Description
These Peach Pie Crumb Bars combine the classic flavors of a peach pie with a buttery crumb topping and a tender shortbread crust, making a perfect handheld dessert that’s both fruity and sweet with a delightful crumbly texture.
Ingredients
Crust and Crumb Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Peach Filling
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust and Topping: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough just comes together and forms coarse crumbs. Reserve about 1 cup of this crumb mixture for the topping.
- Form the Crust: Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form an even layer. Set aside while preparing the filling.
- Make the Peach Filling: In another bowl, combine the sliced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Toss to coat the peaches evenly.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the peach filling evenly over the prepared crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly over the peach layer to cover it completely.
- Bake the Bars: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled bars for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to let the filling set before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe and juicy peaches to ensure a sweet and flavorful filling.
- If fresh peaches are not available, frozen peaches (thawed and drained) can be used as a substitute.
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely to avoid messy slices.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Optionally, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving for extra sweetness and presentation.
