These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a delightful treat! With sweet peaches nestled in a buttery crumb topping, they’re perfect for dessert or a snack.
Honestly, they’re so easy to whip up that you’ll want to make them all summer long! Just bake, slice, and enjoy with a scoop of ice cream—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds a rich flavor to your bars. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star here. If they’re out of season or you prefer a different fruit, try using blueberries, cherries, or even apples with cinnamon.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Using both gives great flavor and texture. If you’re cutting back on sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like agave or coconut sugar. Just adjust the amounts as needed.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How Do I Get Evenly Cooked Peach Filling?
Making sure your peach filling is perfectly cooked is easy! First, toss the slices with lemon juice and cornstarch. The lemon juice brightens the flavor, while the cornstarch helps thicken the juices as they cook.
- Let the peach mixture sit for at least 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the juices to thicken.
- Spread the filling evenly over the crust. This ensures every bite has that sweet peach goodness!
With these simple tips, your Easy Peach Crumble Bars will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy baking!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For The Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4–5 medium peaches)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for peach filling)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Optional: ground cinnamon or nutmeg (about 1/2 teaspoon)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and roughly 45-50 minutes to bake. Allow for some extra time to cool before cutting into bars. Altogether, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can dive into these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave an overhang on the sides so you can easily lift out the bars later. This helps with cutting and serving!
2. Toss the Peaches:
In a medium bowl, take those lovely sliced peaches and drizzle with lemon juice. Add in 1/2 cup of sugar, cornstarch, and optional spices like ground cinnamon or nutmeg. Toss everything together until the peaches are evenly coated, and let them sit for a moment to soak up all those flavors.
3. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t worry if it looks crumbly; that’s just fine!
5. Form the Crust:
Take about two-thirds of your crumbly dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a crust. Make sure it’s compact so the bars hold together nicely!
6. Spread the Peaches:
Spread the peach filling evenly over your crust. Make sure to cover it nicely so every bite has that delicious peach flavor.
7. Add the Topping:
Now, crumble the remaining dough over the peach layer to create a lovely topping. This will give your bars a nice crunchy texture when baked!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling up a bit. Your kitchen will smell fantastic!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is important as it helps the bars hold their shape when you cut them!
10. Slice and Enjoy:
After cooling, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve! For an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Enjoy your delicious and easy peach crumble bars! They’re perfect for summer gatherings or just a sweet indulgence for you and your loved ones.
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 moisture before mixing with the other filling ingredients. This will help keep the bars from becoming too soggy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them by wrapping individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw before enjoying!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Coconut Oil?
Absolutely! If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with melted coconut oil. Use the same amount (1 cup) and mix it in when the recipe calls for softened butter. This will give the bars a subtle coconut flavor!
What Can I Use Instead of Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with equal amounts of all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder. Both work to thicken the peach filling while baking, so you’ll still get that delicious, gooey texture!
