These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a sweet treat with juicy peaches and a crunchy topping. They are perfect for a snack or dessert, and they scream summer with every bite!
I find that they disappear quickly, especially when I share them with friends. It’s hard to resist grabbing just one more! 🍑✨
Making these bars is a breeze! Just mix, layer, and bake—no fancy skills needed. Plus, they taste amazing warm or cold, which is great for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but I find butter gives the best flavor and texture in these bars.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal for this recipe. If they’re not in season, you can use canned or frozen peaches. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid if using canned.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar adds depth to the sweetness. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, adjusting amounts to taste.
Eggs: I prefer large eggs for the right moisture and binding. For a vegan alternative, you can use flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping is crucial for texture. To achieve the right consistency, it’s important not to overmix your dough before reserving the topping. Here’s the key:
- Mix the butter and sugars until fluffy, then add the eggs and vanilla.
- Incorporate dry ingredients until just combined. This keeps some clumps for that nice crumble.
- Press down the crust firmly but not too tight. This creates a solid base without making it tough.
Don’t rush the cooling process after baking! Let the bars cool completely to let the filling set and make cutting easier.
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 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:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for peaches)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 40-45 minutes to bake. It’s best to let the bars cool completely before serving, which may take an additional 30 minutes. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish before digging in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Then, line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges to make it easy to lift the bars out later. This step will help ensure that the bars don’t stick to the pan.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to incorporate each egg fully before adding the next. Finally, add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. You want a crumbly dough, so avoid overmixing!
4. Form the Base Layer:
Take about 1 1/2 cups of the dough and set it aside for the crumble topping. Next, press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create the crust. Make sure it covers the entire bottom, pressing it down gently but firmly.
5. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced peaches with 1/2 cup of sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon if desired. Mix until the peaches are well coated. This mixture will give the bars a sweet and tangy flavor!
6. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust layer in the baking pan. Then, crumble the reserved dough over the top of the peaches to create the topping. It doesn’t have to look perfect; the unevenness will add to the charm!
7. Bake Your Crumble Bars:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the crumble topping is golden brown, and the peach filling is bubbling up around the edges.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is important—the filling needs time to set! After about 30 minutes, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares, and enjoy your delicious Peach Crumble Bars either warm or chilled!
These bars are perfect for summer gatherings or just as a sweet treat to enjoy at home!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy filling. If using frozen peaches, you might want to add a bit more cornstarch to help thicken the juices.
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For optimal texture, it’s best to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving, but they are also great cold!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free, and you should have a deliciously crumbly result!
How Can I Make the Bars Vegan?
To make these bars vegan, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. Just make sure your granulated sugar is vegan as well!
