These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a sweet treat with juicy peaches and a crumbly topping. They are simple to make and perfect for sharing, whether it’s a picnic or a cozy dessert at home!
Baking these bars fills the kitchen with a lovely peachy smell. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Trust me, it’s a win-win for everyone! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches have the best flavor, but feel free to use canned peaches if you’re short on time. Just remember to drain them well and reduce the sugar a bit since they’re often sweeter.
Butter: I always use unsalted butter to control the salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can work well here.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is great for the crust, but for a deeper flavor, swap some of it for brown sugar. You can even use coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener option!
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the peach filling. If you don’t have it, use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch instead.
How Do You Make Sure Your Bars Don’t Stick to the Pan?
Using parchment paper is your best friend to avoid sticking! Here’s what I do:
- Cut the parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan, leaving some hanging over the edges. This helps lift the bars out later.
- Ensure to grease the pan lightly, even with the parchment, to make double sure nothing sticks.
Also, let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut clean squares!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or canned, drained)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake. After baking, it’s best to let the bars cool for at least one hour before cutting. So in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes of time before you can enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some extra paper hanging over the edges, as this will help you lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a crumbly mixture with pea-sized pieces.
3. Assemble the Base:
Set aside about 1 ½ cups of the crumble mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a crust. Make sure it’s packed well!
4. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, mix the sliced peaches, brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Gently toss everything together to ensure the peaches are well-coated. This mixture will be sweet and fragrant!
5. Combine Layers:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over your crust. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top of the peaches, covering them completely.
6. Bake:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling a bit. The smell will be amazing!
7. Cool and Cut:
After baking, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This will take at least an hour. Once cooled, use the overhanging edges of the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares or rectangles.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
If you’d like, dust some powdered sugar on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness. These bars are delightful served warm or at room temperature!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Easy Peach Crumble Bars!
FAQs about Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! When using frozen peaches, it’s best to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. You can quickly thaw them by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in warm water.
How Do I Know When the Bars Are Done Baking?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. You can also insert a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean with only a few crumbs attached.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which will help maintain texture in the bars.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, allow them to cool completely before placing them in the container. You can reheat individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
