These Peach Pie Crumble Bars are a delightful fusion of classic peach pie and crumbly goodness. Perfect for any gathering, these bars showcase juicy peaches enveloped in a buttery shortbread base and topped with a crunchy oatmeal crumble. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress with their rich flavors and comforting textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip these up without any fuss.
- Deliciously Versatile: Great as a dessert or sweet snack; they pair wonderfully with ice cream.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these bars are easy to share at gatherings or potlucks.
- Fresh Peach Flavor: The use of fresh peaches gives these bars a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable Topping: Feel free to add nuts or spices to the crumble for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Peach Pie Crumble Bars, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: A sturdy pan ensures even cooking and prevents sticking when it’s time to serve.
- Parchment paper: This makes it easy to lift out your bars after baking for neat servings.
- Whisk: Essential for blending dry ingredients smoothly without lumps.
Ingredients
These Peach Pie Crumble Bars combine the 2 best peach recipes around – peach pie & peach crumble. They start with a buttery shortbread base. Then they have a layer of juicy peaches followed by crunchy oatmeal crumble.
For the Shortbread Base
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Peach Layer
- 3 cups chopped peaches (about 4-5 large peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or water)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Crumble Topping
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup large flake oats (quick oats or old-fashioned oats work too)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-5 tablespoons cream (or milk)
How to Make Peach Pie Crumble Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350F degrees. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang around the edges.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. The flour,
2. Powdered sugar,
3. Salt.
Stir in the melted butter until combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Peach Layer
While the base is baking, prepare your peach layer:
1. Toss chopped peaches with:
– Granulated sugar,
– Lemon juice,
– Cornstarch until evenly coated.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
In another medium bowl, combine:
1. Flour,
2. Oats,
3. Brown sugar.
Stir in melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the peach mixture on top of the baked shortbread base. Crumble your topping over the peach layer using your palms, then sprinkle it evenly.
Bake in your preheated oven at 350F for about 35-45 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Allow cooling fully before preparing your glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed with more cream or powdered sugar.
Drizzle this glaze over your cooled bars before cutting them into squares for serving! Enjoy your delicious Peach Pie Crumble Bars!
How to Serve Peach Pie Crumble Bars
Peach Pie Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to serve them as a dessert or a sweet snack, here are some creative serving suggestions.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that enhances the peach flavor.
Drizzled with Honey
- A light drizzle of honey adds an extra layer of sweetness and complements the fruity filling beautifully.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top for a rich and creamy contrast to the crunchy crumble.
Paired with Fresh Peaches
- Serve alongside slices of fresh peaches to amplify the peach taste and freshness of the dessert.
With a Side of Caramel Sauce
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars for an indulgent touch that balances the tartness of the peaches.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include these bars on a dessert platter along with other treats like cookies, brownies, and fruit tarts for variety.
How to Perfect Peach Pie Crumble Bars
Perfecting your Peach Pie Crumble Bars ensures they turn out delicious every time. Follow these tips to elevate your baking game.
- Use ripe peaches: Ripe peaches will provide the best flavor and juiciness, making your bars truly irresistible.
- Chill the dough: Letting the shortbread base chill before baking helps it hold its shape better while cooking.
- Adjust sweetness: Depending on your taste and peach ripeness, feel free to add more or less sugar to suit your preference.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens vary; check your bars around the 35-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool fully will help them set properly, making them easier to cut into squares.
- Experiment with spices: Adding nutmeg or ginger can give an exciting twist to the traditional flavor profile.
Best Side Dishes for Peach Pie Crumble Bars
Pairing side dishes with your Peach Pie Crumble Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic companion that melts beautifully over warm bars.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the bars.
- Greek Yogurt: The tangy flavor provides a nice contrast while adding creaminess.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with mild cheeses like Brie or Gouda for an interesting sweet-salty combo.
- Coffee or Tea: Both drinks complement desserts well and make for a cozy pairing.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over serves as a decadent addition for chocolate lovers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Peach Pie Crumble Bars, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Always line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- Overmixing the shortbread base: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
- Not measuring the peaches properly: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy to ensure the right balance of flavors.
- Ignoring cooling time: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
- Using overly ripe peaches: Choose firm, ripe peaches for the best texture and flavor in your bars.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- These bars will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Peach Pie Crumble Bars
- Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Peach Pie Crumble Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
- Microwave: Heat for about 20-30 seconds. Perfect for a quick treat!
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Peach Pie Crumble Bars?
Peach Pie Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the richness of peach pie with a crunchy crumble topping, all on a buttery shortbread base.
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture from frozen peaches before using them in your recipe.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and you can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when they are fully baked.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as alternatives to cornstarch in this recipe.
Can I customize the crumble topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts or different spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Peach Pie Crumble Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with other fruits or toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every sweet bite!
Peach Pie Crumble Bars
Peach Pie Crumble Bars are a delightful blend of classic peach pie flavors and a crunchy crumble topping, all nestled on a buttery shortbread base. This scrumptious dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, family celebrations, or as a sweet treat to enjoy anytime. Juicy peaches shine through, complemented by a delicious oatmeal crumble that adds texture and sweetness. Serve these bars warm with ice cream, drizzled with honey, or topped with whipped cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cups chopped peaches
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 cup large flake oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-5 tablespoons cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- Toss chopped peaches with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in another bowl.
- For the crumble topping, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Spread the peach mixture over the baked shortbread base and sprinkle crumble topping evenly on top.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before glazing with a mixture of powdered sugar and cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
