Baking is my therapy, and there’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh peaches wafting through the kitchen. As summer rolls in, I find myself eagerly reaching for the juiciest peaches, dreaming up delicious ways to bring their flavor to life. Enter these delightful Peach Crumble Bars! With a thick, buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, jammy peach filling, they’re perfect for sharing at a summer picnic or enjoying as a comforting dessert at home. Plus, they come together so quickly, making them an easy crowd-pleaser that doesn’t skimp on taste. Ready to indulge your senses? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe together!
Why are Peach Crumble Bars a must-try?
Ease of Preparation: These bars are straightforward to make, even for novice bakers. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up these sweet treats!
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of juicy peaches and the honey glaze elevates the taste to another level, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether at a summer gathering or a cozy family dinner, these bars please everyone. They’re a great way to impress guests without the fuss!
Textures to Love: Enjoy the contrast of the buttery shortbread crust alongside the soft, jammy filling and crunchy oat topping – it’s a delightful experience for your palate!
Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to swap out peaches with other fruits like blueberries – try our Blueberry Oatmeal Bars for a different spin!
Make Ahead: These bars can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge, making them an incredibly convenient dessert option. Enjoy them warm or cold, just like my Peach Cake Brown recipe!
Peach Crumble Bars Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust
• Unsalted Butter (226g / 1 cup) – Essential for a rich, buttery flavor and a tender texture in the crust.
• Granulated Sugar (200g / 1 cup) – Sweetens the crust and enhances the peach filling’s natural sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour (375g / 3 cups) – Provides necessary structure to hold the chunky peaches.
For the Peach Filling
• Fresh Peaches (900g, approx. 5-6 large) – Ensure they are ripe and juicy for maximum flavor; substitute with thawed frozen peaches if needed.
• Cornstarch (15g / 2 tbsp) – Thicken the peach mixture for a perfect, jam-like consistency.
For the Oat Crumble Topping
• Old Fashioned Rolled Oats (90g / 1 cup) – Gives a comforting, chunky texture; avoid quick oats for the best result.
For the Honey Drizzle
• Pure Honey (60ml / 4 tbsp) – Adds a glossy finish and aromatic sweetness that perfectly complements the bars.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peach Crumble Bars
Step 1: Prepare Shortbread Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in 3 cups of all-purpose flour to form a crumbly dough. Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9×9 inch pan. Par-bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges turn a pale, golden color.
Step 2: Cook Peach Filling
While your shortbread base is baking, prepare the peach filling. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine approximately 5-6 large diced fresh peaches with sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir gently and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the mixture to simmer until it thickens and becomes jammy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before assembly.
Step 3: Assemble
Once the shortbread base is par-baked, spread the prepared peach filling evenly over the crust. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining shortbread mixture with 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats. Crumble this oat mixture generously over the peach layer to create a topping.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Return the assembled Peach Crumble Bars to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the crumble topping turns golden brown and fragrant. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
Step 5: Drizzle with Honey
For the finishing touch, warm about 4 tablespoons of pure honey in the microwave for a few seconds until it’s runny. Drizzle the honey over the cooled bars in thin lines for an inviting sweetness and gloss.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
After cooling for at least two hours, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, cut the Peach Crumble Bars into squares for serving. These delicious treats are perfect for sharing or enjoying at home!
Make Ahead Options
These Peach Crumble Bars are a fantastic option for meal prep, saving you time during busy weeknights or weekend gatherings! You can prepare the shortbread crust and peach filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the prepared crust in the refrigerator, covered tightly to prevent it from drying out, and the peach filling in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, spread the filling over the crust and top with the oat crumble mix, then bake as directed. For the best results, drizzle the honey glaze just before serving, ensuring that the bars remain fresh and delightful—just as delicious as if you had made them all at once!
How to Store and Freeze Peach Crumble Bars
Fridge: Keep your Peach Crumble Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the bars in the fridge overnight and reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold!
Room Temperature: If serving the bars immediately, they can be kept at room temperature for a few hours, but leftovers should always be refrigerated to ensure quality.
What to Serve with Peach Crumble Bars?
The perfect ending to a delightful meal or picnic can elevate your Peach Crumble Bars to extraordinary heights.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream beautifully contrasts the crunchy oat topping, creating a delightful creamy treat.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, freshly whipped cream enhances the peach filling flavors while adding a touch of elegance to each bite.
