I love a good peach dessert in summer, and when I don’t want to heat the kitchen or spend a lot of time, I make this peach crumble in the microwave. It hits the sweet spot, is ready in minutes, and requires no oven—perfect for quick, warm treats any day.
What is Microwave Peach Crumble?
Microwave peach crumble is an easy, no-bake alternative to an oven-baked crumble. Sliced peaches—fresh, canned (drained), or thawed from frozen—are combined with a little thickener and sweetener, then topped with a simple butter-and-flour crumb. The dish is cooked in the microwave until the peaches are tender and the topping sets.
The microwave won’t give you the same deep browning or crunchy top as a conventional oven, but it produces a tender, saucy filling and a buttery crumb in a fraction of the time. It’s ideal when you want a warm dessert fast.
Tip
If you miss a browned, crispy top but still want to avoid the oven, try finishing the crumble in an air fryer or use a quick broil if you prefer. The microwave method is still the fastest option and keeps the dessert light and simple.
A crumble is similar to a crisp, but the topping is streusel-like and typically omits oats. Compared to a cobbler, the fruit base is the same, but a cobbler’s topping is more cake-like.
Ingredients For Peach Crumble in the Microwave
For the Peach Filling
- 3–4 peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 2 cups of fruit)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp lemon juice (or water)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
For the Crumb Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup salted butter, softened
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Frozen (thawed) or canned peaches (drained) work well if fresh aren’t available.
- If your peaches are very sweet, you can skip the brown sugar in the filling and still use it for the topping.
- Swap vanilla for almond or raspberry extract for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Microwave Peach Crumble
- In a microwave-safe bowl (about 1 quart), combine the sliced peaches, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Microwave on high for 3–5 minutes, stirring once, until the peaches begin to soften.
- While the peaches cook, combine the flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, and softened butter in a bowl, mixing until clumps form. Use a fork, pastry cutter, or your hands to work the butter into the flour.
- Stir the peaches to evenly distribute the thickener and juices, then sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the fruit. You may have a little topping left over, depending on your dish size.
- Return to the microwave and cook an additional 4–5 minutes on high, until the filling is bubbly and the topping is set.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Recipe FAQs
How long does it take to cook peach crumble in the microwave?
About 5–10 minutes total, depending on microwave power and the size of your dish. Softer, thinner slices will cook more quickly.
Can I use fresh or canned peaches?
Yes. Fresh, canned (drained), and thawed frozen peaches all work. Drain canned peaches well to avoid a watery filling.
What toppings work well?
Serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or yogurt. For extra texture, add chopped almonds, pecans, or a sprinkle of granola.
Can I substitute other fruits?
Yes. Apples, pears, berries, or a mix of fruits can be used; adjust cook time based on the fruit’s firmness and water content.
Recipe Tips For the Best Microwave Peach Crumble
- The peaches will be very hot when they finish cooking. Use oven mitts and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
- To make individual portions, divide the ingredients between mugs or ramekins. Reduce the cooking time to 1–2 minutes for the fruit per mug, then 2–3 minutes for the topping to set.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
- To reheat, microwave a serving on high for 45–60 seconds or until warmed through. Times will vary by microwave wattage and portion size.
Final Thoughts
This quick peach crumble in the microwave is the ideal summer shortcut: warm, fruity, and ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s flexible—use fresh, frozen, or canned peaches—and finishes beautifully with a scoop of ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream.
While it won’t have the deep browning of a baked crumble, it still delivers tender peaches and a buttery topping in record time. For nights when you want warm dessert without the fuss, this microwave peach crumble is a winner.
Quick Peach Crumble in the Microwave
Servings: 4
Prep: 10 mins • Cook: 8 mins • Total: 18 mins
This simple microwave peach crumble is a fast, no-oven dessert that delivers warm fruit and a buttery crumb in minutes.
Equipment
- Microwave
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl and spatula or spoon
- Microwave-safe serving bowl or ramekin
Ingredients
- 3–4 peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 2 cups)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar (for topping)
- ¼ cup salted butter, softened
Instructions
- Mix peaches, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, and cinnamon in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on high 3–5 minutes, stirring once, until peaches soften.
- Combine flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, and butter until clumps form for the topping.
- Stir the peaches, sprinkle the crumble topping over them, and microwave 4–5 more minutes until bubbly and set.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Notes
- Frozen or canned peaches can be used; drain canned peaches well.
- Times are based on a 1000W microwave; adjust up or down for different wattages.
- Let the dish cool briefly after microwaving to avoid burns—fruit and filling retain heat.
Nutrition (approx. per serving)
Calories: 269 kcal • Carbohydrates: 39 g • Protein: 2.8 g • Fat: 12 g • Fiber: 2.6 g • Sugar: 25 g
