These Easy Homemade Peach Crumble Bars are a tasty treat! Made with sweet peaches and a buttery crumble topping, they are perfect for dessert or a snack.
Who can resist a warm, fruity bar? I love serving these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re simple to make and always a hit at gatherings! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star of this recipe, bringing sweetness and flavor. If they’re out of season, use canned peaches (just drain them well). You can also try substituting with other fruits like nectarines or plums!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt in your recipe. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just make sure it’s cold for the crumble!
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but for a gluten-free option, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried this before, and it works surprisingly well without losing texture!
Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the peach filling. If you don’t have cornstarch, try using all-purpose flour or tapioca starch as a substitute. The goal is to help the filling hold together.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crumble Texture?
The crumble is key to delicious peach bars! To get that perfect texture, make sure your butter is very cold when mixing. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine your dry ingredients first, then add the cold butter cubes.
- Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until you achieve coarse crumbs. You want some larger pieces for that crunchy top!
- Don’t overmix! Stop when everything is well combined but still crumbly. This will give you a nice texture once baked.
Remember, it’s all about balance—don’t forget to save some crumble for the topping for that yummy finish!
Easy Homemade Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or canned peaches, drained)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Optional:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, it’s best to let the bars cool completely, which may take an additional 30 minutes. So, overall, plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish before you can enjoy these delicious bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather your 9×13 inch baking pan, and line it with parchment paper. This makes serving easier and prevents sticking, or you can lightly grease the pan if you prefer.
2. Make the Crumble Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Next, add the cold, cubed butter along with the vanilla extract. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some small pea-sized pieces left for that lovely texture.
3. Reserve Crumbs for Topping:
Set aside about 1.5 cups of the crumble mixture to use as the topping later. Be sure to keep the rest for the crust.
4. Press Base:
Take the remaining crumble mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This will create a delicious crust that will hold everything together.
5. Prepare Peach Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced peaches with the brown sugar and cornstarch. Make sure all the slices get a nice coating—this will help thicken the filling as it bakes.
6. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over the peaches to create a delicious, crumbly layer on top.
7. Bake:
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbly filling—this way, you know it’s perfectly done!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will help them set nicely for cutting. Once cooled, you can cut them into squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
9. Enjoy!
Finally, serve your delicious peach crumble bars as they are, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra special treat. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches for this recipe! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before using them in the filling. This helps prevent your bars from becoming soggy.
How Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free peach crumble bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This works well and maintains a similar texture, allowing everyone to enjoy this delicious treat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep them fresher longer, you can also freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll last up to 3 months.
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or even a bit of chopped apple for added flavor. Just be sure to adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits used.
