Description: These Peach Crumb Bars are a delightful summer treat, combining the sweetness of juicy peaches with a buttery, crumbly topping. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, these bars are easy to make and even easier to devour. The combination of a tender base, a flavorful peach filling, and a golden-brown crumb topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. They are versatile enough to be served as a dessert, snack, or even a sweet addition to brunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups fresh or canned peaches, peeled and chopped (if using canned, drain well)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for peach filling)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan after baking. Ensure the parchment paper fits snugly into the corners and along the edges of the pan to prevent the filling from sticking.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. The melted butter should be evenly distributed to ensure a uniform texture in the crumb mixture.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a fork or pastry blender to cut the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain a crumbly consistency.
Step 4: Create the Crust: Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly across the entire surface of the pan. This will form the base of your peach crumb bars, so ensure it’s well-packed and uniform in thickness.
Step 5: Prepare the Peach Filling: In a separate bowl, gently toss the chopped peaches with cornstarch, lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. The cornstarch will help thicken the peach filling as it bakes, while the lemon juice enhances the peach flavor and prevents it from becoming too sweet. The cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice that complements the peaches perfectly.
Step 6: Assemble the Bars: Spread the peach filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Make sure the peaches are distributed uniformly across the crust to ensure each bar has an equal amount of filling.
Step 7: Add the Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture evenly over the peach filling. Gently break up any large clumps of the crumb mixture with your fingers to ensure it is evenly distributed. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crumb topping that adds a delightful texture to the bars.
Step 8: Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time to prevent the topping from burning. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil.
Step 9: Cool and Cut: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before slicing. Cooling is essential, as it allows the peach filling to set, making the bars easier to cut and serve. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into bars of your desired size.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Peach Crumb Bars are a summer sensation for several reasons:
- Simplicity: The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginner bakers.
- Flavor: The combination of sweet peaches, buttery crumb topping, and a hint of cinnamon creates a burst of summer flavor in every bite.
- Texture: The bars offer a delightful contrast of textures – a tender crust, a juicy filling, and a crumbly topping.
- Versatility: They can be served as a dessert, snack, or even a sweet treat with brunch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are always a hit at gatherings, picnics, and potlucks.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Peach Crumb Bars at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon snack.
- Serve alongside fresh berries for a vibrant and colorful dessert.
- Warm slightly and serve with a caramel drizzle for an enhanced flavor experience.
Tips:
- Use Ripe Peaches: For the best flavor, use ripe but firm peaches. If using canned peaches, make sure to drain them well to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
- Don’t Overmix the Crumb Topping: Overmixing can result in a tough crumb topping. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the mixture is crumbly.
- Adjust Sweetness: If your peaches are particularly sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the peach filling.
- Add Nuts: For added flavor and texture, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.
- Store Properly: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for Later: These bars can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the crumb mixture for an extra zing.
- Spice it up: Use other spices such as nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to complement the peach flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
These Peach Crumb Bars are a delightful way to capture the essence of summer in a single bite. Whether you’re using fresh or canned peaches, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to impress. The buttery crumb topping, combined with the sweet and juicy peach filling, makes for a truly irresistible treat. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a delicious reminder of sunny days and warm memories. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these sensational Peach Crumb Bars. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh or canned?
- Yes, you can use frozen peaches. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before chopping and using them in the recipe. Ensure they are well-drained to avoid a soggy filling.
- Can I make these bars gluten-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients for a better texture.
- How do I prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy?
- To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Additionally, ensure the peaches are well-drained if using canned or thawed frozen peaches. Adding a thin layer of almond flour or crushed graham crackers to the bottom crust before adding the filling can also help absorb excess moisture.
- Can I add nuts to the crumb topping?
- Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the crumb topping can enhance the flavor and add a delightful crunch. Simply mix the nuts into the crumb mixture before sprinkling it over the peach filling.
- How long can I store these bars?
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