For a refreshing touch, serve with a side of:
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Minty Fruit Salad: A zesty mix of fresh fruits like strawberries and watermelon paired with mint complements the sweetness of the bars.
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Honey Lemonade: A glass of ice-cold honey lemonade pairs nicely, refreshing your palate between bites of delicious crumble.
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Cheesecake Bites: Rich cheesecake bites offer a creamy counterpart to the fruity bars, delightful for those who appreciate a rich dessert.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc can balance the sweetness and enhance the overall summer vibe of your dessert table.
With these flavorful accompaniments, your Peach Crumble Bars will shine even brighter, creating a well-rounded dessert experience!
Expert Tips for Peach Crumble Bars
• Use Ripe Peaches: Choose juicy, ripe peaches for the best flavor; under-ripe peaches may result in a less sweet filling.
• Prevent Sogginess: Ensure the peach filling is thick and jammy before spreading it on the crust to avoid a soggy bottom.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool for at least two hours to ensure clean slices; refrigerating them makes cutting easier.
• Keep an Eye on Baking: Check during the last few minutes of baking; over-baking can dry out the crumble topping and affect the texture of your Peach Crumble Bars.
• Customize Your Crumble: Feel free to add nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch and flavor!
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days for the best taste and freshness.
Peach Crumble Bars Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your Peach Crumble Bars and try these exciting twists for even more delicious results!
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Frozen Peaches: Use thawed and drained frozen peaches to make this fantastic dessert year-round. Just ensure they’re well-drained to prevent a soggy bottom!
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Maple Syrup Glaze: Swap the honey drizzle for pure maple syrup to add a cozy, caramel-like sweetness. The maple flavor pairs beautifully with roasted peaches!
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Spice it Up: Add ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the shortbread crust for a warming touch. A sprinkle of spice brings a comforting autumn vibe to these summer bars.
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Nutty Crumble: Incorporate chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the oat topping for an irresistible crunch. The added texture enhances the overall enjoyment of each bite.
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Different Fruits: Experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even apples. If you love blueberries, you might want to check out my Blueberry Oatmeal Bars for another fruity delight!
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Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based twist. These substitutions keep all the delicious flavors without the dairy!
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version that still delivers on flavor. No one will miss the gluten in these delightful bars!
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Add Citrus Zest: Brighten up the flavor by adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the peach filling. The citrus notes will enhance the natural sweetness of the peaches and add a lovely zing.
No matter how you choose to customize, these variations will help you create a delightful batch of Peach Crumble Bars that your family and friends will adore!
Peach Crumble Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe peaches for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting peaches, look for ones that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch, with a sweet aroma. Avoid peaches with dark spots all over or a shriveled skin. Ripe peaches will give you the best flavor for your filling, so it’s worth taking the time to pick the right ones!
How should I store my Peach Crumble Bars?
Very easy! Once your bars are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag allows them to last up to 3 months.
Can I freeze Peach Crumble Bars?
Absolutely! To freeze your Peach Crumble Bars, first allow them to cool completely. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge, or pop them in the microwave for a warm treat!
What should I do if my peach filling is too runny?
Great question! If your filling is too runny, it may be due to undercooking or the peaches releasing too much juice. Cook the peach mixture a bit longer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. Adding an extra tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little water can also help thicken it up.
Are Peach Crumble Bars safe for pets or those with allergies?
While this recipe is delicious for humans, it’s not suitable for pets, namely dogs, as peaches contain cyanide in the pits and are high in sugar. For those with allergies, this recipe contains gluten (from the flour) and dairy (from the butter). Feel free to substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use gluten-free flour for a safe option that still tastes great!
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t available, substitute with thawed frozen peaches. Be sure to drain any excess liquid after thawing to prevent a soggy filling. This can help maintain the beautiful texture and flavor that make the Peach Crumble Bars a delight!
Irresistible Peach Crumble Bars with Honey Glaze Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in all-purpose flour to form a crumbly dough. Press about two-thirds of this mixture into a lined 9x9 inch pan and par-bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced peaches with sugar and cornstarch. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture simmers and thickens. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Spread the peach filling over the par-baked crust. In a bowl, combine the remaining shortbread mixture with rolled oats, then crumble this topping over the peach layer.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown. Remove and let cool completely in the pan.
- Warm the honey in the microwave until runny. Drizzle it over the cooled bars for added sweetness.
- After cooling for at least two hours, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares for serving.
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