Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer treat: Peach Crumble Bars! These little squares of sunshine are bursting with juicy, sweet peaches and topped with a buttery crumble that’s just to die for. Every time I make them, I can’t help but think of those lazy afternoons spent at my grandma’s house, where we’d pluck ripe peaches straight from her tree and bake together in her cozy kitchen. The aroma of warm peaches and cinnamon would fill the air, making it impossible not to sneak a taste before they were even cool! Trust me, once you take a bite of these Peach Crumble Bars, you’ll be hooked. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a delightful taste of nostalgia that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh peaches, sliced (Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (This will give your crumble that perfect texture.)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (They add a lovely chewiness to the topping!)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (For that deep, caramel-like sweetness.)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (Make sure it’s soft for easy mixing!)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (A dash of warmth that brings everything together.)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (Just a pinch to enhance all those flavors!)
How to Prepare Peach Crumble Bars
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your Peach Crumble Bars bake evenly from the start, giving you that perfect golden crust you’re dreaming of!
Prepare the Crumble Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Just take a moment to really mix them together; you want everything to be well incorporated. You’ll notice it starts to have a nice crumbly texture – that’s exactly what you’re looking for! It should feel like a soft, sandy mixture that’s ready to embrace all those juicy peaches.
Combine with Butter
Now, it’s time to add in the softened butter. I like to use my hands here, but you can also use a fork or a pastry cutter if you prefer. Just mix it all together until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want some larger clumps for that crunchy topping, so don’t overdo it! The mixture should be buttery and fragrant, making you excited for what’s to come.
Assemble the Bars
Grab a greased baking pan and press half of your crumble mixture firmly into the bottom. This will be your crust. Next, layer those sliced peaches evenly over the crust. It’s totally okay if they overlap a bit; more peaches means more flavor! Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top, making sure to cover all the peaches. It’s like tucking them in with a cozy blanket of buttery goodness!
Baking Time
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and you’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and it’s bubbling a bit around the edges. Oh, that smell will be heavenly, I promise!
Cooling and Serving
Once your Peach Crumble Bars are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes. This cooling time is crucial because it helps the bars set up nicely, making them easier to cut into squares. When you’re ready to serve, cut them into bars and I highly recommend pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Trust me, it takes them to another level of deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make – you can whip up a batch in just about 50 minutes!
- Deliciously flavorful, with the perfect balance of sweet peaches and crunchy crumble.
- Perfect for summer gatherings – a refreshing treat that everyone will enjoy!
- Easy to share – cut them into squares and watch them disappear at parties!
Tips for Success
- Use Ripe Peaches: Make sure to select peaches that are ripe and fragrant. They should yield slightly to pressure when you squeeze them. Trust me, juicy peaches will elevate your bars to a whole new level of deliciousness!
- Ensure Even Baking: To bake your Peach Crumble Bars evenly, it’s a good idea to rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. This helps prevent any hot spots in your oven from leaving you with unevenly baked bars.
- Cool Completely: Letting your bars cool completely in the pan before slicing is key. This allows them to set properly, making it much easier to get those perfect squares without crumbling all over the place!
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them well!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional information for these Peach Crumble Bars. Please keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are just estimates. Typically, you can expect to see around 180 calories per bar, with 8g of fat, 2g of protein, and 26g of carbohydrates. But don’t stress too much about the numbers—what really matters is how delicious they taste! Enjoy every bite without counting!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work just fine in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before layering them in your bars. You want to keep that crust nice and crisp!
What can I substitute for the butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Just make sure it’s softened so it mixes well with the dry ingredients. Your bars will still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn!
Can I add other fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even apples. Just remember to adjust the sugar if your other fruits are sweeter or tarter than peaches!
Why are my bars falling apart?
Oh no! If your bars are crumbling apart, it might be because they didn’t cool long enough before slicing. Let them cool completely in the pan so they can set properly. Also, double-check that you pressed the crust mixture firmly enough into the pan!
Serving Suggestions
These Peach Crumble Bars are delicious on their own, but there are so many delightful ways to elevate your dessert experience! Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions that are sure to impress:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: This is a classic combo! The creamy, cold ice cream perfectly complements the warm, fruity bars. Just imagine taking a bite of the warm crumble with a scoop of melty vanilla ice cream on top—pure bliss!
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch, balancing the richness of the crumble. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a little extra flair!
- Coffee or Tea: Pair your bars with a nice cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. The warmth of your beverage will enhance the comforting flavors of the peaches and cinnamon.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Serve a refreshing fruit salad on the side for a burst of freshness. The mix of textures and flavors will really brighten up the dessert table!
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top for a decadent finish. The sweetness of the caramel pairs beautifully with the peaches and adds a gourmet touch.
No matter how you choose to serve your Peach Crumble Bars, they’re sure to be a hit! Enjoy experimenting with these accompaniments and find your perfect match. Happy indulging!
Print
Peach Crumble Bars: 5 Irresistible Summer Comforts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peach Crumble Bars are a delicious dessert made with fresh peaches and a buttery crumble topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peaches, sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture into a greased baking pan.
- Layer sliced peaches over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use ripe peaches for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Peach Crumble Bars