These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a sweet treat with juicy peaches and a buttery, crumbly topping. Perfect for summer or any time you want a fruity dessert!
Who doesn’t love a dessert you can eat with your hands? These bars are great for picnics or just a tasty snack at home. I can’t resist a warm piece topped with ice cream! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches really make these bars shine. However, if they’re out of season or you can’t find any, feel free to use canned peaches. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats add a great texture. If you only have quick oats, those will work too, but the texture might be a bit softer. For a gluten-free option, try using certified gluten-free oats.
Brown Sugar: This gives a rich sweetness. If you need a substitute, use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses, or just plain white sugar if that’s all you have.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, as you can control the salt levels in the recipe. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
How Can I Ensure My Crumble Topping Is Perfect?
Getting that crumble topping just right is key for a delicious fruit bar. Here are some tips:
- Mix the crumble ingredients until they are just combined; overmixing can make it tough.
- When pressing down the crust, ensure it’s even, so it cooks through properly.
- Leave some bigger crumbs in the crumble topping for added texture – it makes for a nice crunchy finish!
By following these tips, you’ll end up with a delightful texture that perfectly complements the sweet peaches!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 to 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or canned peaches, drained)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the peach filling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and 40 to 45 minutes for baking. After baking, it’s best to let the bars cool completely, which usually takes about 30 minutes. In total, set aside about an hour and a half for everything from prep to serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Leave some extra paper hanging over the edges so you can lift the bars out later. This will make it much easier to cut and serve!
2. Mix the Crust and Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. This mix will create the delicious crumble. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together nicely when pressed.
3. Form the Base Crust:
Take about 1 cup of the crumb mixture and set it aside for the topping. Now, press the remaining crumble evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a solid crust. Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to make it even.
4. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss your fresh peach slices (or drained canned peaches) with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. This helps to enhance the flavor and thickens the peach filling. Make sure everything is well coated!
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust you prepared earlier. Then, take the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it generously over the peaches. This creates a nice crunchy topping!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. It smells amazing during baking!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. After about 30 minutes, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve, or store them for later—if they last that long!
Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade peach crumble bars! They are perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack any time of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid. You might also want to increase the cornstarch by a teaspoon to ensure the filling isn’t too watery.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They should keep well for about 2 months!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This will keep the texture similar while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar instead. For a more comparable flavor, mix white sugar with a teaspoon of molasses for every cup of sugar needed. This will give you a similar sweetness and moisture!
