Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars are the perfect 5-star dessert for any occasion. With a buttery crust, sweet peach filling, and a crunchy cinnamon topping, they deliver classic summer flavor in every bite. For another comforting treat, try this The Best Rice Pudding Recipe or these festive Eggnog Cookies Recipe.

Ingredients

These bars combine a buttery oat crust and topping with a sweet, spiced peach filling that bakes into a gooey, fragrant center.

• For the Peach Filling:
• 2 cups (about 3 medium) peeled and diced peaches
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Oat Crumble Base & Topping:
• 1 1/3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 5 minutes

Context: This streamlined process for Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars is about 20% faster than many similar bar recipes, thanks to the simple press-in crust and crumble topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Pan & Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal later. This simple step ensures your Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars won’t stick.

Step 2 — Make the Crust & Crumble Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse, pebbly sand. This mixture serves as both the crust and the crumble topping.

Tip: For the flakiest texture, ensure your butter is very cold and work quickly to prevent it from warming up.

Step 3 — Press the Crust

Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of the crumble mixture for the topping. Firmly press the remaining mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan in an even, compact layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to get it perfectly smooth and level.

Step 4 — Prepare the Peach Filling

In a medium bowl, toss the diced fresh or frozen (thawed) peaches with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch more cinnamon. The cornstarch is crucial—it thickens the peach juices as the bars bake, preventing a soggy crust.

Step 5 — Assemble the Bars

Spread the peach filling evenly over the pressed crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over the peaches, covering them completely. Do not press it down; you want a loose, crumbly texture.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Bake the Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. The topping should be golden brown, and you should see the peach filling bubbling gently around the edges. This bubbling indicates the cornstarch has activated.

Step 7 — Cool Completely

This is the most important step for clean cuts! Place the pan on a wire rack and let the bars cool completely in the pan, for at least 2-3 hours. The filling needs time to fully set.

Step 8 — Slice and Serve

Once completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into squares using a sharp knife. For an extra treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Information

Calories	280
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	12g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	85mg

Note: These values are estimates for one Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bar, calculated using standard ingredients and serving size. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars are wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to tailor them to different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• For a protein boost — Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or vanilla protein powder. This adds a nutty richness that complements the cinnamon and peaches beautifully.
• For a lower-carb option — Use a granulated monk fruit or erythritol blend instead of brown sugar. The warm caramel notes of the sugar substitute pair perfectly with the cinnamon crumble topping.
• For a dairy-free version — Swap the butter in the crust and crumble for solid, refined coconut oil or a plant-based butter stick. This maintains the necessary flakiness and buttery flavor.
• For a gluten-free treat — Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to make the entire batch safe and keep that classic crumble texture.
• For a nut-free crumble — If your recipe calls for nuts, substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without the allergens.
• To reduce sodium — Simply omit the salt from the crust and filling. The natural sweetness of the peaches and warm spices like cinnamon provide plenty of flavor.
• For a whole-grain twist — Substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour. It adds a hearty, wholesome note to the cinnamon peach bars.
• For a refined sugar-free option — Use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar. Its deep, molasses-like flavor enhances the warm cinnamon and baked peach filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these warm Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic, comforting dessert.
• For a brunch or afternoon tea, serve them at room temperature alongside a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.
• Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or a caramel sauce to elevate the presentation for a special occasion.
• Enjoy a bar with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweet, spiced flavors.
• For a picnic or bake sale, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easy, portable snacking.
• Garnish with a fresh mint leaf or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful finish.

These versatile Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars are perfect on their own or dressed up, making them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using overly juicy or underripe peaches. Fix: Choose ripe but firm peaches and toss slices with a bit of the dry crumble mixture to absorb excess moisture.
• Mistake: Pressing the crumble base and topping too firmly. Fix: Gently pat the base for structure, but keep the top layer loose and clumpy for a proper, crisp crumble texture.
• Mistake: Not chilling the dough before baking. Fix: Chill the assembled pan for 15-20 minutes to prevent the butter from melting too fast, which ensures a flakier base.
• Mistake: Skimping on the thickener for the peach filling. Fix: Use the full amount of cornstarch or tapioca starch called for; it’s crucial for setting the filling so bars hold their shape.
• Mistake: Baking in a glass or dark metal pan without adjustment. Fix: If using glass, reduce oven temperature by 25°F to prevent the bottom crust from over-browning or burning.
• Mistake: Cutting the Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars while still warm. Fix: Let them cool completely in the pan—this allows the fruit layer to fully set for clean, neat slices.
• Mistake: Using cold butter straight from the fridge. Fix: Use room-temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar, which creates the ideal sandy texture for the crumble layers.
• Mistake: Forgetting to line the baking pan. Fix: Always use parchment paper with overhanging edges for effortless removal and perfect, intact bars every time.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven texture, warm bars in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for food safety.

Proper storage is key to enjoying your Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars at their best, keeping the crumble topping crisp and the peach filling delicious.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars are the perfect easy dessert for any summer gathering. If you love this recipe, try our Apple Crumble Bread Pudding Recipe or Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe next. Don’t forget to leave a comment and subscribe for more simple, delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for these Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars?

Yes, frozen peaches work well. Thaw and drain them thoroughly to remove excess liquid, which prevents a soggy crust. Pat them dry before mixing with the cinnamon-sugar filling for the best texture in your Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars.

How should I store these bars, and how long do they last?

Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Let them come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Can I make these bars gluten-free or dairy-free?

You can make substitutions. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative in both the crust and the crumble topping. The flavor and texture of your Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars will be slightly different but still delicious.