Name: Peach Crumble Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
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

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Searching for a dessert that screams summer? These Peach Crumble Bars are a Buttery Fruit Dessert that combines juicy peaches with a rich, crumbly topping for a perfect balance of sweet and buttery flavors. Ideal for barbecues, picnics, or a cozy afternoon treat, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress. Try this Peach Crumble Bars recipe for a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert!

Why You’ll Love Peach Crumble Bars

I’m in love with these Peach Crumble Bars because they’re a Buttery Fruit Dessert that captures the essence of ripe peaches with a satisfyingly crunchy topping. The peaches turn soft and jammy, while the buttery crumble adds a delightful texture that melts in your mouth. This Buttery Fruit Dessert is simple to prepare, versatile for any occasion, and perfect for showcasing summer’s bounty or enjoying year-round with frozen peaches!

Ingredients for Peach Crumble Bars

Here’s what you’ll need for Peach Crumble Bars (serves 12):

3 cups fresh or frozen peaches, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
½ cup rolled oats
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup cold butter, cubed
1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

9×9-inch baking pan
Medium mixing bowl
Large mixing bowl
Pastry cutter or fork
Measuring cups and spoons
Parchment paper (optional)
Airtight container for storage

Ingredient Tips

Peaches: Use fresh for peak flavor; thaw and drain frozen peaches to avoid excess moisture.
Butter: Keep cold for a crumbly texture; cut into small cubes for easier blending.
Oats: Rolled oats add texture; quick oats work but yield a softer crumble.
Flour: Swap with gluten-free flour blend for dietary needs.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed enhances peach flavor; bottled works in a pinch.

Directions for Peach Crumble Bars

Let’s make these Peach Crumble Bars!

Preheat and Prep

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Prepare Peach Filling

In a medium bowl, I mix 3 cups chopped peaches with 1 tbsp lemon juice, ½ cup sugar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. I set it aside to macerate, letting the juices blend.

Make Crumble Topping

In a large bowl, I combine 1½ cups flour, ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. I add ½ cup cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. I stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Assemble the Bars

I press two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust. I spoon the peach mixture evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top to create the Peach Crumble Bars topping.

Bake and Cool

I bake the Peach Crumble Bars for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the peach filling bubbles. I let them cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into 12 bars.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 3g protein, 9g fat, 2g fiber

Variations for Peach Crumble Bars

Try these twists on Peach Crumble Bars:

Nutty Crunch: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or almonds to the crumble for a nutty Buttery Fruit Dessert.
Berry Mix: Combine peaches with 1 cup blueberries or raspberries for a colorful Buttery Fruit Dessert.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats for dietary needs.
Spiced Up: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble for warm flavor.
Vegan Option: Swap butter for vegan margarine and use a plant-based thickener like arrowroot for the filling.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Double-Chocolate Zucchini Brownies for a diverse dessert tray.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to enhance the Buttery Fruit Dessert.
Offer at a summer picnic with iced tea for a refreshing treat.

Storage

I store Peach Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and crumbly. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days, reheating in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes for a warm, just-baked feel. To freeze, I wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Dust Peach Crumble Bars with powdered sugar or top with peach slices for a vibrant look.
Garnish: Add a sprig of mint or a drizzle of caramel for extra flair.
Pairing: Enjoy with a scoop of peach sorbet or hot coffee to complement the Buttery Fruit Dessert.
Portion Size: One bar (1/12 of pan) per person for a satisfying treat.
Occasions: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or cozy dessert nights.

FAQs About Peach Crumble Bars

Here are answers to some common questions about Peach Crumble Bars:

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using them in the filling to avoid extra moisture.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Peach Crumble Bars store well, so you can prepare them up to 2 days in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

Can I substitute the oats in the topping?
If you’re not a fan of oats or don’t have any on hand, you can leave them out or substitute with additional flour for a slightly different texture.

How do I make the topping extra crumbly?
For an even crumblier topping, make sure to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. The more crumbly the mixture, the more texture it will have once baked.

Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?
Yes! If you love a bit of crunch, feel free to add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble mixture. They’ll give the bars an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, use vegan margarine instead of butter and replace cornstarch with arrowroot or tapioca starch for vegan Peach Crumble Bars.

More Summer Dessert Ideas You’ll Love

Conclusion

These Peach Crumble Bars are a wonderful treat that brings together the juiciness of fresh peaches and the richness of a buttery crumble topping. They’re easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or something to share with friends and family, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every bite!