These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a tasty treat packed with sweet peach filling and a buttery crumble topping. They are perfect for dessert or a snack! 🍑
Making these bars is a breeze! I love how the juicy peaches blend perfectly with the crunchy topping. They’re great fresh from the oven or enjoyed the next day. Yummy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal for these bars, giving them a juicy flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, canned peaches work well too—just make sure to drain them! For a twist, try using nectarines or apricots.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best as it helps control the salt level. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.
Flour: All-purpose flour holds the bars together nicely, but you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Gluten-free blends may also work if you have a suitable mix available.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the main sweetener here. For a healthier option, try using brown sugar, which adds a slight caramel flavor. Honey or maple syrup could also work, but you may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe.
How Do I Make Sure My Crust and Crumble Are Perfect?
The crust and crumble mixture is key for the texture of these bars. It’s important not to overwork the butter—mix just until you see coarse crumbs. This keeps the bars tender. Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the pan to create a sturdy base.
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add softened butter and blend just until crumbly.
- Press into the pan evenly and firmly to avoid a crumbly crust.
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
For the Peach Filling:
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or canned peaches, drained)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 40-45 minutes of baking. You’ll want to allow time for cooling afterward, which is about 30 minutes. Altogether, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes before you enjoy these delicious bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. If you’re using parchment paper, leave a little overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out later!
2. Make the Crust and Crumble Mix:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, add the softened butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. It’s okay if there are some larger chunks!
3. Create the Base:
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to make a sturdy crust.
4. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced peaches with the granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Make sure the peaches are well-coated in the mixture, as this helps thicken the filling while it bakes.
5. Assemble Everything:
Spread the peach filling evenly over the crust layer in the pan. Then, take the remaining crumble mixture and sprinkle it on top of the peach layer. This will create a delicious topping!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and bubbly filling. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Cut:
When done baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are perfect for dessert or a snack! You can store them covered at room temperature for a few days or place them in the fridge if you want to keep them longer.
Enjoy your delicious and easy peach crumble bars!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe. This will help prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
How Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free Peach Crumble Bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they should turn out delicious!
Can I Prepare the Bars in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the bars and store them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
