These Homemade Peach Crumb Bars are truly something special. They feature a buttery, tender crust and a crumbly, golden topping, hugging a luscious filling of sweet, sun-kissed peaches. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors in every single bite.
I often whip up a batch on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The aroma alone fills my kitchen with pure joy. These bars are perfect for potlucks, afternoon snacks, or even a simple dessert after dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
Oh, these Homemade Peach Crumb Bars hold a special place in my heart! They’re so easy to throw together, perfect for busy weeknights. The delightful peach flavor truly shines through. Plus, they always impress my guests. It’s a comforting treat that just screams summer. This recipe brings a little sunshine into any day, making it a true family favorite.
Homemade Peach Crumb Bars Ingredients
Crafting these amazing Homemade Peach Crumb Bars starts with simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a part in creating that perfect balance of crumbly crust and juicy peach goodness. It’s like a little kitchen magic!
For the Crumb and Crust
- All-purpose flour: This is our sturdy foundation, creating that tender, crumbly texture.
- Granulated sugar: It adds just the right sweetness to our buttery crust.
- Baking powder: A tiny bit helps give our crust a nice, light lift.
- Salt: This little pinch perfectly balances all the sweet flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, it’s the secret to a rich, flaky crust and topping.
- Large egg yolk: It binds everything together, making our dough cohesive but still crumbly.
- Cold water: Just a touch helps bring our buttery dough into shape.
For the Peach Filling
- Fresh peach slices: The star of the show. Choose ripe, fragrant peaches for the best flavor!
- Lemon juice: A splash brightens the peaches and keeps them from turning brown.
- All-purpose flour: This thickens the peach juices, keeping our filling from getting too runny.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the peaches, bringing out their natural deliciousness.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice note to the fruit.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a whisper enhances the peach and cinnamon flavors.
- Vanilla extract: This brings a lovely, aromatic sweetness to the filling.
Substitutions and Tips
Feel free to get creative with your Homemade Peach Crumb Bars! If fresh peaches aren’t in season, thawed frozen peaches can work beautifully. Just blot them dry first. You could also try other fruits, like berries or apples, but adjust baking time as needed. For a little extra zest, a tiny bit of orange zest in the filling really brightens things up. For precise amounts, check the full recipe card below. Happy baking, friends!
How to Make Homemade Peach Crumb Bars
Making these delightful Homemade Peach Crumb Bars is really straightforward. I promise you’ll find it simple and fun. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have a fantastic dessert in no time!
Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Then, get an 8×8-inch baking pan ready. I often use parchment paper for easy removal. You can also spray it with a non-stick coating.
Create the Crumb Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, cut in the cold butter. I use a pastry blender, but two forks work too. The mixture will look like coarse crumbs. Next, slowly mix in the egg yolk and cold water. Don’t worry if it still seems very crumbly. That’s exactly how it should be for our lovely Homemade Peach Crumb Bars.
Press the Crust
Take about half of this crumb mixture. Press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms the delicious bottom crust. Set the remaining crumb mixture aside. We will use it later for the topping.
Prepare the Peach Filling
In another bowl, combine the sliced peaches, lemon juice, flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until it’s well mixed. The peaches will be beautifully coated. This step ensures a perfect fruity center for our Homemade Peach Crumb Bars.
Assemble Your Bars
Now, it’s time to put it all together. Evenly spread the peach filling over the crust you just pressed. Make sure the peaches are in a single layer. Finally, sprinkle the saved crumb mixture on top of the peaches. This creates that wonderful, golden crumb topping.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 to 38 minutes. You want the topping to be golden brown. Also, the filling should look set and bubbly. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them!
Cool and Serve
Once baked, take your Homemade Peach Crumb Bars out of the oven. Let them cool completely to room temperature. This is important for clean slices. Then, cut them into squares. Now, they are ready to enjoy!
How to Store Homemade Peach Crumb Bars
Once your Homemade Peach Crumb Bars have cooled completely, proper storage is key. If it’s warm outside, I generally pop them into the fridge. This helps them stay firm and keeps them fresh longer. Just place them in an airtight container. They will last nicely for up to three days there.
For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw them on the counter. You can even warm them slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked feel!
Tips for Success
- Always use cold butter for the crumb. It creates flakier results.
- Don’t overmix the crumb mixture; it should remain crumbly.
- Ensure your peaches are ripe but firm for best texture.
- Cool Homemade Peach Crumb Bars fully before cutting for clean slices.
- Adjust baking time slightly based on your oven.
- A little extra cinnamon in the filling boosts flavor.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan: A glass or metal one works great.
- Large mixing bowls: You’ll need two for the crumb and the filling.
- Pastry blender or two forks: Perfect for cutting in the butter.
- Whisk: For combining dry ingredients easily.
- Spatula or spoon: To mix the peach filling smoothly.
- Sharp knife: For slicing those perfect peaches.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream is also amazing.
- Pair with a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch.
- Enjoy with your morning coffee for a delightful breakfast treat.
Homemade Peach Crumb Bars
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Peach Crumb Bars are a delightful summer treat, featuring a buttery crumb crust and topping, filled with sweet and spiced fresh peach slices.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch salt
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cut into cubes
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 2 – 2 ½ cups fresh peach slices
- 1 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a 8×8-inch baking pan with the non-stick coating of your choice.
- For the crumb and crust, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
- Next, cut in the cold butter using two forks or a pastry cutter then slowly mix in the egg yolk and cold water. Don’t worry if the dough seems really crumbly. It should be!
- Next take half of the crumble mixture and press into the prepared pan. The rest should be saved for the top of the bars.
- Stir together peach slices, lemon juice, flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla until combined.
- To assemble, evenly add peach filling to top of crust.
- Next sprinkle the remaining crumble over the top of the peach filling.
- Bake for 30-38 minutes or until golden brown and set.
- Cool bars to room temperature then cut and serve.
Notes
- In the hot Summer, I prefer to store the bars in the refrigerator. I find that keeping these bars cool allows them to keep shape and last longer. Leftover bars will last for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- You can also store these in the freezer to extend their shelf life for up to three months.
- Cook Time: 30-38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peaches for Homemade Peach Crumb Bars?
Absolutely, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely first. Then, gently blot away any excess moisture. This stops your Homemade Peach Crumb Bars from becoming watery.
How do I know when my Homemade Peach Crumb Bars are done baking?
Look for a beautiful golden-brown top. The peach filling should also be bubbly around the edges. A slight jiggle in the very center is okay. Remember, every oven is different, so trust your eyes.
Can I make these Homemade Peach Crumb Bars ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you certainly can! These Homemade Peach Crumb Bars are wonderful made a day in advance. Store them covered at room temperature, or in the fridge if it’s warm. They really hold up well.
What’s the best way to cut Homemade Peach Crumb Bars cleanly?
Patience is key here. Make sure your Homemade Peach Crumb Bars are completely cooled. A warm bar is tough to cut neatly. Use a sharp, non-serrated knife. Wipe the blade clean between cuts for perfect squares.
