These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a tasty treat perfect for summer! With sweet, juicy peaches and a buttery crumb topping, they’re a delightful dessert or snack.
Honestly, I can’t resist the fruity goodness when these bars come out of the oven. They’re great warm with a scoop of ice cream—who can say no to that? 🍑🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal for this recipe, giving it sweetness and juicy texture. If peaches aren’t in season, feel free to use canned or frozen peaches, just ensure they are drained well if canned.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control over the saltiness. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, or use a vegan butter alternative, which works well.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to here, but if you’re gluten-free, I suggest using a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. It has worked perfectly in my past baking adventures!
Granulated & Brown Sugar: These sugars maintain balance in sweetness. You might substitute coconut sugar or use a sugar alternative like erythritol if desired.
How Can You Make Sure Your Crust is Perfect?
Creating a great crust is essential, so here are a few tips! The key is to keep your butter cold and work quickly.
- Combine dry ingredients and cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks crumbly but still has small chunks of butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan; this helps it hold together while baking.
- A good bake time is crucial—if the edges toast a bit, that’s fine, it adds character!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peach Filling:
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for peaches)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 40 to 45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you can whip up these peach crumble bars in under an hour, plus some time to cool before indulging in that sweet goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven heats up, line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or generously grease it to prevent sticking. This step ensures your bars come out beautifully once baked.
2. Mixing the Crust & Topping:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure all the dry ingredients are mixed evenly. Then, add the cold cubed butter and the vanilla extract. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix everything until the mixture looks crumbly but still has some small pieces of butter throughout. This will give your bars a nice texture!
3. Forming the Crust:
Now, take about 1 1/2 cups of this crumble mixture and set it aside for later. Press the remaining crumble firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a crust. Make sure it’s even and tightly packed so it holds together during baking.
4. Preparing the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, toss your sliced peaches with the lemon juice, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, cornstarch, and optional cinnamon until the peaches are well coated. This will enhance their sweetness and help thicken the mixture while they bake.
5. Assembling and Baking:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan. Then, take the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly on top of the peaches. It should form a nice, crumbly layer on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the peach filling is bubbling. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
6. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This step is important as it allows the bars to set properly. When cool, cut into squares or bars, serve as a delightful treat on their own, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen peaches thoroughly before using them. This prevents excess moisture from making the bars too soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for about a week, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before freezing!
Can I Substitute the Butter for a Dairy-Free Option?
Absolutely! Replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative to keep the recipe dairy-free. Just be sure to use the same amount for a comparable texture.
How Can I Make the Crumble Topping Extra Crunchy?
For an extra crunchy topping, mix in some rolled oats or chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) into the crumble mixture before sprinkling it on top of the fruit. This adds great texture and flavor!
