These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a tasty treat, packed with juicy peaches and a sweet, crumbly topping. They are perfect for dessert or a snack and are super simple to whip up!
Honestly, every bite feels like a warm hug. I love serving them fresh out of the oven, maybe with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s a little slice of heaven in each bar! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe, as you control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter. I often switch to coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist!
Peaches: Fresh peaches bring the best flavor, but canned or frozen can work in a pinch. Make sure to drain them well if using canned. I love using ripe, juicy peaches when they’re in season for that extra sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with the texture. If you’re looking to reduce white sugar, you can replace half with coconut sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia. Just watch the quantity as substitutes can vary in sweetness.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the best texture. For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix, which usually works well in dessert recipes.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and enhances peach flavor. Feel free to experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for a different twist.
How Do You Ensure a Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping is crucial for that delicious texture. Start by mixing the reserved dough until it resembles small crumbs. Here’s how:
- Use cold butter, as it creates a flakier topping. Avoid over-mixing; you want it to look crumbly.
- Press the remaining dough firmly into the pan to create a solid base. This keeps the bars from falling apart.
- Use your fingers or a fork to sprinkle the reserved crumble evenly over the peaches. This allows for an evenly baked top.
- Keep an eye on baking time! When the topping is golden brown and you see bubbling juices, it’s ready. Let them cool to set properly!
Enjoy your baking, and don’t hesitate to try these bars with different seasonal fruits too!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Sweet Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Peach Filling:
- 3 cups fresh or canned peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4 medium peaches)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to brighten peaches)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes around 15 minutes for prep and about 45-50 minutes to bake. So in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour for everything, plus some time to cool before slicing into perfect squares. Patience is key, but it’s so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and either lightly grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on. It’s always nice to keep clean-up a breeze!
2. Making the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is so important as it creates a lovely texture!
3. Adding Vanilla Extract:
Mix in the vanilla extract until it’s well combined with the butter and sugar mixture. The smell will be amazing!
4. Whisking the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This distributes the baking powder evenly and prevents any lumps.
5. Combining Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until a crumbly dough forms. You’ll reserve about 1 ½ cups of this dough for the topping later—so set that aside!
6. Forming the Crust:
Press the remaining dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This will create a solid, tasty crust for your peach filling.
7. Preparing the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, toss your sliced peaches with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice (if you’re using it). Mix gently until all the peach slices are well-coated. This will enhance their flavor.
8. Layering the Peaches:
Evenly spread the peach mixture over the crust layer you just pressed down. Make sure it covers the crust well—no peach left behind!
9. Crumbling the Topping:
Take the reserved dough and crumble it over the peach layer. You want to create a nice, even topping that will become beautifully golden as it bakes.
10. Baking to Perfection:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown topping and some delightful bubbling around the edges.
11. Cooling Down:
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This will help the bars set nicely, making them easier to slice.
12. Serving Suggestions:
After cooling, cut into squares and serve! They’re delicious on their own or fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Enjoy your sweet and crumbly treat!
Now sit back and savor your delicious, tender peach crumble bars with that buttery sweet crunch. You’ve earned it! 🍑
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the filling watery. This will help maintain the perfect texture for your bars.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they’ll last for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Butter with Margarine or Oil?
Yes, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option. If using oil, be cautious as it may alter the texture. I recommend using a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, but you might need to experiment with the quantity (approximately ¾ cup should suffice).
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Filling?
Definitely! You can mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or apples for a delicious twist. Just keep the total fruit quantity around 3 cups to ensure the crust holds well.
