Peach Crumb Bars
The moment summer arrives, my mind drifts to the luscious, juicy peaches that burst with flavor. There’s just something magical about biting into a ripe peach, and that inspiration led me to create these delectable Peach Crumb Bars. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma of baked peaches and buttery crumble filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a sunlit afternoon. This recipe is close to my heart, evoking memories of warm days spent with family, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying desserts made from fresh fruits. The combination of sweet, sticky peaches and a buttery crumb topping is simply irresistible. It’s a perfect treat to enjoy during the vibrant summer months, and trust me, once you try these Peach Crumb Bars, you’ll understand why they are a family favorite.
Recipe Snapshot
39 mins
15 mins
24 mins
Medium
210 kcal
3 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
9 g
8×8-inch Baking Pan, Food Processor, Storage Containers
The Magic of This Peach Crumb Bars
1. A Sweet Summer Treat
The beauty of Peach Crumb Bars lies in their simplicity. Made with fresh peaches, they capture the essence of summer in every bite. The sweetness of the peaches paired with a crumbly topping creates a delightful contrast that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a dessert that celebrates the season’s best flavors.
2. Versatile and Adaptable
One of the reasons I adore this recipe is its versatility. You can easily switch up the fruits based on what’s available or what you love. While peaches are the star here, feel free to mix in berries or even some apples for a unique twist. This flexibility allows you to enjoy the bars year-round.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, heading to a picnic, or simply craving a sweet treat at home, Peach Crumb Bars fit the bill perfectly. They’re easy to transport, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring they’ll be the highlight of any event.
4. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
This recipe relies on basic pantry staples, making it accessible for any home cook. You won’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just grab some ripe peaches, flour, oats, and a few more items to create a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is simple. It proves that the best things often come from the simplest ingredients.
5. A Slice of Nostalgia
Every time I take a bite of these bars, I’m reminded of summer afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients. These Peach Crumb Bars are more than just a dessert; they carry memories and stories of family traditions. Sharing them with loved ones creates new memories that will last a lifetime.
What’s In This Peach Crumb Bars
When it comes to crafting the perfect Peach Crumb Bars, the ingredients are straightforward yet essential. Each component plays a significant role in creating the delightful texture and flavor that makes these bars so memorable. The combination of fresh peaches and the crumbly topping creates a balance of sweetness and richness that keeps you coming back for more.
- 2 cups diced peaches (or 1 14.5-ounce can peaches, drained) – The star of the show! Fresh peaches are juicy and sweet, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional but recommended) – Adds a hint of acidity that brightens the flavor of the peaches.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch – Helps thicken the peach filling, ensuring it stays together.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the peaches, making them even more delightful.
- 1 cup rolled oats – Adds texture and chewiness to the crumb topping.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or rolled oats ground up in the food processor) – Forms the base of the crumb mixture.
- 3/4 cup sugar – This is the sweetener for the crumb mixture, creating that deliciously sweet topping.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly) – Provides richness and flavor, essential for a crumbly texture.
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or nondairy) – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
The Method for Peach Crumb Bars
Making Peach Crumb Bars is an enjoyable process, and I love how simple the steps are. This method ensures the bars have the perfect texture and flavor balance. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure of baking!
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Leave a few inches overhang on two sides so you can easily lift the bars out once they’ve cooled.
- Next, add the diced peaches to a medium bowl. Stir gently with the fresh lemon juice. This not only adds flavor but also prevents browning, keeping your peaches looking vibrant. Then, sprinkle the cornstarch and sugar over the peaches and stir gently, allowing them to sit while you prepare the crust.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, sugar, melted butter, milk, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until it holds together easily when pressed between your fingers. This mixture should feel crumbly yet slightly sticky.
- Set aside 1 cup of this batter to use as the topping. This is key for that delicious, crumbled finish on top of your bars.
- Now, take the remaining batter and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s compact and covers the base well; this will give your Peach Crumb Bars a solid foundation.
