Nectarine Crumble Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, especially when nectarines are in season. This recipe brings together the buttery goodness of a crumble with the juicy sweetness of ripe nectarines, making for a delightful treat. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want to indulge in a comforting homemade dessert, these bars are the ideal choice. Easy to make and absolutely irresistible, the combination of flavors and textures makes them a fan favorite.
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Why Nectarine Crumble Bars Are a Must-Try
What makes Nectarine Crumble Bars stand out is their simplicity and versatility. These bars are quick to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and provide a delicious balance between sweetness and tartness. With a golden, buttery crust, a spiced nectarine filling, and a crunchy crumble topping, these bars deliver a mouthwatering experience in every bite. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet snack.
Ingredients for Nectarine Crumble Bars
To make these delightful bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Crust and Crumble Topping:
- All-purpose flour: Adds structure to the crust and topping.
- Brown sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness with a clean, refined taste.
- Baking powder: Helps the crust and crumble rise slightly.
- Cinnamon: Infuses the dessert with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Nutmeg: Adds a hint of spice that complements the cinnamon.
- Salt: Enhances the overall sweetness and flavor balance.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the crumble and crust a rich, buttery texture.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough together.
For the Nectarine Filling:
- Sliced nectarines: The star of the dessert, providing natural sweetness and juiciness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
- Cinnamon: Spices up the fruit mixture.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and prevents it from becoming runny.
- Lemon juice: Adds a touch of tartness and enhances the fruit’s flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural flavor of the nectarines.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to modify the recipe or make it suitable for specific dietary needs, here are some alternatives:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a flax egg or chia egg instead of a regular egg.
- No Nectarines?: If nectarines aren’t in season, peaches or plums can be excellent substitutes for the filling, still providing that sweet, juicy experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Nectarine Crumble Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- In a food processor, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pulse until everything is well-mixed.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Add the whisked egg and pulse until a dough forms. If needed, transfer the mixture to a bowl and mix with your hands or a spatula until fully combined.
- Press a little over half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, prepare the nectarine filling. In a large bowl, mix the nectarine slices, sugar, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth, then pour this mixture over the nectarines and stir to combine.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the nectarine mixture onto the baked crust, avoiding excess juice.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping over the nectarine filling.
- Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares and serving.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Nectarine Crumble Bars
- Ensure the Crust Is Firm: Make sure the crust is slightly golden before adding the nectarine filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Check for Doneness: The crumble topping should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbly when done.
- Let the Bars Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them to ensure they hold together well.
- Leftover Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Nectarine Crumble Bars can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect pairing for these bars, adding creaminess to balance the crumble.
- Top with Yogurt: For a healthier alternative, serve the bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and a tangy contrast.
- Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the filling for a spiced-up version of these bars.
- Gluten-Free Version: As mentioned, using a gluten-free flour blend will make these bars suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Why Nectarines Are the Perfect Fruit for Crumble Bars
Nectarines are a fantastic choice for this dessert because of their juicy, sweet flavor and firm texture. Unlike peaches, nectarines have a smooth skin that doesn’t need to be peeled, making them easier to prepare. They hold up well during baking, providing a nice balance of sweetness and tartness that pairs perfectly with the buttery crumble topping. Plus, nectarines are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making these bars not just delicious but slightly healthier, too!
Conclusion
Nectarine Crumble Bars are an irresistible treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe nectarines with a buttery, crumbly topping. Perfect for any summer gathering or just a casual family snack, these bars bring comfort and joy in every bite. Their simplicity, combined with the fresh, vibrant flavor of nectarines, makes them an ideal dessert for all occasions. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Don’t hesitate to try out this easy recipe and experience the delightful contrast of the crumbly topping and juicy fruit filling. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, Nectarine Crumble Bars will become your go-to dessert for every season!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen nectarines for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen nectarines if fresh ones are not available. Be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen nectarines to avoid a soggy filling. This will help maintain the right texture of the bars.
How do I store Nectarine Crumble Bars?
Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months—just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make Nectarine Crumble Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time. Bake and cool the bars completely, then store them in an airtight container. They are best enjoyed within 3-4 days but can be refrigerated for longer freshness.
Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
Absolutely! If nectarines are out of season, feel free to substitute them with other stone fruits such as peaches, plums, or apricots. The recipe is versatile, and you can also mix fruits like blueberries and raspberries for a unique twist.
More Relevant Recipes
- Easy Peach Crisp: This recipe is a delightful dessert featuring sweet peaches topped with a buttery crumble. Similar in style to the Nectarine Crumble Bars, this peach crisp offers a juicy filling and crunchy topping, making it the perfect alternative when nectarines aren’t in season.
- Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars: Combining the tangy flavors of rhubarb and the sweetness of strawberries, these cheesecake bars have a smooth, creamy base with a fruit topping. If you love the contrast of sweet and tart, this dessert will give you a similar experience to the Nectarine Crumble Bars.
- Fresh Peach Cake: This moist cake, bursting with fresh peaches, is another perfect summer treat. With a similar flavor profile to Nectarine Crumble Bars, it’s a great option for those who enjoy the sweet, fruity taste of stone fruits in their desserts.

Nectarine Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nectarine Crumble Bars are a delicious dessert made with a buttery, crumbly topping and a juicy, spiced nectarine filling. These bars are perfect for summer gatherings or a simple family treat. Their easy preparation and irresistible flavor make them a must-try dessert, with the option to top them with ice cream or yogurt for added indulgence.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, and cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 5 cups sliced nectarines (about 4-6 large nectarines)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- In a food processor, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pulse until everything is well-mixed.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Add the whisked egg and pulse until a dough forms. If needed, transfer the mixture to a bowl and mix with your hands or a spatula until fully combined.
- Press a little over half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, prepare the nectarine filling. In a large bowl, mix the nectarine slices, sugar, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth, then pour this mixture over the nectarines and stir to combine.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the nectarine mixture onto the baked crust, avoiding excess juice.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping over the nectarine filling.
- Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is slightly golden before adding the nectarine filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Use a slotted spoon when adding the nectarine mixture to avoid excess juice that could make the bars soggy.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold together well.
- If you want a different flavor, try swapping nectarines with peaches, plums, or apricots.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 54mg