These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a treat you won’t want to miss! With fresh peaches and a buttery crumble topping, they are sweet and comforting.
Honestly, I can’t resist the gooey peach filling! Perfect for a dessert or a snack, just grab one and enjoy—it’s like a hug in bar form! 🍑❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for this recipe. If they’re out of season, canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches can work too. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for more control over the sweetness. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Just make sure it’s cold for the right texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can use a gluten-free blend if that’s your preference. Just check if it includes xanthan gum for best results.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the peach filling. If you don’t have it, you could use all-purpose flour instead, though cornstarch will give you a smoother texture.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Texture?
The crumble topping is key to these bars. To achieve that nice crumbly texture, be sure to keep your butter cold. When you cut it into the flour, aim for pea-sized pieces. This ensures it doesn’t melt too fast during baking, giving you a crispy topping.
- Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
- Don’t overmix; you want to see some lumps to create good texture.
After pressing the crust down, make sure to reserve enough crumble for the top to get that delicious crunchy layer. Bake until golden for the best flavor!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For the Peach Filling:
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, it’s best to let the bars cool completely before cutting, which might take another 30 minutes. So, plan for roughly 1 hour of total time, plus the cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your bars go in. While it’s heating up, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides to make removing the bars easier later.
2. Prepare the Crust Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the butter is incorporated and the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Create the Crust:
Take a portion of your crumble mixture (about 1 1/2 cups) and set it aside for the topping later. Press the remaining crumble evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This will be your crust.
4. Mix the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, toss the sliced peaches with lemon juice, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Make sure everything is well coated! This will enhance the peaches’ natural sweetness and help thicken the filling.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust you created. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over the peaches. Make sure it covers well for a nice crunchy top! Pop it in the oven to bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, and you can see the peach filling bubbling.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is essential to help the bars set up properly. After they’ve cooled for about 30 minutes, lift them from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Now they’re ready to be served!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Peach Crumble Bars! They’re perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast treat. Trust me, they won’t last long!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy filling. You can also chop them into smaller pieces to help with even baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to keep them fresh for up to a week. If you prefer a chilled dessert, serve them straight from the fridge!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best results in binding the ingredients.
What Can I Use Instead of Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour or tapioca starch in the same amount. Just keep in mind that using all-purpose flour may result in a slightly different texture but will still thicken the peach filling nicely.
