These Easy Peach Crumble Bars bring a juicy peach filling paired with a crumbly topping, making for a tasty treat. The sweet aroma fills your kitchen while they bake!
I love how simple these bars are to make. Just layer the peach filling and crumble on top—no fancy gadgets needed! They’re perfect with a scoop of ice cream! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is the foundation of this recipe. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead. It works great, and you won’t notice much difference!
Peach Slices: Fresh peaches add a lovely flavor, but canned peaches (drained well) work just as well, especially when fresh ones aren’t in season. For a twist, feel free to use other fruits like berries or apples.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for controlled flavor, but you can substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s cold to keep that crumble texture!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar brings warmth and depth. You can use coconut sugar for a lighter option, or white sugar in a pinch, though it won’t have the same caramel notes.
How Do I Get the Crumble Just Right?
The crumble topping makes these bars special, so getting it right is important. Here’s how I do it:
- Use cold butter straight from the fridge. This helps to create that airy crumb.
- Cut the butter into the flour mixture until you see small pea-sized pieces. This will prevent it from turning into a dough.
- Don’t overmix! It’s okay if there are some larger crumbs. This will give you that perfect texture.
Lastly, reserve a cup of the crumb mix to sprinkle on top of the peach layer; it forms a delicious crust that contrasts beautifully with the juicy filling!
How to Make Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Sweet Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Peach Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups peach slices (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake, plus some cooling time. You’ll have delicious peach crumble bars ready to enjoy in about an hour or so!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease your 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Make the Crust and Topping Mix:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Next, take your cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry mix using a pastry cutter or your fingers. You’re aiming for a texture that looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Set Aside the Topping:
Once your crumb mix is ready, scoop out and set aside about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping. The rest will form the crust. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even layer.
4. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the peach slices with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract if you’re using it. Gently stir the mixture to coat the peaches well.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust you just pressed into the pan. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly over the peach layer to finish assembling your bars.
6. Bake and Cool:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is nice and golden brown and the peach layer is bubbling. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, cut into bars and serve! These are delightful on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a special treat.
Enjoy the buttery crumble and sweet peach filling—these bars are simple to make, yet absolutely delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any extra liquid before mixing them with the other filling ingredients. This helps to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge before serving!
What Can I Use Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the structure of regular flour.
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Yes! To make these bars vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Also, use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar to keep it vegan-friendly.
