Description
Peach Crumb Bars
Ingredients:
For the Crust and Crumbs:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
1 large egg
For the Peach Filling:
3 cups fresh peaches (peeled and diced)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping:
Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust and Crumbs:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add cold butter cubes and mix until crumbly. Add the egg and mix until combined.
Press half of the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. Make the Peach Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the diced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach filling evenly over the crust.
Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the peaches.
4. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect bars. First, ensure your butter and egg are cold to create a flaky, crumbly texture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until pea-sized crumbs form. After adding the egg, the mixture should clump when squeezed. For the base, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to prevent crumbling when sliced. For the filling, let the coated peaches sit for 5 minutes; the sugar will draw out juice, creating a glossy, thick filling when baked.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile bars are delicious on their own but can be elevated for any occasion. Serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a brunch treat, pair with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. They also make an excellent packed dessert—simply wrap individual bars for picnics or lunchboxes. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh mint or a few extra slices of ripe peach.
How-to Summary
To summarize: mix dry ingredients, cut in cold butter and egg for the crumb base. Press half into a pan. Toss diced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Spread filling over base, top with remaining crumbs. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes until golden. Cool completely before slicing and dusting with powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen or canned peaches? Yes. Thaw and thoroughly drain frozen peaches to avoid excess liquid. For canned peaches, drain well and pat dry; reduce added sugar as they are often pre-sweetened.
Why did my filling turn out runny? This is usually due to insufficient cornstarch or not letting the bars cool completely before cutting. The filling sets as it cools.
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for reliable results.
How should I store these bars? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different fruit? Definitely. Apples, berries, or nectarines work wonderfully. Adjust cornstarch slightly for very juicy fruits like berries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using softened butter, which leads to a greasy, dense crust instead of a crumbly one.
- Slicing the bars while still warm, which causes them to fall apart.
- Not pressing the base layer firmly enough, resulting in a crust that doesn’t hold together.
- Overmixing the crumb dough after adding the egg, which develops gluten and makes it tough.
- Neglecting to toss the peaches with cornstarch thoroughly, leading to clumps and uneven thickening.
Conclusion
These Peach Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, juicy fruit and buttery, tender crumb. They are surprisingly simple to make, yet impressive enough for any gathering. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a dessert that celebrates the flavor of fresh peaches in every bite. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!