The Scent of Summer
Warm peaches and cinnamon fill my kitchen. It smells like summer sunshine. I remember my grandma’s peach desserts. They were always so sweet and comforting. Ever wondered how to make summer last all year? These bars capture that warm feeling perfectly. They are my favorite treat to share with friends.
A Happy Kitchen Mistake
My first try was a bit messy. I forgot to drain the peach juice. The filling was a little too runny. It still tasted amazing though. That is the beauty of home baking. It does not need to be perfect. The love you put in is what truly matters. A small mess can still lead to something delicious.
Why This Recipe Works
The buttery crust is soft and crumbly. The peach filling is sweet with a hint of spice. The cinnamon and nutmeg make it taste warm and cozy. The lemon juice adds a nice little zing. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Tell me in the comments!
A Slice of History
Fruit crumbles come from humble beginnings. They became popular during World War II. Cooks used them to stretch scarce ingredients. They are a simple, comforting dessert. *Did you know early crumbles were called crisps?* This recipe is a new twist on a classic idea. I wonder what your family’s favorite dessert is. Share your stories with me below.
Ingredient Amount Note All-purpose flour 3 cups Brown sugar 1/2 cup lightly packed Granulated sugar 1/2 cup Baking powder 1 teaspoon Cinnamon 1 1/4 teaspoons Salt 1/4 teaspoon Unsalted butter 8 ounces cold, cubed or shredded Large egg 1 lightly beaten Peaches 5 1/2 cups peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces Granulated sugar 3/4 cup Lemon juice 1 tablespoon Cornstarch 4 tablespoons Nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Let’s Make Peach Crumble Bars
Step 1
First, get your oven ready. Heat it to 350° F. Line your 9×13 pan with parchment paper. This makes cleanup so easy later.
Step 2
Now, make the crumbly base. Whisk the dry ingredients in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until it looks like crumbs. (A hard-learned tip: shredding frozen butter makes this step a breeze!).
Step 3
Mix in the beaten egg. Press half this mix into your pan. Bake it for 15 minutes. This gives you a firm base.
Step 4
Time for the peach filling! Toss all filling ingredients together. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then drain off the extra juice.
Step 5
Spread the peaches over the warm crust. Sprinkle the rest of the crumble on top. Bake for 40-50 minutes. You will know it is done when the top is golden.
Step 6
This is the hardest part. Let the pan cool completely. Then you can cut neat squares. The wait is worth it, I promise! What is the secret to a perfect crumble topping? Share below!
Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes plus cooling
Yield: 16 bars
Category: Dessert, Snack
Three Tasty Twists
Try these fun ideas to change things up. They are all delicious in their own way.Berry Blast: Swap half the peaches for fresh raspberries or blueberries.
Ginger Zing: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the peach filling.
Apple Spice: Use firm diced apples instead of peaches for a fall treat. Which twist are you most excited to try? Vote in the comments!
Serving Your Sweet Bars
These bars are fantastic all on their own. For a special treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A dollop of whipped cream is also wonderful. For drinks, try a cold glass of milk. That is my go-to. For the adults, a sweet iced tea or a crisp riesling wine pairs nicely. Which would you choose tonight: ice cream or a cool drink?
Keeping Your Bars Fresh
Let these bars cool completely first. Store them in a tight container. They last three days on the counter. For longer storage, freeze them. I wrap each bar for easy snacks. My grandkids grab them from the freezer. They thaw quickly on the counter. You can also reheat a bar. Just warm it in the toaster oven. It makes your kitchen smell amazing again. This matters because it prevents soggy crumbs. A batch cooks the whole pan at once. Do you prefer yours cold or warm?
Simple Fixes for Common Troubles
Is your crumble too dry? The butter must be very cold. This helps it form perfect crumbs. Is the filling too runny? Draining the peach juice is key. Do not skip that waiting step. Are the bars hard to cut? Let them cool all the way first. A clean knife makes neat squares. This matters for a perfect treat every time. What is your biggest baking challenge?
Your Peach Bar Questions Answered
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a good gluten-free flour blend. It works well for the crust and topping.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely. They are great for making a day early. The flavors get even better.
What can I use instead of peaches?
Try apples or berries. You might need less sugar with berries.
Can I double this recipe?
I do not recommend it for one pan. Instead, make two separate batches for best results.
Why is my crust soggy?
The oven might not be hot enough. Always preheat fully for a crisp base.
Share Your Sweet Creation
I hope you love these bars as much as I do. They are a summer favorite in my home. Baking them always brings joy. I would love to see your results.
Share your photos and tag Amelia Hartwell on Pinterest.
Happy cooking! —Amelia Hartwell.
Peach Crumble Bars Recipe | Easy Peach Dessert Bars
Description
A delicious and easy dessert bar featuring a buttery crust, sweet peach filling, and a crumbly cinnamon topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 350° F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, both sugars, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Whisk to fully combine then cut in the cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Now mix in the lightly beaten egg just until it is fully combined. Spread half of the mixture onto the bottom of the lined baking dish and bake for 15 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside until needed.
- Place the peaches, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mix to fully combine. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Drain of the liquid that has accumulated in the bowl and spread the peach filling out in an even layer over the prepared crust. Sprinkle over the crumb topping and bake for 40-50 minutes.
- The peach bars are done when the filling is bubbling around the edges and the crumble is lightly browned and set. Cool completely before cutting. Enjoy!
Crust/Crumble
Peach Filling
Notes
- For best results, ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to get clean slices.
