These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a delicious treat for summer! Sweet peaches are nestled between a buttery crust and a crunchy topping, making every bite delightful.
They’re perfect for a picnic or a sunny day snack. I love serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—talk about a summer win! 🍑☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: These are the star of the show! If they’re out of season, you can use frozen peaches. Just thaw them and drain excess liquid before mixing them with the other ingredients. For a fun twist, try using nectarines or even mixed berries!
All-purpose Flour: This gives the bars their structure. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. Just check that it contains xanthan gum to help with texture.
Unsalted Butter: Cold butter creates a flaky texture. You can use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you go with coconut oil, keep it cool to maintain the crumbly texture.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: The combination adds sweetness and depth. You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option, and use maple syrup in place of brown sugar for a different flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumb Texture for My Bars?
Achieving a great crumb texture is all about the butter and handling. Make sure to use cold butter and avoid over-mixing. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut the cold butter into small pieces before adding it to the dry ingredients.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you see pea-sized crumbs. Over-mixing will make it tough!
- Press the crust firmly into the pan without packing it too tightly, allowing it to rise a bit while baking.
- Finally, let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold together well.
With these tips, you’re set for delicious and perfectly crumbly peach bars every time! Enjoy your baking! 🍑
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Topping:
- Reserve about 1 ½ cups of crumb mixture from the crust
- Optional: powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 45-50 minutes for baking. After baking, it’s best to cool the bars completely before slicing, which might take an additional 30 minutes. So, set aside about 1 hour and 45 minutes in total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until everything is well mixed.
3. Add the Cold Butter:
Now, take the cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers. Your aim is to make the mixture look like coarse crumbs—tiny bits of butter should still be visible. This is what gives your bars a nice crumbly texture!
4. Assemble the Crust:
Set aside about 1 ½ cups of your crumb mixture for the topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to create a solid crust layer. It should be evenly spread out.
5. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, combine your sliced peaches, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Gently toss everything together until the peaches are well coated in the sugar and spices.
6. Spread the Peach Mixture:
Take the peach filling and spread it evenly over your crust. Make sure to cover the entire area so every piece gets that delicious peach flavor!
7. Add the Crumb Topping:
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the peaches. This will create a lovely crunchy topping as it bakes!
8. Baking Time:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You want the topping to be golden brown and the peach filling bubbly. Keep an eye on it toward the end to prevent over-browning.
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This should take about 30 minutes, and it’s essential for easy cutting!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, you can dust the bars with powdered sugar if you’d like a little extra sweetness and presentation. Cut them into squares, and enjoy your delicious Easy Peach Crumble Bars!
These bars make a perfect summer dessert, especially when served fresh with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream! Enjoy! 🍑🍦
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 adding them to the filling. This will help avoid a soggy crust.
How Do I Store These Bars?
Store the peach crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Substitute the Butter for a Dairy-Free Option?
Absolutely! You can replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Make sure the alternative is also cold for the best texture.
What Toppings Can I Use Besides Powdered Sugar?
While powdered sugar is a classic touch, you can also serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence! Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely garnish.
