Introduction to Peach Crumble Bars
When it comes to simple yet satisfying desserts, Peach Crumble Bars are a delightful choice, especially for young professionals. Picture this: after a long day at work, you want something sweet that doesn’t take hours to prepare. These bars are perfect for that scenario—they’re easy to make, and you likely already have most of the ingredients at home!
Not only are they delicious, featuring a buttery oat crumble topping and a naturally sweet peach filling, but they’re also versatile. For those busy evenings, you can whip up a batch ahead of time and store them, enjoying a delightful treat whenever you need a pick-me-up. With no eggs and gluten-free options, they cater to various dietary preferences, making them ideal for sharing with friends or colleagues. Consider hosting a relaxed gathering where you can serve these comforting bars alongside a cup of coffee or tea—a perfect way to unwind and enjoy good company.
For more tips on utilizing fresh peaches and exploring other simple fruit desserts, check out this guidance from the USDA. Get ready to dive into your new favorite dessert with these Peach Crumble Bars!
Ingredients for Peach Crumble Bars
Creating the perfect Peach Crumble Bars starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dessert.
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Peaches: You'll need 3 medium peaches, which is about 3 cups when pitted, peeled, and diced. Fresh, ripe peaches add a natural sweetness and juicy flavor that make all the difference. If peaches aren't in season, frozen peaches can work too—just thaw them and drain any excess juice.
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Rolled Oats: These oats provide a hearty base for the crumble. Measure out 2 cups (180g) to create that satisfying texture.
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All-Purpose Flour: You'll also need 2 cups (240g) of all-purpose flour to help bind the bars together.
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Sugars: A combination of ¾ cup (160g) of light brown sugar and ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar gives the dessert a balanced sweetness.
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Baking Elements: Don’t forget ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground ginger for that warm, comforting flavor profile.
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Butter: 1 cup (226g or 2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter adds richness.
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Optional Ingredients: Feel free to enhance the flavors with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or some fresh lemon zest, both of which can elevate your Peach Crumble Bars to the next level.
Gather these ingredients, and get ready for a mouthwatering baking experience! For more tips on handling ingredients, check out this guide on fresh fruits to select the best peaches.
Step-by-Step Preparation for Peach Crumble Bars
Making Peach Crumble Bars is a wonderful way to celebrate summertime fruit. These bars are not only delicious but also joyfully simple to prepare. Follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a delightful batch ready to devour!
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. This is a crucial first step that ensures your bars will bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on two sides. This makes it a breeze to lift out the finished bars later. Haven’t used parchment paper before? It’s a lifesaver for easy clean-up!
Prepare the Peaches
Next, focus on those juicy peaches! You’ll need about three medium peaches, pitted, peeled, and diced. If you’re looking for tips on peeling peaches, a quick dip in boiling water followed by an ice bath makes skinning them fast and easy. Toss the diced peaches in a bowl and consider adding vanilla extract or fresh lemon zest for an extra flavor boost.
Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Crumble Topping
In another large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, sugars, baking soda, and spices like ground cinnamon and ginger. Mixing these ingredients well creates a flavorful base for your crumble topping. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free option, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to keep the experience just as delightful.
Incorporate the Butter into the Dry Mixture
Now comes the fun part! Cut softened butter into cubes, then use a pastry blender or your fingers to incorporate it into the dry mix. You want to see a shaggy, crumbly dough that holds together when squeezed. This step is essential for achieving that deliciously buttery flavor in your Peach Crumble Bars.
Assemble Your Peach Crumble Bars
With the crumble ready, it’s time to assemble. Scoop about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into your prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly. Carefully spoon the peach filling over the top, making sure it doesn’t touch the edges of the pan. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble on top, gently pressing it into the peaches.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. You know your Peach Crumble Bars are done when the topping is golden brown and the peach juices bubble lightly at the edges. Once out of the oven, let them cool before slicing into bars. Enjoy the scrumptiousness!
With these straightforward steps, making Peach Crumble Bars becomes a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Perfect for sharing or savoring alone, these bars will surely delight your taste buds!
Variations on Peach Crumble Bars
Gluten-Free Option
For a delightful gluten-free twist on Peach Crumble Bars, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check your oats for gluten-free labeling, allowing everyone to enjoy these chewy, crumbly treats without worry.
