These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a treat! A sweet peach filling is topped with a buttery oat topping that is crunchy and delicious. Perfect for a summer dessert!
Making these bars is super simple! Just layer the peach filling between two crunchy oat layers and bake. I love enjoying them warm with a scoop of ice cream—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches bring the best flavor, but if they’re out of season, frozen peaches work too. Just thaw and drain excess liquid. I love using yellow peaches for a more robust taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred as it allows you to control the salt level. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or coconut oil instead!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they’ll make the topping a bit softer. For a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the peach filling. If you’re out, you can swap in arrowroot powder or even flour, but adjust amounts slightly as needed.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Oat Topping?
The oat topping is what makes these bars truly special! It’s essential to get that perfect crumbly texture. Here’s how:
- Start by mixing your dry ingredients well before adding melted butter. This ensures even distribution.
- When mixing in the melted butter, be careful not to overwork it. You want a crumbly mixture, not a dough!
- Press two-thirds of the mixture into the pan firmly to create a solid base—this helps it hold together.
- For the topping, just crumble it over the peaches loosely to allow some gaps for crispiness.
Trust me, taking these extra steps will give you a topping that’s crunchy yet chewy—so good!
How to Make Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Buttery Oat Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let the bars cool completely before cutting, so plan for about 1 hour of cooling time. Overall, you’re looking at about 2 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper so you can easily lift the bars out later. Leaving some parchment hanging over the sides is helpful for lifting them out after baking!
2. Making the Oat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. Then, pour in the melted butter and mix until you have a crumbly texture. It should hold together when you press it with your fingers. That’s the base and topping for your bars!
3. Forming the Base Layer:
Take about two-thirds of that crumbly mix and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will be the sturdy base for your delicious peach filling. Make sure it’s packed evenly!
4. Preparing the Peach Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss your diced peaches with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix it all up until the peaches are well coated. This mixture will create all that juicy goodness!
5. Layering the Peaches:
Now, spread the peach filling evenly over the oat base layer in your baking pan. Make sure it’s spread out so every bite has some peachy goodness.
6. Topping It Off:
Finally, crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the top of the peaches. Don’t worry about covering every inch; some gaps are okay, and they’ll give you that crunchy texture after baking.
7. Baking Time:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is nice and golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling up around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out by the parchment overhang and slice them into squares. If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar for a special touch. Serve them plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgent treat!
Enjoy Your Delicious Peach Crumble Bars!
These bars are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for summer gatherings or just as a sweet treat for yourself. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mixing them in with the sugar and cornstarch to prevent a watery filling.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing to maintain their texture!
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just store them covered in the fridge. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for a bit to soften. They can also be reheated in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F if you prefer them warm!
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use granulated sugar as a substitute. For a richer flavor, you can mix granulated sugar with a bit of molasses (about 1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of granulated sugar) to mimic the taste of brown sugar.
