Easy Peach Crumble Bars

Name: Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour (140g); 1 1/3 cups rolled oats (130g); 3/4 cup granulated sugar (155g); 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional); 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (150g); 2 cups peaches, peeled and chopped (450g); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (30g); 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon almond extract

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There’s something magical about the way summer peaches melt into sweet, syrupy perfection under a buttery, golden crumble. I remember picking fresh peaches at a local orchard with my grandmother—our fingers sticky, our smiles wide. Back in her kitchen, she’d whip up simple peach bars that turned into my favorite end-of-summer ritual. This easy peach crumble bars recipe brings back those memories, but with a modern twist designed for today’s beginner cooks.

What makes these bars truly special is how effortlessly they come together. Using one dough for both the crust and topping means fewer steps, fewer dishes, and more time to enjoy the results. With nourishing oats, juicy peaches, and a hint of almond and cinnamon, this is a perfect option for anyone looking for quick and healthy meals that still satisfy a sweet craving.

Why This Recipe is Special

These peach crumble bars are the kind of dessert that balances indulgence with a wholesome twist. You get the crisp texture from oats, the juicy brightness of peaches, and the aromatic depth of cinnamon and almond extract—all without complicated steps or equipment. Even better, they’re easy to customize depending on your pantry. Whether you’re looking for a simple afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this lemon herb chicken recipe of desserts (yes, it’s that essential!) deserves a spot in your rotation.

Ingredients and Preparation

Peaches: The juicy heart of the recipe, peaches bring natural sweetness and a luscious texture when baked. Fresh is best, but frozen or canned (well-drained) can also work.

Rolled Oats: These create that chewy, toasty crunch we love in a crumble topping and base. They also add fiber and make the bars feel heartier.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and holds the base together. You can experiment with whole wheat flour or even gluten-free blends.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling. You can reduce the amount or swap with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.

Butter: Melted butter binds the dry ingredients and contributes richness. Use plant-based alternatives for a vegan version.

Cinnamon: Adds warm spice to the crust and topping, beautifully complementing the peaches.

Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness and enhances the fruity flavor of the peaches.

Cornstarch: Thickens the peach filling as it bakes, ensuring the bars hold together when sliced.

Almond Extract: A little goes a long way—this adds a fragrant, nutty twist that pairs perfectly with peaches. Vanilla is a great substitute.

Salt (Optional): Just a pinch deepens the flavor profile of the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides so it’s easy to lift the bars out later.

Step 2 Peel and chop the peaches into small, bite-sized chunks. If using fresh peaches, the blanching method makes peeling easy: just boil for 30 seconds and dunk in ice water.

Step 3 In a mixing bowl, combine the peaches with lemon juice and almond extract. Then sprinkle in cornstarch and sugar, mixing well. This helps the fruit hold together and prevents a soggy base.

Step 4 In another bowl, mix flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, and salt (if using). Pour in the melted butter and stir until a crumbly dough forms—it should hold together when pressed but still be loose.

Step 5 Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a firm base.

Step 6 Spoon the peach filling evenly over the crust, leaving behind any extra juice to prevent sogginess.

Step 7 Crumble the remaining dough over the peach layer. For chunkier pieces, squeeze the dough in your hands before sprinkling. Press down gently to help the topping stick.

Step 8 Bake for 33–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the crumble is firm. Let the bars cool at room temperature for an hour, then chill in the fridge for at least 1.5 hours for clean slicing.

Beginner Tips and Notes

If the top browns too quickly, cover the pan loosely with foil and continue baking.
If your peaches are extra juicy, drain excess liquid before adding them to the crust or cook it into a syrup for drizzling later.
No almond extract? Use vanilla for a more subtle flavor.

To save time, use canned peaches (drained) or frozen (unthawed). Just know you might need a few extra minutes of bake time.
No parchment paper? Grease the pan thoroughly and cool bars completely before removing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your peach crumble bars warm or chilled. For an extra treat, top with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Pair with a glass of iced tea or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent twist.

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy!

Conclusion

If you’re just starting out in the kitchen, this peach crumble bars recipe is your perfect entry into baking. It’s easy, forgiving, and packed with flavor—no fancy tools or experience required. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, these bars will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Give it a try and let me know how it went in the comments. I’d love to hear how you made it your own!

FAQ About Peach Crumble Bars

Q1: Can I use frozen or canned peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, both work well. If using canned peaches, drain them thoroughly. For frozen peaches, don’t thaw before baking—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Q2: How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The top should be golden brown and the crumble should feel crisp to the touch. If the center still looks too wet, bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.

Q3: Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Q4: Why do I need to chill the bars before slicing?

Cooling helps the filling set and makes it much easier to cut clean slices. Let them cool at room temp for an hour, then chill in the fridge for best results.

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