Name: Peach Crumble Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/3 cups rolled oats; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for peach mixture); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional); 2/3 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled); 2 cups peaches (peeled and cut into small pieces); 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon almond extract

Jump to Recipe

Juicy fresh peaches, buttery oats, and a hint of cinnamon come together in these irresistible Peach Crumble Bars—an easy, family-friendly treat you’ll want to make all summer long! Have you ever walked past a fragrant basket of ripe peaches and wondered what magic you could whip up in no time? This recipe is your answer—a way to capture the essence of a homemade peach pie in a fuss-free, hand-held bar, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or cozy weekend desserts. I remember the first time I baked these bars after a summer trip to the farmer’s market, and they quickly became a family favorite, vanishing before they even fully cooled. If you love my Strawberry Oat Bars, you’ll adore these for their bright peach flavor and crumbly golden topping. Get ready to fall in love with an old classic, made even simpler and sweeter. Let’s dive in and make your kitchen smell amazing!

What is Peach Crumble Bars?

Now, let’s talk about the name—Peach Crumble Bars. Is it dessert? Is it a snack? Is it a little slice of summertime happiness? The answer: yes, yes, and absolutely yes! These bars get their charmingly simple name from their two main stars: sweet, juicy peaches and that irresistible oat crumble that hugs the fruit just so. Honestly, whoever decided to put the word “crumble” in a dessert name was a genius—there’s just something about that word that promises comfort and joy, isn’t there? The saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but with bars this good, you’ll win everyone’s heart. Don’t just take my word for it—grab a peach and let’s crumble!

Why You’ll Love This

If there’s one thing to love about Peach Crumble Bars, it’s their incredible simplicity—minimal prep, straightforward ingredients, and maximum flavor! Making these at home doesn’t just mean fresher, juicier peaches; it’s also a budget-friendly way to satisfy a bakery craving without the hefty price tag. The signature oat-and-butter crumble, spiced with cinnamon, creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both chewy and crisp. Juicy peaches turn luscious and almost jammy in the oven, while the almond extract and lemon juice add a fragrant twist you’ll crave all year long. If you’re a fan of classic fruit cobblers or even the Blueberry Crumble Bars from my blog, this recipe will quickly earn a spot on your favorites list. Ready to treat yourself to something homemade? Bake a batch and watch them disappear!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Peach Crumble Bars are as easy as mix, layer, and bake! With hardly any fancy steps and just a handful of pantry staples, you can have a summery dessert ready in under an hour (including both prep and baking). The hardest part is waiting for them to cool, but trust me—they’re worth every second. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to homemade treats, this recipe guarantees success with each golden slice. You’re just a few steps away from sweet, cinnamon-kissed bars.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup plus 1/3 cup rolled oats

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 cups peaches, peeled and cut into small pieces

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, gently toss the chopped peaches with lemon juice, almond extract, cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Set aside so the flavors can mingle.
In a separate large bowl, stir together the flour, rolled oats, 3/4 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt (if using).
Pour the melted, cooled butter into the dry mixture. Mix with a fork or your hands until large, crumbly clumps form—this will be your oat crumble.
Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a sturdy crust.
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust, making sure all the peachy goodness is distributed.
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the peach layer, gently pressing down for an even crumble topping.
Bake for 33 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and fragrant.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature. For the best texture, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

What to Serve With

Pair your Peach Crumble Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience—trust me, the contrast of warm crumble and melting ice cream is pure heaven. They also taste great with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or alongside a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade on a hot afternoon. Looking to serve these for breakfast? Try them with creamy vanilla yogurt or a drizzle of honey, and you’ve got a perfectly decadent morning treat. However you serve them, these bars truly shine at any time of day!

Top Tips for Perfecting

For the juiciest bars, use ripe but firm peaches—overripe fruit can make the filling too wet, while very firm peaches might not turn soft and jammy enough when baked. If fresh peaches aren’t in season, frozen (thawed and drained) or canned (well-drained) peaches work beautifully. Don’t skip the refrigeration step after baking—chilling helps the bars set and makes them easier to cut cleanly. For gluten-free Peach Crumble Bars, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. If you’re a spice lover, a pinch of nutmeg in the crumble adds a cozy hint! Avoid common mistakes by measuring your ingredients carefully, and don’t overbake—the edges should be golden, but the center can look slightly soft; it will firm up as it cools.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag—freeze for up to two months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours at room temperature. To reheat for a warm, gooey treat, microwave individual bars for about 15-20 seconds, or place them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until just warmed through. Always let the bars cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry to remove excess liquid. The bars will still be deliciously fruity.

Do I need to peel the peaches?

For the best texture, it’s recommended to peel peaches, but if you’re short on time, you can leave the skin on—just keep in mind the texture will be a bit more rustic.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats give the crumble the best chewy texture, but in a pinch, quick oats work too—the bars may just be a bit softer.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Not as written, but simply substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free friendly.

What’s the best way to cut clean bars?

For sharp, bakery-style bars, chill the pan thoroughly, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Conclusion

Peach Crumble Bars are the taste of summer in every bite—easy to make, budget-friendly, and delightfully satisfying whether you enjoy them as dessert or on-the-go snacks. With their buttery oat layers and juicy peach filling, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to any table. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is as close to foolproof as it gets. Ready for your kitchen to smell heavenly and to surprise your family with a homemade treat? Whip up a batch of these crumble bars—and don’t be surprised if there aren’t any leftovers! For more fruity recipes, don’t forget to check out other favorites on the blog. Happy baking!