These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a treat! They have juicy peaches tucked between a sweet, buttery crust and a crispy crumble topping that is hard to resist.
I love how simple they are to make while being so delicious. Pair them with a scoop of ice cream for the perfect summer dessert! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter for its freshness and the ability to control the salt level in my recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you could use salted butter, just skip adding extra salt.
Granulated Sugar: This adds the sweetness we need for both the crust and filling. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider substituting with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are best for flavor and texture. If they’re out of season, frozen peaches work too! Just thaw and drain any excess juice before using to avoid a soggy filling.
Ground Cinnamon: This adds a warm, cozy flavor. You could swap it for nutmeg or simply omit it if you’re not a fan of spices.
Cornstarch: This is optional but can help thicken the peach filling. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour as a substitute, just increase the quantity slightly.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping is what makes these bars special! To create that perfect texture, it’s important to mix the butter and flour properly.
- Start with softened butter, then cream it with sugar until fluffy. This airiness helps the topping bake up crispy.
- When mixing the flour and salt with the butter mixture, be careful not to overwork it. You want a crumbly texture, not a dough.
- Remember to reserve the right amount for the topping and crumble it evenly over the peach layer. This ensures that each bite has that delightful crunch!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Buttery Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peeled peaches, sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for peaches)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening peach filling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 15 minutes to prep and about 45-50 minutes to bake. You’ll need to let the bars cool completely before slicing, so plan for a little extra time there. All in all, it’s about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, plus cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
3. Combine Flour and Salt:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to your butter and sugar mixture, stirring until it forms a crumbly dough. Don’t overmix; little pockets of butter are okay!
4. Form the Crust:
Now, set aside about 1 1/2 cups of this dough to use for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This will create a wonderful crust for your peach filling.
5. Prepare the Peaches:
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced peaches with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch (if using). Make sure the peach slices are well coated with everything!
6. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust layer in the baking pan. Then, crumble the reserved dough over the top of the peaches. This will create a lovely crumbly topping!
7. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and you see the peaches bubbling around the edges.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and for a special touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Enjoy your delightful Easy Peach Crumble Bars with a buttery crust!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches! Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture. You may also want to reduce the sugar slightly, as canned peaches can be sweeter than fresh ones.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. Just reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm treat!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture, or add it separately if it’s not included in your blend.
What Other Fruits Can I Use in This Recipe?
This recipe is versatile! You can substitute peaches with other stone fruits like nectarines or plums, or even use berries like blueberries or strawberries. Just adjust the sugar quantity to suit the sweetness of the fruit you choose!
