If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances a juicy peach filling with a buttery, crumbly topping, look no further than these delightful Peach Crumble Bars! This recipe is not only a treat for your taste buds but also an easy-to-make dessert that can brighten up any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or simply craving something sweet, these bars hit the mark every time. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up these mouthwatering bars in under an hour. They are vegetarian-friendly and provide a perfect opportunity to enjoy the seasonal goodness of peaches. Everybody loves a classic crumble dessert, but these bars take the concept further with a sturdy base, making them easy to hold and eat, which is perfect for picnics or outdoor gatherings. Get your ingredients ready, and let’s dive into making these scrumptious Peach Crumble Bars for your next dessert escapade!
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh or frozen peaches, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×9-inch baking pan and grease it thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This is an important step to ensure your Peach Crumble Bars come out nicely and don’t stick to the pan.
While the oven is heating up, prepare the peach filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped peaches with the lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch. This combination will help the peaches to macerate, drawing out their juices and enhancing their sweetness. Allow this mixture to sit while you move on to create the crumble topping.
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. This will form the dry base for your crumble topping. Make sure to mix these ingredients well so that they are evenly distributed.
Now, it’s time to incorporate the cold butter! Add the cubed butter directly into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small bits of butter throughout; this is what creates that amazing crumbly texture.
To bring the mixture together, stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely aroma and flavor to your crumble topping.
Now, the assembling part begins! Take about two-thirds of your crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform crust layer. Make sure it’s packed down well; this will support the peach filling and prevent it from leaking through.
Once your crust is ready, take the peach mixture that has been macerating and scoop it over the crust. Distribute it evenly across the surface, ensuring that every bite will be filled with delicious peach goodness.
Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture generously on top of the peach layer. This will create a delightful, crispy topping as the bars bake.
Place the prepared pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling up around the edges. This is where the magic happens—your kitchen will be filled with the sweet aroma of baking peaches and buttery crumb topping!
Once baked, allow the Peach Crumble Bars to cool for at least 15 minutes in the pan before slicing. This resting period helps the filling set up nicely, making it easier to cut clean bars.
Variations
While this Peach Crumble Bar recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily make it your own by incorporating various twists and flavors. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Different Fruits: Substitute or mix in other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or even apples. Each fruit will add a unique flavor profile, and using a combination can create an exciting medley of tastes.
- Nutty Crumble: Add chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the crumble mixture for an extra crunch and a boost of flavor.
- Spices: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the crumble for a warm, comforting flavor. A dash of cardamom can also add a lovely aromatic quality.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make these bars gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Cooking Notes
When it comes to recreating the perfect Peach Crumble Bars, here are some essential cooking tips to ensure success:
- Peach Selection: Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in your filling.
- Butter Temperature: Keep the butter cold for a flaky topping. If it softens too much, the crumble won’t hold its texture.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the crumble topping ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows for a quicker assembly when you’re ready to bake.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They can also be frozen for up to three months; simply thaw and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These Peach Crumble Bars are best enjoyed warm, but they also taste incredible at room temperature. Consider these serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic combination.
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and decadence.
- Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
Tips
- Always taste your peaches before adding sugar; if they’re very sweet, adjust the sugar amount accordingly.
- Use quick oats for a finer texture in the topping, or rolled oats for a heartier crunch.
- Be generous with the crumble topping for a satisfying bite!
- Don’t rush the cooling process; warm bars may fall apart if cut too soon.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 250 per bar
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, canned peaches can be used, but make sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
Is it necessary to peel the peaches?
No, peeling is not necessary, especially if the peaches are ripe. The skin can add extra fiber and flavor.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, these bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
How can I reheat the bars?
You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or place them in a warm oven until heated through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Peach Crumble Bars are a mix of simplicity and deliciousness, making them a favored recipe for any dessert lover. With their juicy peach filling enveloped by a crumbly, buttery topping, they’re impossible to resist. Whether you’re sharing them with friends at a gathering or indulging in a quiet evening treat, these bars prove to be as delightful as they are easy to make. Don’t forget to leave your comments below if you try this recipe or have any variations of your own to share! We’d love to hear how they turned out for you. And if you enjoyed this recipe, consider sharing it with your fellow dessert enthusiasts. Happy baking!
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Irresistible Peach Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
A delightful dessert with juicy peaches and a crumbly topping.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh or frozen peaches, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the peaches, lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the pan.
- Pour and distribute the peach mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Make sure to use ripe peaches for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 per bar
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 3 g