Peach Pie Crumble Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines the best of summer flavors, look no further than these Peach Pie Crumble Bars! This recipe beautifully melds the classic taste of peach pie with a crunchy crumble topping, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, enjoying a picnic in the park, or just treating yourself on a busy weeknight, these bars are sure to impress. Each bite is a burst of juicy peaches atop a buttery shortbread base, finished off with a sweet crumble that feels like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have these delicious bars ready in no time.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves the combination of soft peaches and crunchy topping—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make Ahead: These bars store well in the fridge, so you can prepare them in advance for parties or snacks throughout the week.
• Versatile Treat: Serve them as a dessert or add a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an extra special treat.
• Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients, you can feel good about serving these to your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Gather these ingredients and let’s dive into making our Peach Pie Crumble Bars!

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)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and put your own twist on these bars.

• Mix in Other Fruits: Swap out some of the peaches for berries or apples for a different flavor profile.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crumble for added crunch.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger in the crumble topping for an interesting twist.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Peach Pie Crumble Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your bars bake evenly and develop that lovely golden crust we all adore.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Then stir in the melted butter until everything is combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of an 8×8 inch pan. Bake it for 15 minutes until lightly golden; this shortbread base serves as a delicious foundation for our fruity layer.

Step 3: Toss Together Your Peaches

While your base bakes, it’s time to prepare the peach layer! In another bowl, toss together your chopped peaches with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until they’re well coated. This mixture will create that juicy filling we love!

Step 4: Create Your Crumble Topping

Now let’s make that irresistible crumble topping! In a medium bowl, stir together flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then add in the melted butter—mix until it resembles wet sand. This will give us that satisfying crunch on top!

Step 5: Assemble It All Together

Once your shortbread base is baked and slightly cooled, spread that luscious peach mixture over it evenly. Then sprinkle your crumble topping generously over those sweet peaches.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown

Pop your assembled creation back into the oven at 350°F for about 35-45 minutes or until it’s beautifully golden brown on top. The smell will be absolutely heavenly!

Step 7: Cool and Drizzle

Let your bars cool completely before drizzling with glaze made from whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed with more cream or powdered sugar.

Now you have gorgeous Peach Pie Crumble Bars ready to be sliced and enjoyed! Trust me; once you taste these sweet treats, they’ll become a cherished recipe in your home too. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Peach Pie Crumble Bars

These Peach Pie Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that anyone can master with just a few helpful tips!

• Use ripe peaches: The key to juicy and flavorful bars lies in using perfectly ripe peaches. Look for ones that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t overly soft.

• Chill the butter: For an even flakier shortbread base, make sure your melted butter isn’t too hot when mixing. If it is, let it cool slightly before combining with the dry ingredients.

• Don’t skip the cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the peach mixture helps thicken the juices as they bake, preventing a soggy bar and allowing for a better texture.

• Let them cool completely: It might be tempting to dive right in, but letting your bars cool fully allows them to set properly, making it easier to cut them into neat squares.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Every peach has its own level of sweetness; feel free to adjust the sugar in the peach filling based on your preferences or the ripeness of your fruit.

How to Serve Peach Pie Crumble Bars

Presenting these Peach Pie Crumble Bars can turn a simple dessert into something truly special! Here are some fun ideas to serve this scrumptious treat.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile with its refreshing taste.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream can add a light and airy touch that complements the rich crumble nicely.
• Cinnamon dusting: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds warmth and visual appeal, tying together the flavors of this delightful dessert.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm Peach Pie Crumble Bars, creating a comforting contrast.
• Fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the bars and add an extra burst of flavor.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with fresh fruit and granola creates a deliciously contrasting texture alongside these bars, perfect for brunch or dessert.
• Herbal tea: Serving these bars with a warm cup of herbal tea can provide a soothing complement, enhancing your overall dessert experience.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Peach Pie Crumble Bars will surely be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every luscious bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Peach Pie Crumble Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy the deliciousness throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them for maximum enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them, where they will last up to a week.
• Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Once completely cooled, cut the bars into squares.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To warm up, place individual squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful Peach Pie Crumble Bars:

Can I use frozen peaches for Peach Pie Crumble Bars?

Yes! Frozen peaches can be used instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with sugar and cornstarch.

What makes these Peach Pie Crumble Bars special?

These bars beautifully combine two beloved desserts: peach pie and crumble. The buttery shortbread base paired with a fruity peach layer and crunchy topping creates a delightful treat that’s hard to resist!

How should I serve Peach Pie Crumble Bars?

Serve them chilled or warmed with a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream or whipped topping for an extra special dessert experience.

Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can swap them out with other fruits like blueberries, cherries, or apples for different flavor variations.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these Peach Pie Crumble Bars as I am! They’re not just a dessert; they’re a warm hug on a plate that brings back fond memories of summer gatherings. Enjoy every bite as you share them with family and friends. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor the deliciousness!