These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a sweet and fruity treat! They feature juicy peaches tucked in between two layers of buttery crumble, making them extra special and oh-so-delicious.
Nothing beats a warm peach crumble bar with a scoop of ice cream on top—pure heaven! I love how simple it is to whip these up for snacks or dessert. They always disappear quickly! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your crumble. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or gluten-free flour if needed. Just ensure it has a good binding quality.
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches bring the most flavor, but if they aren’t in season, canned peaches (just drained) work well too. For a twist, try using nectarines or even other fruits like berries!
Unsalted Butter: Cold butter creates a flaky crust. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute, but be aware that the texture might change slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness, while brown sugar adds depth. You can reduce the sugar amount if your peaches are super sweet or use honey or maple syrup as alternatives, but adjustments will be needed for consistency.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Texture?
The crumble topping is key to these bars! Start by mixing together the dry ingredients. When you add cold butter, the goal is to combine it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, not too fine or it will become dense.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers for the best results. Be gentle to retain some larger crumbs; they will create great texture.
- Remember to reserve a cup of this mixture before pressing the rest into your pan. This reserved crumble will give that sweet, crunchy topping everyone loves!
- Make sure your ingredients are cold, especially the butter. This keeps your crumble flaky and delicious when baked.
Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Sweet Topping
Ingredients:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or canned peaches, drained)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping (Optional):
- Powdered sugar or additional brown sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake, making a total time of around 1 hour. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. It’s worth the wait for these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This will set you up for easy bar removal later!
2. Making the Crumble Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Next, add in the cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is key for a great texture!
3. Forming the Crust:
Now, set aside about 1 cup of this crumble mixture for later. Take the rest of the mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it forms an even layer to create the perfect crust!
4. Preparing the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, combine the sliced peaches, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Gently mix to coat the peaches evenly with all the delicious flavorings. It’ll smell amazing!
5. Assembling the Bars:
Spread the peach filling over the crust you created, making sure it’s evenly layered. Then take that reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the peaches.
6. Baking Time!
Pop your pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and you can see the peach filling bubbling. It’s going to look beautiful!
7. Cooling and Serving:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is important! Once cooled, cut them into bars. If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar or more brown sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Enjoy your delightful peach crumble bars!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and pat them dry to avoid making the filling too watery. This will help maintain the texture of your crumble bars.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for best results!
Can I Substitute the Butter with a Dairy-Free Option?
Absolutely! You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. For coconut oil, use it in solid form so you can achieve that crumbly texture. Just note that it may impart a slight coconut flavor.
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. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 tsp yourself for better binding!
