As the golden sun begins its descent and the aroma of ripe peaches drifts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a rush of nostalgia. Summer always brings a bounty of fresh fruit, and peaches are, without a doubt, my favorite. Remember those lazy afternoons spent picking juicy peaches straight from the tree, the sweet juice dripping down your chin? It’s those memories that inspire my summer baking adventures. This season, I experimented and combined the essence of a classic peach pie with an irresistible crumble to create Peach Pie Crumble Bars. These bars capture the goodness of fresh peaches and the warmth of a home-baked dessert.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 1 hour
- Total Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Portion Size: 16 bars
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: 220
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fats: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
Why You’ll Love This Peach Pie Crumble Bars
These Peach Pie Crumble Bars are a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base sets the stage, while the sun-kissed peaches offer a burst of sweetness. Topped with a luscious crumble, these bars are not only visually appealing but also easy to pack for picnics, share at gatherings, or enjoy as an everyday treat. Plus, the drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze takes each bite to a whole new level of deliciousness.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together! Making these bars is a breeze; each step flows seamlessly into the next, much like the way the flavors harmonize in every bite. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create such a showstopper of a dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups chopped peaches (about 4 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 cup flour (for crumble topping)
- 1/4 cup large flake oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-5 tablespoons cream or milk
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Create the Shortbread Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir in the 2/3 cup of melted butter until fully combined. The mixture should be crumbly yet hold together when pressed.
Step 3: Bake the Base
Press the shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Toss the Peaches
In another bowl, combine the 3 cups of chopped peaches with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Gently toss to coat the peaches well.
Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of large flake oats, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour in the remaining melted butter (about 1/3 cup) and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Step 6: Assemble the Bars
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the baked shortbread base. Next, sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the peaches, making sure to cover them well.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling up around the edges. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
For the finishing touch, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 4-5 tablespoons of cream or milk until smooth and glossy.
Step 9: Drizzle and Slice
Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and serve!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These bars are perfect on their own, but they sing when accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a refreshing twist, serve with a side of fresh berries or a simple mint garnish. They’re also a delightful addition to picnics, summer barbecues, or cozy gatherings with friends.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. These treats also freeze beautifully! Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a taste of summer even in the colder months.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Use ripe but firm peaches for the best texture and flavor. Overripe peaches can become mushy during baking.
- Experiment with different fruits! This recipe works beautifully with berries or apples – just adjust the sugar according to the fruit’s sweetness.
- If you’d like a more intense flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the peach mixture.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
For a unique twist, try adding:
- A handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the crumble topping for added crunch.
- Coconut flakes mixed into the crumble for a tropical vibe.
- A sprinkle of cardamom or ginger in the peach filling to enhance the flavor profile.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- What if I don’t have fresh peaches?
You can use canned or frozen peaches! Just make sure to drain and thaw them before using, and reduce the sugar slightly if they’re in syrup. - Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and the bars should turn out delicious. - How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The topping should be golden brown, and you should see bubbling around the edges of the peach filling. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. - Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to adjust the sugar to taste, especially if your peaches are sweet. Just know it may affect the overall texture. - What’s a good way to serve these bars at a party?
Cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit or herbs for garnish. They’ll be a hit!
Wrapping Up
As you take a bite of these Peach Pie Crumble Bars, I hope you’ll feel a warmth reminiscent of summer days and the sweetness of cherished memories. Get ready to impress family and friends with this lovely dessert that captures the essence of sunny afternoons. Get baking, share the joy with loved ones, and let every bite be a reminder of the simple pleasures that food can bring! Enjoy! 🍑✨
Print
Peach Pie Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peach pie crumble bars that combine fresh peaches with a buttery shortbread base and a crunchy topping, finished with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups chopped peaches (about 4 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 cup flour (for crumble topping)
- 1/4 cup large flake oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4–5 tablespoons cream or milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir in the melted butter until fully combined.
- Press the shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden, then let cool slightly.
- In another bowl, combine chopped peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Gently toss to coat.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cup of flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in remaining melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
- Spread the peach mixture over the baked shortbread base, then sprinkle the crumble topping over the peaches.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes until the crumble is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling. Let cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream or milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, lift them out using parchment paper, slice, and serve.
Notes
Use ripe but firm peaches for optimal texture. Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg




