Description
Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars are a delectable, layered dessert that combines the juicy sweetness of peaches with the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon. These bars feature a buttery, flaky crust, a sweet peach filling, and a crumbly, golden topping made with flour, sugar, and optional oats for added texture. They’re perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a fruit-based treat. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream, or enjoy them chilled as a sweet snack. Versatile and crowd-pleasing, these bars will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 egg
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter and egg until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, toss the sliced peaches with lemon juice, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
Spread the peach mixture over the crust in the baking dish. Crumble the remaining crumb mixture over the peaches.
Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Peaches: Fresh peaches work best for this recipe, but canned or frozen peaches can be used in a pinch. If using canned peaches, drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the bars. If using frozen peaches, thaw them first and drain off any liquid.
- Crust and Topping: The buttery crust and crumble topping are made from a simple mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. For added texture, oats can be mixed into the topping, but this is optional. The key to the perfect crumble is cold butter, which helps create that crunchy, crumbly texture.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon pairs beautifully with peaches, but feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
- Baking Tip: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. You’ll know they’re done when the crumble topping turns golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, cover the pan with foil to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestions: These bars are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, the bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven to restore their crisp texture.
- Variations: This recipe can be adapted to suit different dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan option, substitute vegan butter. You can also swap the peaches for other fruits like apples, berries, or plums for a different twist on this classic dessert.