Add Crunch with Nuts
Why not elevate your Peach Crumble Bars by incorporating nuts? Chopped walnuts or pecans can bring an irresistible crunch to the crumble topping. Toasting the nuts beforehand will enhance their flavor, adding a deeper richness to your dessert. Combine your favorite nuts into the crumble mixture, and you’ll have a delightful texture contrast in each bite!
Want to try more delicious ideas for your bars? Check out this guide on peach recipes for more inspiration.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Peach Crumble Bars
When making your Peach Crumble Bars, consider the ripeness of your peaches; the sweeter and juicier, the better your filling! If they're slightly firm, allow them to ripen at room temperature for a day or two. Don’t shy away from elevating flavor—adding a touch of lemon zest or a scoop of vanilla extract can make a world of difference.
Also, lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only helps with easy removal but keeps those delicious edges intact. Remember to let the bars cool completely before slicing for even pieces. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Peach Crumble Bars
Peach Crumble Bars are a delectable treat that pair beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:
- Serve warm: Enjoy your bars straight out of the oven for a gooey, comforting treat.
- Top with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or peach ice cream adds creamy richness that complements the crunch of the crumble.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce: If you’re in the mood for something extra decadent, a light drizzle of caramel sauce brings a wonderful sweetness.
- Pair with coffee or tea: These bars also make for a perfect afternoon snack alongside your favorite brew.
Experiment and find what combination tantalizes your taste buds the most!
Time Breakdown for Peach Crumble Bars
Preparation Time
Get ready to bake with just 30 minutes for preparation. This includes peeling and chopping the fresh peaches and mixing together the crumbly topping.
Cooking Time
Let your oven work its magic for about 45 minutes. You'll know they're done when the topping turns a lovely golden brown.
Total Time
In just 1 hour and 15 minutes, you can have a delicious pan of Peach Crumble Bars to share with friends and family. Perfect for any occasion!
Ready for a sweet treat? Check out our full recipe for Peach Crumble Bars and get started on your delicious baking adventure!
Nutritional Facts for Peach Crumble Bars
Calories
Each Peach Crumble Bar contains approximately 200 calories, making it a satisfying yet indulgent treat for any occasion.
Fat Content
With about 10 grams of fat per bar, the buttery crumble adds a rich texture, while the unsaturated fats in butter can contribute to a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Sugar Content
These delightful bars have around 12 grams of sugar each. The sweetness primarily comes from the peaches and sugars, providing a naturally sweet flavor profile without overwhelming sweetness.
For additional nutrition tips, you might want to explore the beneficial properties of peaches on Healthline or look into healthier sweetener options at American Heart Association.
FAQs about Peach Crumble Bars
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If peaches are out of season or you want a quick option, frozen peaches work just as well. Just remember to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture. They can still deliver that sweet, gooey filling you crave!
How do I store leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
To keep your Peach Crumble Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for about a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil!
Can I adjust the sweetness of the bars?
Definitely! Feel free to tailor the amount of sugar in your Peach Crumble Bars to match your taste buds. If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the brown and granulated sugars. Alternatively, you can add natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that this might alter the texture a bit.
Conclusion on Peach Crumble Bars
In summary, Peach Crumble Bars are a delightful way to enjoy fresh fruit with a comforting, buttery topping. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to impress family and friends. Give this recipe a try and savor the sweet, gooey goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Peach Crumble Bars
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Pastry blender
Ingredients
- 3 medium peaches pitted, peeled, and diced
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about an inch overhang on two sides. Set aside.
- Peel and chop the peaches and stir together with the vanilla or lemon zest in a medium mixing bowl, if using. Set aside.
- Make the crumble: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, flour, sugars, baking soda, and spices until well-combined.
- Cut the butter into cubes, then use a pastry blender or your fingers to gently knead the butter into the dry ingredients, until completely incorporated, and you’ve formed a shaggy, crumbly dough that easily sticks together when pinched. This will take a few minutes.
- Assemble the bars: Scoop about two thirds of the crumble dough into the baking pan, and press into an even layer along the bottom. Top with the peach mixture, being careful not to touch the sides of the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over top, from edge to edge. Gently press the crumbs into the peach layer.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the crumble topping is golden brown. The peach juices may be starting to bubble up through the crumbs. Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing into bars. Enjoy!!
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