These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a warm and fruity treat, perfect for snacks or dessert! With sweet peaches and a crunchy crumble on top, they are simply delicious.
Making these bars is a breeze, which is great because I can enjoy them with ice cream on the side! Perfect for warm days when you want something fruity and sweet. 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your crumble bars. If you want to make them gluten-free, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works just as well!
Peaches: Fresh peaches are perfect here, but you can use canned or frozen peaches if needed. Just make sure to drain and thaw them beforehand. Other fruits like nectarines or berries can also work well in this recipe!
Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control over the flavors. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can be great substitutes.
Brown Sugar: This adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar or create a substitute by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping is the star of these bars! To get that perfect texture, work with cold butter. Here’s how:
- Cut the butter into small cubes and add to the flour mixture.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to break the butter into smaller pieces. Aim for a mix of both coarse crumbs and some larger chunks for texture.
- Don’t over-mix! You want some butter bits to remain, as they create that buttery crunch when baked.
After reserving a cup of the mixture, make sure to sprinkle it evenly over the peach filling. This way, every bite has that delicious crumble topping!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and then 40-45 minutes for baking. After that, let the bars cool completely, which may take about 30 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper sticking out over the sides. This will help you lift the bars out later!
2. Make the Crust:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Then, add the cold butter cubes to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Remember, it’s okay to have some small chunks of butter—this will make the crumble delicious!
3. Form the Base:
Set aside about 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the rest of the mixture firmly into the bottom of your lined pan to create a nice crust.
4. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, toss the sliced peaches with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Make sure all the peach slices are coated well with the mixture.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Evenly spread the peach mixture over the crust in the pan. Next, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the peaches. Bake this in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top looks golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling.
6. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This usually takes about 30 minutes. After they’ve cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into squares.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
These Easy Peach Crumble Bars can be served warm or at room temperature. They’re fantastic on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe to avoid a soggy filling.
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just ensure they’re wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil!
Can I Substitute Other Fruits?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can use other fruits like nectarines, blueberries, or cherries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar accordingly based on the sweetness of the fruit.
How Can I Make the Crust Extra Crispy?
For an extra crispy crust, consider blind-baking it before adding the peach filling. Simply pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes until it’s slightly golden before adding the peaches and crumble topping. This helps to create a firmer base!
