more of a hurry, you can let it thaw on the counter for 1-2 hours until it’s pliable enough to roll out. This foresight makes baking a breeze!
The Perfect Peach Crumb Tart: A Recipe for Sweet Summer Bliss
This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating the ultimate peach crumb tart. From the foundational flaky crust to the succulent peach filling and the crunchy streusel topping, every step is designed for delicious success. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a dessert that embodies the very essence of summer.
Peach Crumb Tart
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Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour (180 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter , cold and cut into cubes (113 grams)
- 2-4 tablespoons ice cold water
For the filling:
- 4 cups peaches , sliced (850 grams, about 5 medium)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (60 grams)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (100 grams)
- ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar (105 grams)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter , melted and cooled (75 grams)
Instructions
To prepare the crust:
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To create the flaky foundation for your tart, begin by combining the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar (if you’re using it to slightly sweeten the crust) in a large mixing bowl. Ensure they are well integrated. Next, add the cold, cubed unsalted butter. Toss the butter cubes gently with the flour mixture until each piece is coated.
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Using a pastry blender (or your fingertips, working quickly to keep the butter cold), cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This is crucial for flakiness. Now, add 2 tablespoons of ice-cold water and mix with a sturdy spoon or spatula until the dough just begins to come together. If the dough still appears too dry and crumbly, add more water, a teaspoon at a time, mixing minimally until it forms a cohesive mass. Be careful not to overmix.
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Gently use your hands to gather the dough and form it into a flat, round disk. Wrap the disk tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling period is essential: it allows the gluten to relax, preventing a tough crust, and firms up the butter, which contributes to the ultimate flaky texture.
To make the tart:
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Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8 or 9-inch tart pan. A tart pan with a removable bottom is highly recommended for easy serving and a beautiful presentation.
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On a generously floured surface, roll out your chilled pie crust. Aim for a rough 11-inch circle, ensuring it’s large enough to fit up the sides of your tart pan. Carefully transfer the rolled-out crust to your prepared tart pan, gently pressing it into the fluted edges. Trim off any excess dough that overhangs the rim, creating a neat edge.
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Now, let’s prepare the irresistible streusel topping. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and the melted and cooled unsalted butter. Mix these ingredients together with a fork until the mixture is beautifully crumbly. This blend of spices perfectly complements the sweet peaches. Set this delicious topping aside for a moment.
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In a separate large bowl, gently toss the freshly sliced peaches with the granulated sugar and cornstarch. The sugar will help sweeten the peaches further and draw out their juices, while the cornstarch will act as a thickener, ensuring a perfectly set filling. Carefully spoon the peach mixture into the prepared tart crust, spreading them evenly. Then, generously sprinkle the reserved streusel topping over the peaches, ensuring a delicious layer of crumble in every bite.
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Place the tart in your preheated oven and bake until the crumb topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the peach juices are visibly bubbling around the edges, which typically takes about 35-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and if you notice the streusel browning too quickly, loosely cover the tart with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
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Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack. This cooling time is important for the filling to fully set. After cooling, carefully remove the tart from its pan. This peach crumb tart is truly versatile and can be served either warm, for a comforting treat, or at room temperature, which is perfect for gatherings.
Notes
- This versatile tart can also be beautifully baked in an 8-inch pie pan if a tart pan is not available. The baking time will remain largely the same.
- Don’t feel limited to a homemade crust! Feel free to use your favorite pie crust recipe, or even opt for the convenience of a store-bought prepared pie crust. Just ensure it’s a good quality crust for the best results.
- For extra flavor in the streusel, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon and ginger.
- When choosing peaches, opt for ripe but firm ones. If they are too soft, they can become mushy during baking.
- Serving Tip: A sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving adds a lovely aesthetic touch.
This delightful recipe was originally published in 2012, bringing joy to many kitchens. The photos have been beautifully updated to inspire a new generation of bakers!
Essential Tools for Baking Your Peach Crumb Tart
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. These are some of my go-to items that will help you achieve a perfect peach crumb tart with ease. (Affiliate links below, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.)
Bringing It All Together: Your Ultimate Summer Dessert
This peach crumb tart isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create, share, and savor the simple pleasures of summer. With its flaky crust, sweet and tender peaches, and irresistible streusel topping, it promises to be a highlight of any meal or gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, finding comfort in baking, or simply enjoying the season’s bounty, this tart is sure to impress. Remember the key tips for a successful bake: keep your butter cold for the crust, don’t be afraid to experiment with other fruits, and always, always serve it with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream.
So, gather your ingredients, embrace the joy of summer baking, and get ready to experience a truly delicious homemade peach crumb tart. It’s a dessert that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also warm your heart and create cherished memories. Happy baking!