These Easy Homemade Peach Crumble Bars are a sweet treat that features juicy peaches and a crumbly topping. They’re perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack!
I love how the warm peaches blend with the buttery crumble. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time. Bring on the peachy goodness! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are essential for the best flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, feel free to use canned or frozen peaches, just ensure they’re drained well if using canned. You could also swap them for other fruits like blueberries or apples.
Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for a more controlled flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a vegan buttery spread, though note that this might affect the taste slightly.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but whole wheat flour can be a healthier option. You might need to adjust the sugar slightly if you use it, as whole wheat can be more earthy.
Brown Sugar: This adds a rich, caramel flavor to the filling. If you’re out, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to replicate that depth.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crust for Peach Crumble Bars?
The key to a flaky crust is the butter. Make sure it’s softened, not melted. Cream together the butter and sugar well, allowing air to incorporate, which helps the texture. When you mix the dough, do so just until combined—overmixing can lead to a tougher crust.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan to avoid sticking.
- Press about two-thirds of the dough firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a solid base.
- Keep the rest of the dough crumbly to create a nice topping. It should sprinkle over the peaches easily.
Easy Homemade Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Peach Filling:
- 3 to 4 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening peach filling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dessert will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45 to 50 minutes of baking time. You’ll need some time to cool completely before cutting into squares. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes until you can enjoy your delicious peach crumble bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make clean-up easy later.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re well incorporated. Add the vanilla extract next and mix.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be crumbly, which is perfect for creating that delicious crust!
4. Form the Crust:
Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust. Make sure it’s pressed down firmly but evenly.
5. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the sliced peaches with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch (if you’re using it). This mixture adds flavor and helps thicken the filling.
6. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust layer in the pan. Crumble the remaining dough on top of the peach layer to create a nice topping.
7. Bake the Bars:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. The aroma will be heavenly!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is important for the bars to set properly before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your delicious peach crumble bars with their buttery base, juicy peach layer, and crumbly topping!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. You may also want to adjust the sugar since frozen peaches can sometimes be sweeter.
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for better texture. The results should be just as delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Can I Substitute Other Fruits in This Recipe?
Definitely! While peaches are fantastic, you can swap them for other fruits such as blueberries, apples, or even mixed berries. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
