These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a treat to eat! They feature juicy peaches layered on a buttery crust, then topped with a sweet crumble for that perfect crunch.
I love how they make the kitchen smell amazing while baking! They’re perfect for dessert or a snack, and I might just have to save a few for breakfast. Who’s judging? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives the crust that rich flavor and flaky texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Granulated Sugar: You’ll need sugar for sweetness in both the crust and the filling. If you’d like a healthier option, try substituting with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia, but adjust measurements as needed.
Fresh Peaches: While fresh peaches make this dish special, you can use frozen peaches if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain excess water before using. Canned peaches are another option, but make sure to rinse and pat them dry to reduce extra moisture.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water, or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping is what makes these bars so delightful! To achieve that perfect crumbly texture, follow these tips:
- Don’t overmix the crumble dough. Combine until it just holds together; it should still be crumbly.
- Use cold butter. The cooler the butter, the flakier your topping will be. Cut it into small pieces before mixing.
- Crumble it generously over the peach filling. This way, every bite has a good balance of peach and crumble.
- For an extra crunch, try adding oats or nuts like walnuts or almonds to the crumble mix.
Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Buttery Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus around 45-50 minutes of baking time. After that, give the bars some time to cool before slicing. All together, you’re looking at about an hour and 10 minutes until you’re ready to savor these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it lightly, or line it with parchment paper to make it easier to lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until it turns light and fluffy. This should take a couple of minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it—the dough should be a bit crumbly.
4. Create the Crust:
Next, press about two-thirds of your dough evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan. This will be your dough base, so make sure it’s spread out nicely!
5. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the sliced peaches with 1/2 cup of sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Toss gently until the peaches are well coated with the mixture. This will enhance their flavor while baking.
6. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Crumble the remaining dough on top of the peach layer, ensuring it’s distributed evenly for a good crumble topping.
7. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You want the topping to be a nice golden brown and the peach filling bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares. They can be served warm or at room temperature, and I recommend adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra deliciousness!
Enjoy your delightful Easy Peach Crumble Bars! 🍑✨
FAQ About Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using to prevent a watery filling. This will help maintain the texture of the bars.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and peach filling a day in advance and assemble the bars just before baking. Alternatively, bake them in advance and store them as suggested above, ready to serve whenever you like!
What Can I Substitute for Eggs in This Recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mix (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal combined with 2.5 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes until it thickens). This will help bind the dough just like eggs!
