Peach Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust, juicy peach filling, and a crumbly topping. These bars are easy to make and are perfect for showcasing fresh, ripe peaches during the summer season. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them as a sweet treat with your morning coffee.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cook Notes & Tips
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Peach Crumb Bars are the perfect way to celebrate summer’s bounty of juicy, ripe peaches. These bars have three layers: a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet peach filling, and a crumbly streusel topping. Whether you’re looking for a delicious dessert to bring to a gathering or simply want to indulge in a homemade treat, these Peach Crumb Bars are sure to impress. Their combination of flavors and textures makes them a crowd-pleaser, and they’re surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Topping

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Peach Filling

• 5 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
3. Form the Crust: Take about 2/3 of the crumb mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
4. Make the Peach Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir until the peaches are well coated.
5. Assemble the Bars: Spread the peach filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the peach layer.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Peaches: Fresh peaches work best for this recipe, but you can also use canned or frozen peaches if fresh are not available. Just make sure to drain canned peaches well or thaw and drain frozen peaches before using.
• Cold Butter: Keeping the butter cold helps create the perfect crumbly texture for both the crust and topping.
• Cooling Time: Letting the bars cool completely before cutting helps them hold their shape better.

Variations

• Berry Peach Bars: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, to the peach filling for a mixed-fruit twist.
• Spiced Crumb Bars: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or ginger to the crumb mixture for extra warmth and spice.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?

Absolutely! You can use other stone fruits like nectarines or plums, or even berries like blueberries or raspberries in place of the peaches.

2. How Do I Store Peach Crumb Bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. They actually taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.

Peach Crumb Bars are a simple yet delightful dessert that brings out the best of fresh, juicy peaches. With a buttery crust, a sweet fruit filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a picnic, a potluck, or just to enjoy at home, they’re sure to be a hit.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!

Happy Baking!