These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are the perfect summer treat! With juicy peaches and a crumbly topping, they are both sweet and satisfying. Your taste buds will thank you!
Making these bars is a fun way to use up fresh peaches. Plus, who can resist that warm, buttery crumble on top? I love having a slice with a scoop of ice cream—it’s pure bliss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for this recipe, giving a juicy and sweet filling. If fresh peaches are out of season, you can substitute with frozen peaches—just thaw and drain them first!
Rolled oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats add great texture. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats instead.
Brown sugar: I love using brown sugar for its rich flavor, but you can replace it with white sugar if that’s what you have. Just know that the texture might be a little different.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my preferred choice, but if you’re dairy-free, you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free spread in the same amount.
How Do I Get My Peaches Just Right?
To get the best flavor from your peaches, choose ripe ones that yield slightly to pressure. If they’re a bit firm, let them sit at room temperature for a day or two. Peeling can be made easier by blanching them in hot water for 30 seconds, then plunging them into ice water.
- Slice the peaches evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Mixing in the cornstarch helps thicken the juice released during baking, so the filling doesn’t get too runny.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice! It brightens the peach flavor and balances the sweetness.
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the crust and crumble:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the peach filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes of baking time. You will also need some time for the bars to cool before cutting them into squares, so total time from start to finish will be around 1 hour including cooling. It’s a perfect summer treat that’s simple and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and either grease it or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the edges. This makes it easier to lift the bars out later!
2. Making the Crust and Crumble:
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Once these dry ingredients are well combined, pour in the melted butter and stir until everything looks crumbly. You want a nice crumbly texture!
3. Forming the Base:
Take about two-thirds of your crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will be the base of the bars. Make sure it’s packed down tightly for a sturdy crust!
4. Preparing the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, combine the sliced peaches with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix gently so all the peaches are evenly coated with the sweet mixture. This filling is gonna be delicious!
5. Assembling the Bars:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust layer that you pressed down earlier. Make sure to cover it well for a yummy filling!
6. Adding the Crumble Topping:
Now, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the peach filling, making sure to cover it evenly. This will create that lovely crumble topping we all love!
7. Baking Time:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You know they are ready when the top is golden brown and you can see the peach filling bubbling slightly through the crumbs. Yum!
8. Cooling Off:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This will help in setting the bars before slicing them up.
9. Slicing and Serving:
After the bars have cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift them out of the pan. Cut them into squares or rectangles, whichever you prefer!
10. Enjoy!
Serve them plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing summer dessert. Trust me, you’ll love these Easy Peach Crumble Bars!
Enjoy your baking adventure and delicious peach 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 mixing them into the filling. This will prevent the filling from getting too watery.
How Do I Know When the Bars Are Done Baking?
The bars are ready when the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling. You can also insert a toothpick into the crumble topping; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy them chilled!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week. If you want to keep them for longer, they freeze well—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months!