- Add the peaches on top of the crust, using a slotted spoon to keep excess liquid from making the crust soggy. Distributing them evenly ensures that every bite is loaded with sweet peaches.
- Now crumble the reserved topping over the peaches and press down slightly to help it stick. This creates a beautiful textured topping that will bake to a golden brown.
- Place your pan in the oven and bake for 32 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you might find it hard to resist peeking!
- Once done, remove the baking pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This helps the bars set properly. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out when they’re cool, and slice them into squares.
Things Worth Knowing
- Cool Completely: It’s essential to let the Peach Crumb Bars cool completely before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Ripeness Matters: Use ripe but firm peaches for the best results. Overripe peaches can make the filling too mushy.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The fresh lemon juice not only adds flavor but also helps prevent the peaches from browning.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and crust ahead of time and assemble when ready to bake. This is a great time-saver!
Tips and Variations
If you’re looking to elevate your Peach Crumb Bars, I’ve got a few tips to make your baking experience even better. These variations can introduce new flavors and make the recipe your own!
- Storage: To keep your Peach Crumb Bars fresh, store them at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for a week. Make sure they’re in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these bars! Just slice them into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container. They should stay fresh for up to three months.
- Pairing: Consider serving your Peach Crumb Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make these bars gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and a non-dairy milk alternative to keep this recipe dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to mix in different fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or add nuts and spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
Serve This Peach Crumb Bars With
When it comes to enjoying your delicious Peach Crumb Bars, there are plenty of delightful accompaniments to enhance your experience. Here are some suggestions:
- Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside additional fresh peaches or berries to brighten up your dessert plate.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the flavors beautifully, adding creaminess to each bite.
- Whipped Cream: Top with freshly whipped cream for an added lightness and sweetness.
- Coffee or Tea: Pair your Peach Crumb Bars with a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and elevate your dessert experience.
- Picnics and Gatherings: These bars are perfect for summer picnics or gatherings, making them a hit with friends and family.
- Seasonal Celebrations: These bars are a fantastic addition to any summer celebration or holiday dessert table.
FAQ
Conclusion
These Peach Crumb Bars are a delightful way to celebrate summer’s bounty with their juicy peach filling and crumbly topping. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, making any occasion feel special. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of creating something delicious from fresh ingredients. After all, nothing beats the taste of homemade desserts made with love!
Peach Crumb Bars
Equipment
- 8×8 inch Baking Pan
- Food Processor
- Storage Containers
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced peaches or 1 14.5-ounce can peaches, drained
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice optional but recommended
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or rolled oats ground up in the food processor
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
- 1/4 cup milk dairy or nondairy
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Leave a few inches overhang on two sides so you can easily lift the bars out once they’ve cooled.
- Next, add the diced peaches to a medium bowl. Stir gently with the fresh lemon juice. This not only adds flavor but also prevents browning, keeping your peaches looking vibrant. Then, sprinkle the cornstarch and sugar over the peaches and stir gently, allowing them to sit while you prepare the crust.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, sugar, melted butter, milk, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until it holds together easily when pressed between your fingers. This mixture should feel crumbly yet slightly sticky.
- Set aside 1 cup of this batter to use as the topping. This is key for that delicious, crumbled finish on top of your bars.
- Now, take the remaining batter and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s compact and covers the base well; this will give your Peach Crumb Bars a solid foundation.
- Add the peaches on top of the crust, using a slotted spoon to keep excess liquid from making the crust soggy. Distributing them evenly ensures that every bite is loaded with sweet peaches.
- Now crumble the reserved topping over the peaches and press down slightly to help it stick. This creates a beautiful textured topping that will bake to a golden brown.
- Place your pan in the oven and bake for 32 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you might find it hard to resist peeking!
- Once done, remove the baking pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This helps the bars set properly. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out when they’re cool, and slice them into squares.
Notes
- Tip 1: Once cooled, store at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Tip 2: Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Tip 3: Dairy-free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil and non-dairy milk.
- Tip 4: Feel free to use maple syrup instead of sugar if desired.
- Tip 5: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
