These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a tasty treat! They have a sweet, buttery crust that perfectly holds juicy peaches. The crumble on top adds a delightful crunch!
Who can resist that combination? Whenever I make these, my family can’t wait for them to cool down. Just a little whipped cream on the side makes them even better! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches add wonderful flavor, but if they are out of season, you can use canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed). My preference is to use ripe, juicy peaches for that natural sweetness!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal as it lets you control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter or coconut oil. I often swap in coconut oil for a slightly different flavor!
Granulated Sugar: You can swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor. I also like using a little less sugar if the peaches are really sweet.
Cornstarch: This thickens the peach mixture, but if you don’t have it, you can use flour as a substitute. Just remember to use a bit more to achieve the same effect.
How Do I Ensure My Crust is Perfectly Crumbly?
The crust is a crucial part of these bars, and getting it just right requires attention. It should be crumbly yet firm enough to hold the peach filling. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure your butter is cold. This helps achieve a flaky texture.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you see small pea-sized crumbs. Don’t over-mix!
- Press the crust mixture firmly but gently into the pan to create a solid base.
Taking your time on this step makes all the difference for that delightful crunch and holds everything together nicely!
How to Make Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Sweet Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 3-4 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Dusting (Optional):
- Powdered sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let the bars cool completely before slicing, which takes another 30 minutes or so. So, all in all, you’re looking at around 1.5 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some extra paper hanging over the edges so you can lift the bars out easily later on!
2. Making the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix them together so they are well combined. Then, add the cold cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. It’s okay if there are some larger crumb pieces!
3. Forming the Crust Base:
Now, reserve about 1 cup of this crumb mixture in a separate bowl for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form a thick crust. It should be an even layer across the bottom.
4. Preparing the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, take those lovely sliced peaches and mix them with brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Toss everything together gently so the peaches are coated evenly. This will help the filling thicken while baking!
5. Assembling the Bars:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust layer you just made. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the peaches, covering them completely.
6. Baking Time:
Place your baking pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the topping is a lovely golden brown and the peaches are bubbling delightfully.
7. Cooling Down:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. This will take about 30 minutes. After they have cooled, gently use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
8. Serving the Bars:
Cut the cooled bars into squares. If you’d like, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation. Enjoy these delicious Easy Peach Crumble Bars chilled or at room temperature!
Happy baking! 🥧
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Sweet Crust
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh Ones?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent the filling from becoming too watery. This ensures your bars maintain that signature crumble texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh, place parchment paper between layers if stacking. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months; just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil!
Can I Substitute the All-Purpose Flour with Whole Wheat Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and extra nutrients. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, making the crust a bit denser, so adjust the moisture as needed by adding a teaspoon or two of water if it feels too dry.
What If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
If you’re out of cornstarch, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder in a 1:1 ratio. Just remember that this might affect the thickening ability of the filling slightly, so make sure to mix it well with the peach juices!
