These easy peach crumble bars are perfect for summer! With juicy peaches and a sweet, crunchy topping, they’re sure to brighten your day. Plus, they smell amazing while baking!
When I make these bars, I can’t resist having a piece warm right out of the oven! They are great for sharing with friends or enjoying with a scoop of ice cream. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches make these bars burst with flavor. If they’re not in season, you can use canned or frozen peaches (just drain or thaw them first) to keep the sweetness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the saltiness of the bars. You could substitute it with margarine or coconut oil if you need a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar: It adds a nice caramel flavor. If you run out, use granulated sugar instead but note the flavor will be a bit different. You could also use coconut sugar for a healthier twist!
Rolled Oats: These provide texture and crunch. If you want a gluten-free recipe, use certified gluten-free oats in place of regular oats.
How Do You Get the Best Texture for the Crust?
The crust is essential for the perfect crumble bars. The key is to mix the dry ingredients well before adding the melted butter. This ensures everything is evenly coated.
- Start by whisking the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt together.
- When adding the melted butter, mix just until it forms a crumbly texture; avoid overmixing.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan to create a sturdy base that holds together well when baked.
Enjoying these bars after they’ve cooled helps the flavors meld together, creating that perfect sweet treat ideal for summer gatherings! 🍑
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumble Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for a bit, so plan for at least an hour before cutting into your bars. Overall, you can expect about an hour and a half from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a little bit hang over the edges. This will help you lift the bars out easily later on.
2. Make the Crust and Crumble Topping:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Once that’s combined, pour in the melted butter. Stir everything together until it gets crumbly and can hold together when pressed. This will be your crust and topping!
3. Form the Base:
Take about two-thirds of the crumbly mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Make sure it’s packed down well; this creates a strong base for your bars.
4. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced peaches with the granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Gently mix to coat the peaches well in the sweet goodness.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumble topping over the peaches to cover them well.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is a lovely golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. Such a delightful aroma will fill your kitchen!
7. Cool Before Serving:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This important step helps the bars set nicely.
8. Cut and Enjoy:
When cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan easily. Cut into squares and serve! These bars are delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Enjoy your fresh and fruity peach crumble bars, perfect for summer gatherings or cozy evenings at home!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the filling. This helps avoid excess moisture in your bars.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them well!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats. This will allow you to enjoy these peach crumble bars without gluten.
Can I Add Other Fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to mix other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries into the peach filling for added flavor. Just keep the total fruit amount similar to what the recipe calls for!
