These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a treat you won’t want to miss! Juicy peaches sit on a cozy layer of crumbly goodness topped with a sweet, buttery mix that makes every bite delightful.
Making these is so fun! I love the way my kitchen smells when they’re baking. Grab a few bars with a scoop of ice cream, and you’re in for a sweet time! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are the star of this recipe. If they’re out of season, you can use canned or frozen peaches. Just make sure to drain the canned ones well, and thaw and drain frozen ones to reduce extra moisture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the salt level. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter, but keep in mind it may slightly change the flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here, but you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just remember, the texture may be a bit denser.
Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the peach filling. If you’re out, you could substitute it with flour, but use a little more than what the recipe calls for to achieve the same thickening power.
How Do I Get a Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping is key to these bars, and it should be buttery and slightly crisp. If you’re having trouble achieving the right texture, here are some helpful tips:
- Use cold butter for the best results. It helps create a flaky texture.
- Don’t overmix the butter into the flour; stop when you see pea-sized crumbs. This keeps the topping light.
- Spread the topping evenly without packing it too tightly. This allows it to crisp up nicely during baking.
Following these steps will ensure your crumble bars are a hit with a delightful topping that everyone loves!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Sweet, Buttery Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- For the Peach Filling:
- 4 to 5 medium ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40 to 50 minutes to bake. After baking, make sure to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Overall, you’re looking at about an hour of waiting time, but trust me, the smell while they bake is totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and either grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy removal later.
2. Make the Crust Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed, add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this is the key to a flaky crust!
3. Form the Crust:
Press about two-thirds of your crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This will be the base for your delicious peach filling.
4. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, toss the sliced peaches with lemon juice, the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if you want a hint of spice), and cornstarch. The cornstarch is important; it helps the filling not to be too runny.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust. Then, sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture over the top of the peaches, making sure it’s distributed nicely.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the topping is golden brown and you can see the peach filling bubbling around the edges. It’s a beautiful sight!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial, as it helps everything set up nicely. After they’re cooled, lift them out using the overhanging parchment paper and cut them into squares. Finally, serve your peach crumble bars as they are or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra bit of indulgence!
Enjoy these peach crumble bars with their tender, buttery crust, juicy peach filling, and crumbly topping! Happy baking! 🍑
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Make sure to thaw the frozen peaches and drain any excess moisture before using them in the recipe. This ensures your bars don’t become too watery!
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Just wrap them tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
What Can I Substitute for Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute, but use a bit more than 1 tablespoon—about 1.5 tablespoons should do the trick to thicken the peach filling!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Additionally, make sure to use a vegan-friendly sugar to keep it entirely plant-based!
