These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a sweet treat with a fruity filling and a crumbly topping. Juicy peaches mixed with a hint of cinnamon create a sunny flavor that’s perfect for any occasion!
Making these bars is as easy as pie – or should I say, crumble! I love baking them on lazy weekends; they pair perfectly with a scoop of ice cream. Who can resist that combo? 🍑🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your crust and crumble topping. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead; make sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the crumble bars. You can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like Stevia for a lower-calorie option, just adjust to taste.
Fresh Peaches: Fresh is best for flavor! If you can’t find peaches, try using nectarines or even frozen peaches (just thaw and drain them first). Canned peaches work, but they can be a bit mushy.
Unsalted Butter: The butter adds richness to the recipe. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter, keeping the same amount.
How Do You Cut Butter into Flour Properly?
Cutting butter into flour is essential for a flaky texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use cold butter straight from the fridge for the best results.
- Cut the butter into small cubes to make it easier to blend.
- With a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, meaning you should still see tiny bits of butter in the mixture.
This method creates the perfect texture when baked, giving you that delightful crumble!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Peaches for the Filling?
Preparing the peaches correctly elevates the flavor of your filling. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to peel the peaches to avoid a fuzzy texture in your bars. Use a paring knife or blanch them briefly in boiling water for easy peeling.
- Slice the peaches evenly so they cook uniformly and mix well with the other ingredients. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick slices.
- Toss the slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. The lemon juice adds a nice zing and prevents browning, while cornstarch helps thicken the filling.
With these tips, your filling will be perfectly sweet and thick, ready to shine in your crumble bars!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake. After baking, let the bars cool completely before cutting. You’ll have a delicious treat ready in about 1 hour, plus cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and either line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until everything is mixed well.
3. Incorporate the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is key for getting that wonderful crumble texture!
4. Form the Crust:
Set aside about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture for topping later. Now, press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of your lined pan to create a nice crust.
5. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, toss your sliced peaches with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Make sure the peaches are well coated with this sweet mixture—they’ll taste amazing!
6. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust layer you just created. Then, crumble the reserved topping mixture evenly over the peaches to finish it off.
7. Bake:
Place the baking pan in the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy them as is, or add a delightful scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful dessert!
Enjoy these delicious Easy Peach Crumble Bars that have a buttery crust, sweet cinnamon-peach filling, and a crumbly topping! They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or treating yourself!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen peaches before using them in the filling. This helps prevent excess moisture that could make the bars soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them! Wrap individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I Substitute the Butter with Coconut Oil?
Absolutely! Use the same amount of melted coconut oil as a buttery alternative. Just note that this may slightly change the flavor but will still give you a delicious result!
What Can I Serve with Peach Crumble Bars?
These bars are delightful on their own, but you can enhance them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat!
