Peach Crumb Bars

Ah, these Peach Crumb Bars always remind me of warm summer afternoons. The sweet smell of peaches baking fills the kitchen, and it feels like a little slice of sunshine. Every bite just melts in your mouth.

I love how easy they are to make. The crumb topping is buttery and crisp, and the peach filling is soft and jammy. It’s one of those desserts that always brings smiles around here.

If you love peach cobbler but want something handheld, this recipe is perfect. You can bake a batch for friends, picnics, or lazy weekend treats. Let’s get into it—these bars are too good to wait.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Fruity: Sweet, ripe peaches combine with the perfect amount of sugar, creating a refreshing and satisfying treat.
• Crisp, Buttery Crumble: A warm, golden brown crumb topping pairs perfectly with the juicy peaches.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are great for summer barbecues, picnics, or even an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
• Easily Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have at home or to fit your dietary preferences. Gluten-free? No problem!
• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The peaches provide natural sweetness, while the crumb topping has just the right amount of sugar to balance it.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s a list of tools you’ll need to get started:

• Baking Dish: A 9×9-inch square baking pan or a similar size works perfectly.
• Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for the crust and one for the filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of flour, sugar, spices, and butter.
• Spoon or Whisk: To mix the ingredients and create the crumb topping.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting the peaches into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for that perfect golden brown finish.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Peach Crumb Bars. I’ve broken it down into two sections for the crust and the filling.

For the Peach Filling:

• Fresh Peaches: 3 medium peaches (about 3 cups), pitted, peeled, and diced. Fresh peaches are best, but if you can’t find ripe ones, frozen peaches work well, too.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) to bring out the natural sweetness of the peaches.
• Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon for that warm, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with peaches.
• Lemon Zest (optional): 1 teaspoon, to enhance the freshness of the peaches and add a citrusy kick.
• Cornstarch (optional): 1 tablespoon if you want to thicken the peach filling slightly (this is particularly useful for juicier peaches).

For the Crumb Topping:

• Rolled Oats: 2 cups (180g), for that delicious, oat-y crunch.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (240g), for structure and a soft base.
• Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup (160g) light brown sugar, packed. This adds moisture and a rich flavor to the crumb topping.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) to balance out the richness of the brown sugar.
• Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon to give the topping a little lift.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon for warmth.
• Ground Ginger: 1/4 teaspoon for a subtle, zesty kick.
• Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to enhance the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (226g or 2 sticks), softened. This provides the buttery richness that binds everything together.
• Vanilla Extract (optional): 1 teaspoon for a hint of vanilla, or you could use fresh lemon zest to bring in a citrusy note.

Variations for Peach Crumb Bars

Want to put your own twist on these Peach Crumb Bars? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Use Frozen Peaches: If fresh peaches aren’t in season, frozen peaches can work just as well. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
• Add Berries: Add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the filling for a mixed berry version.
• Add Nuts: For extra crunch, fold in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the topping.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
• Switch the Spice: If you love a hint of nutmeg, swap out the ground ginger for a pinch of nutmeg for an even deeper flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once they’ve cooled.

2. Prepare the Peach Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches with the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. If you’re using lemon zest, add it to the mixture for that extra pop of freshness. If you’d like a thicker filling, mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss everything together until the peaches are well coated. Set aside while you prepare the crumb topping.

3. Make the Crumb Topping

In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and kosher salt. Add the softened butter in small pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re adding vanilla extract, stir it in at this point.

4. Assemble the Bars

Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form the crust. Make sure it’s even and well-packed. Then, spoon the peach filling over the crust, spreading it out into an even layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the peaches.

5. Bake the Peach Crumb Bars

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The crumb topping should be crispy, and the peaches should be soft and slightly caramelized.

6. Let Cool and Slice

Allow the Peach Crumb Bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This step helps the filling set so that the bars hold together when you cut them. If you prefer, refrigerate them for a firmer texture before slicing.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Peach Crumb Bars

These Peach Crumb Bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them in several ways:

• With Whipped Cream: Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light, creamy contrast to the crunchy topping.
• With Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream makes an indulgent accompaniment.
• With Fresh Mint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing taste.
• Drizzle with Honey: If you love a touch of extra sweetness, drizzle a little honey over the top just before serving.

Storing Peach Crumb Bars

To keep these Peach Crumb Bars fresh for later, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate the bars for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutrition Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of Peach Crumb Bars (based on 12 servings per recipe):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	240
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	80mg
Total Carbohydrates	34g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	18g
Protein	2g

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Conclusion

Peach Crumb Bars are a treat that combines the best of both worlds: fruity and sweet with a buttery, crunchy topping. The balance of flavors and textures makes them a versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea, these bars are sure to impress.