If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, you’re in the right place! These Peach Pie Crumble Bars bring the taste of summer right to your kitchen. With fresh peaches, a buttery crumble, and simple steps, you’ll want to whip these up again and again. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe and discover tips to make your bars perfect every time!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Peach Pie Crumble Bars shine:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, cut into small cubes
– 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Each item plays a key role in creating the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The all-purpose flour and oats give a hearty base. The brown and granulated sugars add sweetness and depth. Baking powder helps the bars rise, while salt balances the flavors.
Fresh peaches are the star of this dish. The lemon juice brightens their sweetness. Cornstarch thickens the peach filling, ensuring it stays juicy but not runny. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and spice, while vanilla rounds out the flavor.
You can find the complete recipe to guide you through the steps, making this treat even more enjoyable!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides; this helps with easy removal later.
2. Mix dry ingredients and prepare crumble: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. Now, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter cut into small cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the texture looks like coarse crumbs. Save about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
3. Prepare peach mixture with seasonings: In another bowl, place 2 cups of peeled and diced fresh peaches. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gently toss until the peaches are well coated.
Baking Steps
4. Layering the mixture in the baking dish: Take the remaining crumb mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates a solid base layer. Pour the peach mixture over this base, spreading it out evenly.
5. Baking time and temperature: Now, sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the peach filling. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the topping to turn a lovely golden brown and see the peach filling bubbling through.
Cooling and Serving
6. Cooling time before slicing: Once the bars are baked, take them out of the oven. Let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time is key to slicing them easily.
7. Presentation suggestions: Cut the bars into squares. For a pretty touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar. If you want to make it extra special, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy your Peach Pie Crumble Bars!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Crumble
To get that great crumble texture, mix the butter and dry ingredients well. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter. This helps create the nice, crumbly feel. Keep some larger lumps for a good bite. Press the mix firmly into the pan base, so it holds well. Bake until it turns golden brown. This color means it is perfectly cooked.
Best Practices for Peaches
When picking ripe peaches, look for ones that are slightly soft. They should smell sweet. Avoid ones that are hard or have dark spots. If fresh peaches are not available, canned or frozen peaches work too. Just drain them well and adjust the sugar if they are sweetened.
Enhancing Flavor
Add spices like nutmeg or a hint of ginger for extra flavor. A bit of lemon zest brightens the peaches nicely. For a yummy treat, serve the bars warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This combo makes the dessert even more delightful.
For the Full Recipe, check the detailed instructions to create your bars.
Variations
Fruit Substitutions
You can easily swap peaches for other fruits. Blueberries, cherries, or even apples work well. Each fruit brings its own charm to the bars. For a fun twist, mix different fruits together. This combo gives you a burst of flavors in each bite.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. This change keeps the bars tasty without gluten. You can also reduce sugar in the recipe. Try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. These options keep the sweetness while being healthier.
Seasonal Twists
For a festive touch, add spices like nutmeg or ginger for holiday-themed bars. You can also fold in nuts or chocolate chips. These additions make each bite even more exciting. You can personalize your peach pie crumble bars to fit any season or occasion!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Peach Pie Crumble Bars fresh, refrigerate them. Place the bars in an airtight container. This helps to prevent the bars from drying out or absorbing other smells in the fridge. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap for extra protection.
Freezing Peach Pie Crumble Bars
Freezing is a great way to save extra bars. First, cut the bars into squares. Then, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. After that, pack them in a freezer bag or container. Squeeze out the air to avoid freezer burn. For best flavor, use them within three months.
Reheating Tips
To warm up your bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This helps keep the crumble texture nice and crunchy. If you prefer, you can also microwave a single bar for about 20-30 seconds. Enjoy your Peach Pie Crumble Bars warm for the best taste!
FAQs
How long does it take to make Peach Pie Crumble Bars?
Making Peach Pie Crumble Bars takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. You will need 15 minutes for prep and 30-35 minutes for baking. Then, allow them to cool for 30 minutes before slicing. This timing helps create the best flavor and texture.
Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Yes, you can use canned or frozen peaches. Just make sure to drain canned peaches well. If using frozen, thaw them first and pat them dry. This keeps the bars from getting too watery.
What should I serve with Peach Pie Crumble Bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A scoop of ice cream adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the sweet peaches. You could also serve them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a nice touch.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the topping is golden brown and the peach filling bubbles. If you see bubbling, it’s a good sign that the filling is cooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container after they cool. They stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Full Recipe
Detailed Recipe Overview
To make the Peach Pie Crumble Bars, follow these steps:
1. Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
3. Creating the Crumble: Add 1 cup of softened, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mix. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Keep about 1 cup of this crumb mixture for later.
4. Preparing the Peach Filling: In another bowl, combine:
– 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toss gently until the peaches are coated.
5. Layering: Press the remaining crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Pour the peach mix over it, spreading it out evenly.
6. Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the peach layer, ensuring even coverage.
7. Baking: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown topping and bubbling peach filling.
8. Cooling: Once baked, remove from the oven. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes in the pan before slicing.
Time Breakdown
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
– Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
– Servings: 12 bars
For an extra touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar or serve them warm with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your delicious Peach Pie Crumble Bars!
This blog post outlined a simple and tasty peach pie crumble bar recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make the perfect dessert. Remember, you can try different fruits or adjust for dietary needs. Store leftovers correctly to keep them fresh. Lastly, have fun experimenting with flavors and pairings. Enjoy making this delightful treat!
