These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a sweet and fruity treat that everyone will love! With juicy peaches and a crunchy topping, they make a perfect snack or dessert.
Honestly, they disappear so fast in my house! I like to serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Who can resist that combo? 🍑🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star here, but you can use canned or frozen peaches if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to drain canned ones well, and slightly thaw frozen ones. I love using ripe peaches for the best flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended, but you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. It gives a nice flavor and keeps the bars moist. I’ve done this when baking for friends who avoid dairy!
Flour: While all-purpose flour is great, you can use whole wheat flour for extra nutrients. Just note that it may change the texture a bit, making them denser. I sometimes mix half of each for a balanced approach.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give a chewy texture, but quick oats can work in a pinch. They absorb moisture faster, but I personally prefer the “bite” from the rolled variety.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crumble Topping?
Creating a delicious crumble topping is key to making these bars stand out. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Mix the dry ingredients (flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt) first to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Once the butter is added, combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid over-mixing; bits of butter should still be visible for a flakier texture!
- Reserving some of the crumb mixture for topping is essential so that you get that nice crunch on top.
By taking your time with this step, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying crumble every time!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4 large peaches)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time, followed by 40-45 minutes of baking time. Plus, be sure to allow a bit of time for cooling before slicing into those yummy bars. In total, you can expect around 1 hour and 10-15 minutes to enjoy your delicious creation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for even baking! Next, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. If you use parchment paper, make sure to leave some edges hanging over the sides, which makes removing the bars much easier later on.
2. Mixing the Crust and Topping:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Once well combined, pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. You want to make sure it’s nicely mixed but still has some texture.
3. Forming the Crust:
Set aside about 1 ½ cups of this crumb mixture for the topping. Take the rest of the crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This will create a delightful crust that holds everything together.
4. Preparing the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, toss your sliced peaches with granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if you like a warm spice flavor). This step helps to thicken the peach filling and enhance its sweetness. Make sure the peaches are coated well!
5. Assembling the Bars:
Carefully spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust you’ve just prepared. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumble topping generously over the sliced peaches. This will give you that delicious crunch when you bite into the bars!
6. Baking to Perfection:
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a lovely golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen is a bonus you’ll enjoy!
7. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This can be the hardest part—waiting! Once they are cool, use the parchment overhang (if you used it) to lift the bars out of the pan and slice them into squares.
8. Enjoying Your Creation:
These Easy Peach Crumble Bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Peach Crumble Bars! 🍑
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! When using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture. This will help prevent the filling from becoming too watery in the bars.
Can I Substitute the Oats with Something Else?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a different texture, you can replace the old-fashioned rolled oats with quick oats or even use crushed nuts for a nutty flavor. Keep in mind that quick oats will make the topping a bit softer.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To enjoy them warm again, simply reheat them in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the bars without gluten!
