These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are perfect for summer gatherings! Made with juicy peaches and a crunchy oat topping, they’re sweet, buttery, and simply irresistible.
Making these bars is a breeze! Just mix, layer, and bake. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—a real treat that everyone loves! 🍑✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for flavor and juiciness. If they’re out of season, try canned peaches (but drain them well) or frozen peaches (thaw and drain excess water).
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the peach flavor and balances sweetness. If you don’t have lemon juice, lime juice is a great substitute.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the peach filling. You can use coconut sugar or honey instead, but adjust the quantity since they are naturally sweeter.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give a great texture. If you need gluten-free options, certified gluten-free oats work well!
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the flavors balanced. If you prefer a dairy-free version, coconut oil or vegan butter can be used instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Crumble Bars Have the Right Texture?
Achieving the perfect texture for your crumble bars revolves around mixing and baking time. Here are key points to ensure success:
- Mix the dry ingredients well before adding the butter to distribute flavors properly.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, aim for a crumbly texture—don’t overmix as it can make the bars dense.
- Press the base firmly into the pan; this helps it hold together when you cut the bars later.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. The topping should be golden brown, and the peach filling should bubble slightly around the edges.
Letting the bars cool completely is crucial for cleaner slices. Use the parchment paper to help lift them out easily!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 3-4 medium peaches)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Base and Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus 40-45 minutes for baking. Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting them for the best texture. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy these delicious peach crumble bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Make the Peach Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Toss gently until the peaches are well coated with the mixture. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir until well blended.
4. Combine with Butter:
Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix well until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. This will be your base and topping.
5. Form the Base Layer:
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a solid base for your bars.
6. Add the Peach Layer:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crumble base, ensuring the peaches are well distributed.
7. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the peaches, ensuring an even layer on top.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This step is important to help the bars set properly.
10. Slice and Serve:
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cooled bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy these delightful peach crumble bars!
This recipe yields about 12 delicious bars, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a fruity snack! 🍑
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars with Oats
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling mixture. This helps avoid a soggy crust.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
Can I Substitute the Oats for a Gluten-Free Version?
Yes! You can use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients, like the baking powder and flour, are also gluten-free.
What Other Fruits Can I Use?
If you don’t have peaches, feel free to substitute with other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or apples! Just adjust the sugar level depending on the sweetness of the fruit used. Enjoy experimenting!
