I am all about recipes I can make with a base of pantry staples, and this recipe is one of our favorites to make in the summer–or in other seasons when we’re craving summery flavors and have canned peaches on hand. The bars work really well as breakfast or a snack, and you can also top them with vanilla ice cream or sorbet to turn them into a dessert. The flavors of this peach recipe are similar to that of a classic Peach Crumble—fresh peach flavor, a buttery crust, and texture from oatmeal. They store well in the fridge or at room temperature, too, so you can bake them and enjoy them for a few days to come. (You may also like my Peach Crisp recipe, Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, Healthy Waffles, and Peach Puree.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at what you need to have on hand to make this delicious bar recipe. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Peaches: You can use fresh, ripe peaches here or canned peaches according to your preference or what you have on hand. Lemon juice (optional but recommended): Fresh lemon juice adds a brightness to the flavor that is really nice in the mix. Cornstarch: Coating the peaches with a little cornstarch ensures that the crust doesn’t get soggy when baked. Sugar: A little granulated sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches. Rolled oats: Rolled oats, which are sometimes called “old-fashioned” oats at the store, add the classic crumble texture you expect in this recipe. All-purpose flour: Using all-purpose flour in with the oatmeal ensures the crust is tender but also holds together nicely. Butter: I use unsalted butter in my baking, and we use it here to help the crust hold together. You can swap in coconut oil if you need to make this without dairy. Milk: I’ve made this with plain unsweetened nondairy milk and also whole milk and they work nearly the same. Use whichever option you have. Cinnamon: A little ground cinnamon further enhances the flavor of the peach bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of how to make this peach crumb bars recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including amounts and timing.
How to Store
Use the parchment paper to life the peach crumb bars out of the oven onto a wire rack to cool thoroughly. Then, you can store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Or freeze in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge. (They freeze really well!)
Best Tips for Success
If you want the peach crumb bars a little softer, serve them at room temperature rather than chilled. Line the pan with parchment paper so the bars are easy to lift out of the pan and slice. Dairy-free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil and nondairy milk. If the mixture seems crumbly and isn’t holding together well, add a tablespoon or two of water and that should take care of it! Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free rolled oats. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
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This post was first published July 2023.
title: “Peach Crumb Bars” ShowToc: true date: “2024-11-23” author: “Annette Hoard”
Did you know that California and South Carolina both produce more peaches than Georgia each year? California actually produces a whopping 2/3 of all U.S. peaches! Georgia gets the credit for first starting commercial peach production in the U.S. though. Peaches are my favorite fruit and I’m always finding new ways to enjoy them (besides just eating them out of hand!). These peach bars are a new favorite and have already been requested multiple times this peach season by my family members. Like most of our peach recipes, we strongly prefer these peach crumb bars with fresh, ripe peaches from the farmers’ market or even Costco (the flats of Costco peaches have been unreal this year!). But using frozen peaches that have been thawed and drained and even canned peaches from the grocery store will work. The combination of a buttery crust, sweet peach filling, and crumbly topping is simply irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a summer picnic, a family gathering, or just as a special treat for yourself, peach crumb bars are going to be a guaranteed hit. If you’re looking for more easy recipes for peach desserts, check out my 10+ Best Peach Recipes roundup, featuring Homemade Peach Cobbler with Fresh Peaches, Fresh Peach Pie, Peach Ice Cream, Raspberry Peach Pie, and Homemade Southern Peach Pie!
Why We Love This Recipe
The combination of a shortbread-like crust, sweet peach filling, and crumbly topping creates a blend of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist. This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to use fresh or canned peaches, making it a year-round favorite. Making these bars is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment, just a few common kitchen tools like a pastry cutter and a baking dish.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
All-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the crust and crumb topping. Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the crust and sweetens the peach filling. Baking powder – Helps the crust rise slightly. Table salt – Balances the sweetness. Salted butter (softened) – Adds richness and moisture. Large egg – Binds the dough together. Vanilla extract – Adds flavor to the crust. Peaches (peeled and diced) – The main ingredient, providing fresh, juicy flavor. Cornstarch – Thickens the filling to prevent it from being too runny. Ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, spicy note. Lemon juice – Enhances the peach flavor and adds a bit of tartness. Almond extract – Complements the peaches with a subtle nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of flavor to the glaze. Powdered sugar – The base of the glaze, adding sweetness. Milk – Thins the glaze to the right consistency.
How to Make Peach Crumb Bar Recipe
Tips for Success
For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe peaches. They should be slightly soft to the touch, but not mushy, and fragrant. If peaches are out of season, you can use canned peaches, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the bars. When mixing the dough, make sure it reaches the right consistency. It should resemble coarse sand and hold together when squeezed. This ensures that both the crust and the crumble topping will have the perfect texture. Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the glaze. If the bars are still warm, the glaze will melt and not set properly. Cooling also helps the bars to firm up, making them easier to slice. Keep an eye on the bars while baking. They should be light golden brown on top and set in the center. Overbaking can result in a dry crust and filling. If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Substitutions and Variations
Fresh, canned, or even frozen peaches can be used. If you only have unsalted butter, add an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt to the dough. Swap almond extract with vanilla extract if you prefer, or omit it altogether. Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used as alternatives to cornstarch for thickening the filling. Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a more complex flavor profile. Lime juice can be used in place of lemon juice for a slightly different citrus note. Mostly the lemon is just there to keep the color of the peaches bright instead of turning brown. You can use almond milk or another non-dairy milk if needed.
More Easy Dessert Bars Recipes You’ll Love
Oreo Cheesecake Bars Pecan Pie Bars Easy Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Classic Nanaimo Bars Frosted Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars Cherry Pie Bars Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Easy Lemon Bars
A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the dense, crumbly bars. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
