These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are like a warm hug on a plate! Made with juicy peaches and a crumbly topping, they’re sweet, fruity, and oh-so-delicious.
I love how simple they are to whip up for a snack or dessert. Trust me, you’ll want to keep the plate close, because they’re hard to resist! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over salt levels. You can use margarine or vegan butter if you’re dairy-free.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with texture. You can substitute brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal for this recipe! If they’re out of season, canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed) work too, just adjust the sugar to taste.
Cornstarch: This is optional but helps thicken the filling if your peaches are very juicy. You can also use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as an alternative.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crust and Crumble Topping?
The crust and crumble are key to these bars’ success. Here’s how to achieve that lovely texture:
- Be sure your butter is softened, but not melted, for the best creaming with sugar.
- Don’t overmix when incorporating the dry ingredients; a few lumps are fine. You want a crumbly texture!
- Press the crust down firmly but gently in the pan. This helps it hold its shape while baking.
- When sprinkling the crumble on top, don’t press down too hard; you want it to remain crumbly!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Sweet Crunch
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Peach Filling:
- 4-5 medium fresh peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, if peaches are juicy)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes for preparation and 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, it’s a good idea to let the bars cool completely, which takes about 30 minutes, before slicing. Overall, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious peach crumble bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. If using parchment, leave some overhang on the sides so you can lift the bars out easily later!
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and 3/4 cup of sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and give it a good mix until everything is well combined.
4. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined; it’s okay if the dough is a little crumbly. This is the base for both the crust and the crumble topping!
6. Forming the Crust:
Take about 1½ cups of the dough out and set it aside for the crumble topping. Now, press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This creates a nice crust for your peach filling.
7. Preparing the Peach Filling:
In a bowl, toss the sliced peaches with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). The cornstarch will help thicken any juices from the peaches while baking.
8. Assembling the Bars:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust that you pressed into the pan. Be sure to distribute the peaches nicely for even flavor in every bite!
9. Adding the Crumble Topping:
Now, sprinkle the reserved crumble dough evenly over the peach layer. Make sure it covers the peaches well for that tasty crunch on top.
10. Baking the Bars:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and you can see the peach filling bubbling beneath.
11. Cooling Time:
Once baked, take the bars out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take about 30 minutes. Trust me, letting them cool makes slicing them easier!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
When cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang, slice into squares, and serve. You can enjoy them as they are, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a real treat. Enjoy your sweet, crumbly peach bars!
These bars offer a buttery crust, juicy fresh peach filling, and a crunchy crumb topping—a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Happy baking!
FAQ About 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 slicing. You might also want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly since frozen peaches can be sweeter.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave or enjoy them cold!
Can I Bake This Recipe in a Different Size Pan?
Absolutely! If you use a different size pan, be sure to adjust the baking time. A smaller pan may require a longer bake time, while a larger pan will usually bake faster. Keep an eye on the crumble topping to make sure it doesn’t burn!
What If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can simply omit it or use an equal amount of all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder. The filling might be a bit juicier, but it will still be delicious!
