Buttery Peach Crumb Bars
Buttery Peach Crumb Bars combine fresh peaches with a crumbly topping, creating a comforting treat perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack throughout the week.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour provides structure
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar sweetens the mix
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder helps with leavening
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warmth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt enhances flavor
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter gives a tender, flaky texture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds depth of flavor
Peach Filling
- 3 cups peeled and sliced peaches for juicy filling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar sweetens the peaches
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch thickens the filling
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice balances the sweetness
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Add the cold butter and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve one third of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crumbs into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until it begins to set and turn lightly golden.
Filling
- In another bowl, toss the sliced peaches with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until the peaches are evenly coated.
- Spread the peach filling over the parbaked crust in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the peach layer.
Baking
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
For best results, use cold butter to maintain the tender texture in the crust. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep freshness.