These easy peach crumble bars are the perfect treat for summer! They have a soft, sweet peach filling and are topped with a crunchy oat crumble that makes every bite enjoyable.
I love making these bars on sunny afternoons, and they disappear quickly at picnics. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious combo. Yum! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are key here for a sweet filling. If peaches aren’t in season, you can use canned or frozen peaches. Just make sure to drain canned peaches well. For a twist, try nectarines or apricots!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute will work nicely. I personally love the richness of butter in this recipe.
Oats: Old-fashioned oats create a hearty texture. If you only have quick oats, you can use them, but the bars may be a bit softer. Some folks like to add a mix of nuts for extra crunch, which I highly recommend!
Brown sugar: Light brown sugar gives a nice depth of flavor. You could use granulated sugar here too, but it won’t be as rich. Dark brown sugar also works well for a more robust flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Bars Are Perfectly Baked?
The baking time is crucial for these crumble bars. To guarantee they’re cooked perfectly, keep an eye on the topping. It should be golden-brown and the peach filling might bubble a bit. Here are some tips:
- Check for doneness at the 45-minute mark. If the topping isn’t golden yet, you can bake it a bit longer.
- The filling should be slightly bubbly; this means the peaches have cooked down nicely.
- Letting the bars cool completely is essential! This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
Enjoy creating these delicious peach crumble bars! 🍑
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches (about 4-5 medium peaches)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 45-50 minutes to bake, plus some time to cool. You’ll want to allow a bit of extra time to let the bars cool completely before cutting into them, which enhances the flavors and makes them easier to slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will make lifting the bars out much easier once they’re baked. Just leave some paper hanging over the edges!
2. Make the Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined. Then, pour in the melted butter and stir everything together until the mixture is crumbly. Make sure to reserve about 1 1/2 cups of this crumb mixture for the topping!
3. Form the Bottom Layer:
Take the remaining crumb mixture and evenly press it into the bottom of your lined baking pan. This is your crust, so make sure it’s compact and smooth!
4. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, mix together the diced peaches, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. Stir well to ensure the peaches are evenly coated with the sugar and spice.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over your crust layer in the baking pan. Then, take the reserved crumb mixture, add the oats, and sprinkle it evenly across the top of the peach layer. This will create a delightful crunch!
6. Bake Your Bars:
Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden brown topping and bubbly peach filling to know it’s done. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once you’ve finished baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment overhang to lift them out and cut them into squares. You can serve these delicious bars at room temperature or chilled, and they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Enjoy your summery peach crumble bars!
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 completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the other ingredients. This helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Substitute the Oats in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have old-fashioned oats, you can use quick oats, but expect a softer texture. For a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free oats to keep the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Additionally, use a flaxseed egg or unsweetened applesauce to replace the egg in similar recipes, but note this specific recipe does not require eggs!
Feel free to ask if you have more questions! Enjoy your baking! 🍑
