These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a delightful treat! With sweet, juicy peaches and a golden, crisp topping, they are sure to brighten your day.
Trust me, the combination of soft fruit and crunchy topping will have you going back for seconds! I love serving these warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal for this recipe, but you can use frozen peaches too. Just thaw and drain them before use. Don’t hesitate to swap for other fruits, like nectarines or berries, if you’d like a twist!
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give a great texture. Instant oats can also work, but they won’t have the same chewiness. If you need a gluten-free option, replace oats with gluten-free oats.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for balancing the sweetness. If you want to make it dairy-free, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and the crumble will still turn out delicious!
Cornstarch: This is optional but helps thicken the peach mixture. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour instead, or simply skip it if your peaches are firm.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping is what makes these bars so irresistible! For the best texture, remember to handle the butter and dry ingredients gently. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt first.
- Pour melted butter in slowly and mix just until crumbly. Don’t overmix; you want those little chunks!
- Press firmly for the crust, but when adding the topping, just sprinkle it on without packing it down too much. This ensures it stays crunchy.
With these tips, you’ll have an amazing, crisp topping to complement the luscious peaches!
How to Make Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Crisp Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening filling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 40-45 minutes of baking time. Plan for a total of approximately 1 hour to bring these delightful bars to life!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a great temperature for baking the bars to golden perfection. While the oven is warming up, get your baking pan ready by lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Leave a little overhang on the sides, as this will help you lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Crumble Mix:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything well until combined. Pour in the melted butter, and mix until everything is crumbly. You want it to hold together but still have some little chunks.
3. Create the Crust:
Take about 1 1/2 cups of this crumble mixture out and set it aside for later. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan evenly. This will form the crust for your yummy bars.
4. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In another medium bowl, toss the sliced peaches with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if you choose to use it). Make sure the peaches are evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach filling evenly over the crust layer you just made. Next, sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture generously over the peach layer. This will create a delicious crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft peaches.
6. Bake:
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’re looking for a golden brown topping and bubbly peaches.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is essential! After it’s cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares or bars and serve.
Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make peach crumble bars with friends and family! Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack at any time!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches?
Yes, frozen peaches work just fine! Make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the filling. This helps maintain the ideal texture of your bars!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make these bars vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a binder if desired, but this recipe doesn’t require eggs, so you’re good to go!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them! Just wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and they’ll last for about 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or microwave before enjoying!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, feel free to substitute with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or apples. Just adjust the sugar accordingly based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose!
