These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are bursting with juicy peach goodness, all wrapped up in a delicious crunchy topping. They’re sweet, fruity, and perfect for dessert or snack time!
Honestly, what’s better than a sweet peach bar with a crunchy topping? I love making these for picnics; they’re easy to grab and enjoy on the go. Just watch them disappear!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star here, bringing juicy sweetness. If they’re out of season, use canned or frozen peaches, just make sure to drain them well before using.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor, but if you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt a bit. Coconut oil can be a good dairy-free substitute.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works well, but you can swap it for brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor. Agave syrup or honey could also work—just adjust the dry ingredients a bit.
Cornstarch: This thickens the peach filling. Arrowroot or tapioca starch can be used as well if you prefer alternatives.
What’s the best way to handle the crust and crumble?
The crust and crumble are simple to make but can be tricky. Start with cold butter—it blends better without melting, giving you that nice crumbly texture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you see pea-sized pieces.
- Press the crust firmly into the bottom of your pan. This helps the bars hold together.
- When it comes to the crumble topping, don’t worry about making it perfect—some bigger clumps add texture!
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them set so they don’t fall apart when you serve!
How to Make Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Sweet Crunch Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling or crumble)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will bake for 45-50 minutes, followed by a cooling time. Total time is roughly 1 hour and 5 minutes, but you’ll want to let it cool completely before serving to ensure the bars hold their shape!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave a little overhang so it’s easier to pull the bars out later.
2. Make the Crust and Crumble:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt with a whisk. Then, add the cold butter cubes to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs with a few small chunks.
3. Form the Crust:
Set aside about 1 1/2 cups of this crumbly mixture for the topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even crust. Don’t be shy—press it down well!
4. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and cinnamon if you like. Toss everything together gently until the peaches are fully coated.
5. Assemble Your Bars:
Spread the peach filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan, making sure it’s distributed well. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the peach layer, covering it all.
6. Bake the Bars:
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and fragrant.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling is important—it helps the bars set! When they are cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into squares.
8. Optional Topping:
Before serving, you can dust the bars with powdered sugar for a lovely touch. Enjoy your Easy Peach Crumble Bars with that sweet, crunchy topping!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, ensure they’re fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before mixing with the other filling ingredients. This helps prevent a soggy filling!
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature.
Can I Substitute the Sugar?
Yes! You can substitute regular granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, try using coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia, adjusting the quantity according to the product’s sweetness level.
How Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
To make these bars gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it’s one that is suitable for baking to maintain the right texture!
