Peach Crumb Bars

The aroma of warm peaches and the crunch of buttery crumbs provide a blissful moment of indulgence with every bite of these delightful treats. Peach Crumb Bars are a simple, yet satisfying dessert that takes just over an hour to prepare and bake. The combination of ripe peaches and crumbly topping creates a mouthwatering dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and texture.

This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family nights. They make a great snack for picnics and can be prepared ahead for an easy dessert. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The buttery crumb layer adds a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• It utilizes fresh, juicy peaches for a naturally sweet filling.
• The bars are easy to make and require minimal prep time.
• They serve beautifully at any gathering or as a comforting dessert.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create your Peach Crumb Bars:

For the Crust and Crumble

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 170 g unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling

• 3 cups diced peaches, fresh or frozen
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Unsalted butter can be replaced with margarine if needed.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar.
• Use frozen peaches if fresh are unavailable.
• Omit cinnamon for a plain peach flavor.
• Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder as a thickener.

How to Make It

Follow these steps to whip up a batch of tempting Peach Crumb Bars.

Preheat

Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a baking pan with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.

Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until a crumbly dough forms, similar to wet sand.

Press into Pan

Take two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

Prepare Peach Filling

In another bowl, combine the diced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir until the peaches are coated.

Assemble Bars

Spread the peach filling evenly over the crust, ensuring it covers the dough completely.

Add Crumble Topping

Crumble the remaining dough over the peach filling, allowing some gaps for the filling to peek through.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Cool Completely

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares or rectangles.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Yes, freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 170°C for 10 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure peaches are ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• For best texture, use cold butter while making the crumb mixture.
• Let the bars cool completely to achieve clean slices.
• Adjust the sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your peaches.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Great for summer picnics or potluck gatherings.