Peach Crumble Bars – Buttery, Fruity, and Irresistibly Easy!
Craving a dessert that’s both simple and spectacular? Look no further than these Peach Crumble Bars. They're the perfect balance of sweet, tart peaches nestled between a soft buttery crust and a golden crumb topping — each bite layered with cozy, fruity goodness. 🍑🧈
Whether you’re baking with fresh peaches in the summer or canned peaches in the cooler months, these bars deliver all the flavor of a classic peach pie without the fuss of rolling out dough. They’re portable, sliceable, and perfect for sharing — or not, we won’t judge. 😉
Let’s bring back that rustic charm with a dessert that feels like a warm hug from Grandma’s kitchen.
Ingredients
🍑 Peach Filling
- 4 cups fresh peaches peeled and diced (or use canned/drained or frozen/thawed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon optional
🧈 Crumble Dough (used for both crust and topping)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup oats
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Form the Crust
- Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Pack it tightly and evenly — this will be your sturdy base.
Step 4: Make the Peach Filling
- In a separate bowl, combine:
- 4 cups peaches
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon (if using)
- Toss gently until peaches are well coated.
Step 5: Assemble
- Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the top — it doesn't have to cover every inch, rustic is perfect.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling at the edges.
- Let cool completely in the pan, then chill for 1 hour before slicing into bars.
Notes
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Warm with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream melts beautifully into every bite. Chilled and firm: Straight from the fridge for a denser, chewier bar. Drizzled with glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk for a quick icing. With whipped cream: A cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes it feel extra special. As breakfast or brunch: It’s fruit and oats — close enough! 🔄 Variations
🍓 Peach & Berry Bars
Add 1 cup of blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a tangy twist. 🌰 Nutty Crumble
Mix ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds into the topping. 🥥 Coconut Peach Bars
Add ¼ cup shredded coconut to the crumble mixture. 🥣 Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats. 🍫 Chocolate Drizzle
Once cooled, drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing
Freeze fully cooled bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil or a container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Reheating
Microwave: 15–20 seconds Oven: 300°F for 5–7 minutes for a crisp top ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned peaches?
Yes! Just be sure to drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture. 2. What type of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for texture. Avoid quick oats, which are too soft. 3. Do I have to peel the peaches?
No, peeling is optional — the skin softens during baking, but peeled peaches give a more classic texture. 4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste better after chilling, so making them a day ahead is ideal. 5. Can I skip the oats?
Yes — replace them with the same amount of flour for a more cookie-like base and topping. 6. How do I make the bars slice cleanly?
Cool completely, then chill for at least an hour before slicing with a sharp knife. 7. Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter or coconut oil. 8. Do these bars hold together well?
Yes — especially when chilled. If warm, they’ll be softer and more like a cobbler. 9. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 10x15 pan and bake a little longer — up to 50 minutes. 10. What’s the best way to serve them for a party?
Slice into smaller squares and place in cupcake liners for easy, mess-free serving. 💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Peach Bars
Use cold butter for a crispy, crumbly texture. Let cool completely before slicing — patience pays off! Drain peaches well if using canned to avoid soggy crust. Chill bars for clean edges and easy serving. Add lemon zest for extra zing and brightness. 🏁 Conclusion
These Peach Crumble Bars are everything you want in a homemade dessert: buttery, fruity, chewy, and crisp, all in one perfect square. Whether you’re using fresh peaches at their peak or relying on pantry staples, this is one of those no-fail recipes you’ll make again and again. 🍑🍰 Perfect for bake sales, family dinners, picnics, or just because, these bars are proof that simple ingredients can make something truly special. So go ahead, grab those peaches and bake up some joy — one irresistible bite at a time.
Warm with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream melts beautifully into every bite. Chilled and firm: Straight from the fridge for a denser, chewier bar. Drizzled with glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk for a quick icing. With whipped cream: A cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes it feel extra special. As breakfast or brunch: It’s fruit and oats — close enough! 🔄 Variations
🍓 Peach & Berry Bars
Add 1 cup of blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a tangy twist. 🌰 Nutty Crumble
Mix ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds into the topping. 🥥 Coconut Peach Bars
Add ¼ cup shredded coconut to the crumble mixture. 🥣 Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats. 🍫 Chocolate Drizzle
Once cooled, drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing
Freeze fully cooled bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil or a container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Reheating
Microwave: 15–20 seconds Oven: 300°F for 5–7 minutes for a crisp top ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned peaches?
Yes! Just be sure to drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture. 2. What type of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for texture. Avoid quick oats, which are too soft. 3. Do I have to peel the peaches?
No, peeling is optional — the skin softens during baking, but peeled peaches give a more classic texture. 4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste better after chilling, so making them a day ahead is ideal. 5. Can I skip the oats?
Yes — replace them with the same amount of flour for a more cookie-like base and topping. 6. How do I make the bars slice cleanly?
Cool completely, then chill for at least an hour before slicing with a sharp knife. 7. Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter or coconut oil. 8. Do these bars hold together well?
Yes — especially when chilled. If warm, they’ll be softer and more like a cobbler. 9. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 10x15 pan and bake a little longer — up to 50 minutes. 10. What’s the best way to serve them for a party?
Slice into smaller squares and place in cupcake liners for easy, mess-free serving. 💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Peach Bars
Use cold butter for a crispy, crumbly texture. Let cool completely before slicing — patience pays off! Drain peaches well if using canned to avoid soggy crust. Chill bars for clean edges and easy serving. Add lemon zest for extra zing and brightness. 🏁 Conclusion
These Peach Crumble Bars are everything you want in a homemade dessert: buttery, fruity, chewy, and crisp, all in one perfect square. Whether you’re using fresh peaches at their peak or relying on pantry staples, this is one of those no-fail recipes you’ll make again and again. 🍑🍰 Perfect for bake sales, family dinners, picnics, or just because, these bars are proof that simple ingredients can make something truly special. So go ahead, grab those peaches and bake up some joy — one irresistible bite at a time.