These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are fruity, sweet, and oh-so-simple to make! With juicy peaches and a buttery crumble topping, they’re perfect for dessert or a snack.
I love how the sweet peach filling pairs with the crunchy topping. They always disappear fast at my gatherings—everyone wants a second (or third) slice! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re out, feel free to use margarine. Just avoid using butter substitutes like coconut butter or spreads; they can affect the texture.
Fresh Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal for the best flavor! If they’re out of season, you can substitute with canned peaches, just drain them well. Frozen peaches work too; just thaw and pat dry before using.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and texture. If you’re trying to reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute, but sometimes it alters the final product a bit. Maple syrup or honey can also add flavor, but will change the consistency slightly.
Brown Sugar: Using brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with an equal amount of granulated sugar, but you might miss that depth of flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Crumble Topping Stays Crunchy?
The crumble topping can be the highlight of these bars, so let’s make sure it stays crunchy! The key is to use cold butter. Here’s how:
- Start with softened butter, then chill it briefly in the fridge or cut it into tiny pieces and mix quickly to avoid melting it.
- Keep some of the flour mixture crumbly—don’t overmix! You want to create that texture.
- Spread the crumble topping evenly while leaving some clumps, as this helps achieve that crunchy texture when baked.
Bake until it’s golden brown, as a well-cooked topping will always have more crunch. Plus, letting the bars cool completely helps them set and keeps that perfect texture!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 to 3 cups peeled, sliced fresh peaches (about 4-5 medium peaches)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 45-50 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let the bars cool completely before slicing, so plan for an additional hour for cooling. Overall, you’ll be enjoying these tasty peach crumble bars in about 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined well.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if you’re using it). This will help distribute the spices evenly throughout the mix.
4. Mix the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined; it’s okay if the dough is a bit crumbly. This texture will create a nice base and crumble topping.
5. Prepare the Crust:
Set aside about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of the dough for the crumble topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form a solid crust.
6. Make the Peach Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced fresh peaches with brown sugar, lemon juice, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This will enhance the flavor of the peaches.
7. Assemble the Bars:
Evenly spread the peach mixture over the crust in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumble dough on top of the peaches, ensuring an even coverage.
8. Bake and Cool:
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bars are completely cooled, cut them into squares. You can sprinkle with powdered sugar if you’d like or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat!
Enjoy your buttery, sweet, and slightly spicy Easy Peach Crumble Bars—they’re perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before slicing. This will help prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the flour blend contains xanthan gum for better texture and structure.
What Can I Substitute for the Egg?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup mashed banana for moisture! You can also use a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water, letting it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
