These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are perfect for dessert lovers! With juicy peaches and a crunchy topping, they’re sweet and oh-so-delicious. 🍑
Making these bars is a breeze! I love how they are great for sharing with friends or enjoying as a tasty snack. Plus, who can resist that crunchy goodness on top? Yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base for the crumble. If you prefer a whole-wheat option, you can use whole-wheat flour to add extra fiber and nutrients.
Rolled Oats: They give a lovely texture to the crumble. For a gluten-free version, try gluten-free oats. I also love adding a handful of quick-cooking oats for extra crunch!
Brown Sugar: It brings a rich sweetness. If you’re out, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to mimic that depth of flavor.
Fresh Peaches: The star ingredient! If peaches aren’t in season, feel free to use canned or frozen peaches. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add crunch. If you’re nut-free, you can skip them or replace them with sunflower seeds for some crunch.
How Do I Get My Crumble Topping Perfectly Crunchy?
The crumble topping is key for that satisfying crunch. Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix the dry ingredients well, then add melted butter and stir until crumbly. Don’t worry if some clumps form—these will turn crispy as they bake!
- Press about two-thirds of your crumble mixture into the bottom of the pan firmly. This helps it hold together.
- Leave the remaining crumble loose and sprinkle it on top lightly. This allows air to circulate and promotes browning.
Remember, it’s all about the balance between a sturdy crust and a crumbly top. Happy baking!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Sweet Crunch
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for extra crunch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, let the bars cool completely, which takes about 30 minutes. So, all in all, you’re looking at around 1–1.5 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This will help you lift out the bars later.
2. Mix the Crust and Topping:
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until mixed well.
3. Add the Butter:
Pour 1 cup of melted butter into the dry ingredients. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when pressed with your hands. This is your crust and topping mixture!
4. Form the Crust:
Now, take about two-thirds of this crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a solid crust.
5. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, toss the 4 cups of sliced peaches with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Make sure the peach slices are well coated.
6. Assemble the Bars:
Evenly spread the peach mixture over the crust you made. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the peaches. If you like, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts on top for an extra crunch!
7. Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This takes about 30 minutes. Once cooled, gently lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares. Enjoy your sweet and crunchy peach crumble bars!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes! You can definitely use frozen peaches for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing them with the other filling ingredients to avoid a soggy crumble.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover peach crumble bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep the topping nice and crunchy, try to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking them.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the peach crumble bars a day ahead. Just bake, cool, and store them in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or reheat slightly in the oven for a warm treat!
What Can I Use Instead of Nuts?
If you’re nut-free or just prefer to skip them, you can omit the nuts altogether or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds for added crunch. Alternatively, consider using additional oats in the topping if you want to maintain the texture!
