These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are sweet and fruity, perfect for any dessert lover. With a crumbly topping and a juicy peach filling, they’re sure to brighten your day!
Making these bars is a breeze! I love enjoying them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s like a little slice of summer on my plate! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches bring the best flavor, but canned peaches are a great alternative when they aren’t in season. Just make sure to drain them well! If you’re feeling adventurous, try using apples or berries instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for this recipe to control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works nicely, just be mindful that it may alter the flavor slightly.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here, but you can swap it with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just check that the blend includes a binding ingredient like xanthan gum.
Sugar: I like using a mix of white and brown sugar for added depth of sweetness. If you want a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
How Can I Ensure My Crumble Bars Hold Together?
The secret to sturdy crumble bars lies in how you prepare the crust and filling. First, make sure to compress the dough well into the baking pan while forming the crust. This will help it hold its shape once baked.
- Start by pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your pan.
- Chill the assembled bars in the fridge for about 15 minutes before baking. This step helps solidify the butter and keeps them from falling apart.
- Wait for the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting—this is crucial for keeping the slices intact!
With these tips, you’ll enjoy perfect peach crumble bars every time!
How to Make Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) sliced peaches, drained (or about 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Serving:
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and then around 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, let the bars cool completely (about 30 minutes) before slicing. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, prepare your baking pan. Grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together until well combined.
3. Create the Crumble Dough:
Add the melted butter to the bowl and mix everything with a fork or your hands until it creates a crumbly dough. Set aside about 1 1/2 cups of this crumble mixture for later topping.
4. Form the Crust:
Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will be the crust for your bars!
5. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, combine the sliced peaches, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Toss the ingredients together gently until the peaches are well coated, and the filling is slightly thickened.
6. Layer the Peaches:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan. Make sure it’s spread out nicely for even baking.
7. Add the Crumble Topping:
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the top of the peaches. This will form a delicious, crunchy topping!
8. Bake the Bars:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
9. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the bars set up nicely. After about 30 minutes, it’s time to cut them into squares.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
If desired, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving. These bars are perfect as a dessert or a delightful snack!
Enjoy your Easy Peach Crumble Bars and treat yourself or share them with family and friends!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead?
Absolutely! You can use frozen peaches; just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with the other filling ingredients. This helps prevent excess moisture in your bars.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these crumble bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture and binding.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well!
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or apples for a delicious twist. Just keep the total amount of fruit similar to the amount of peaches in the original recipe.
