1- Getting started with this peach crisp is straightforward and fun. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a deep-dish 9-inch pie dish, a 9-inch square pan, or any 2-2.5 quart baking dish to prevent sticking. Next, wash and slice your 5 cups of fresh peaches, then gently mix them in a large bowl with the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.

2- Spread this filling mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. For the topping, whisk together the 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. This step helps blend the flavors perfectly. Then, cut in the 1/2 cup of very cold, cubed unsalted butter using a fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.

3- Fold in the 2/3 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats and optional 2/3 cup chopped pecans. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the peach filling in the dish. Bake for 45 50 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the fruit juices bubble around the edges. Let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving warm; it can also be enjoyed at room temperature or cold.