There’s just something magical about the smell of peaches baking in the oven. It instantly takes me back to warm afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen—she always had a tray of something sweet cooling on the windowsill. These Peach Crumb Bars bring all that comfort and flavor into one pan. They’re buttery, crumbly, and packed with juicy peaches, just like Grandma used to make—only easier!
In this article, we’ll walk through the simple steps to make these bars, plus give tips for the best texture, flavor pairings, and how to adapt this dessert for any occasion. Whether you’ve got fresh peaches from the market or just a craving for a nostalgic treat, you’re going to love every slice. We’ll also answer common questions, like how to store them, or whether frozen fruit works just as well.
Peach Crumb Bars That Taste Like Summer in Every Bite
Table of Contents
The Story Behind These Easy Peach Crumb Bars
A family favorite turned internet favorite
These Peach Crumb Bars aren’t just a treat—they’re a memory. I first started baking them after a bumper crop of peaches from a local farm stand one summer. I needed something quick, easy, and shareable. The first batch disappeared at a backyard barbecue faster than I could blink. Now, they’re a staple in my kitchen every peach season.
The crust and topping are made from the same dough—just one bowl and no need for extra steps. With a layer of juicy peaches in the middle, these bars bake up golden and fragrant. They’re like a cross between a pie and a cookie bar, which makes them perfect for everything from potlucks to picnics.
Want even more peach flavor? Try these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches for a simple side or dessert idea. And if you’re feeling fancy, pair your bars with a chilled glass of Homemade Peach Lemonade.
Why these bars are the best peach dessert
When you’re working with fresh peaches, you want a dessert that lets them shine. The combination of buttery crust and crumb topping with juicy fruit checks every box. Plus, these peach crumb bars are incredibly forgiving. They don’t require a mixer, and even imperfect fruit works fine.
The hint of cinnamon and lemon juice in the filling balances the sweetness, and the texture is ideal—crumbly on top, soft in the middle, with a light crunch on the edges. They also hold up well, so you can bake them ahead of time. If you love layered fruity desserts, don’t miss the Southern Peach Crumb Cake or this cozy Peach Crisp Recipe for more old-fashioned favorites.
How to Make Peach Crumb Bars from Scratch
Ingredients you’ll need for perfect peach crumb bars
These Peach Crumb Bars start with a simple crust and topping made from pantry staples. The filling brings in the freshness with ripe peaches and a touch of lemon juice. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the crust and crumb topping:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the peach filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches (about 7–8 peaches)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tbsp cornstarch
- 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
If you’re craving more fruity bar-style treats, you might also enjoy these Rhubarb Custard Bars or the summery Cherry Pie Bars.
Step-by-step instructions (with pro tips)
- Preheat and prep:
Set your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment or foil and spray it with non-stick spray. - Make the crust/topping dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add in cold butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg and vanilla. The dough should be crumbly but stick when pressed. - Form the base layer:
Press about ⅔ of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside the remaining dough for the topping. - Make the peach filling:
In another bowl, toss the peaches with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon until coated. Spread the peach mixture over the crust layer evenly. - Add the crumb topping:
Sprinkle the remaining dough over the top. It’s okay if some peach shows through—those juicy bits will caramelize beautifully. - Bake and cool:
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Cool completely before slicing.
Want a twist on the classic flavor? These Peach Cobbler Cookies bring a fun cookie format to your peach game, and Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are another delicious way to use up ripe peaches.
Tips, Variations, and How to Serve Peach Crumb Bars
Fun ways to serve peach crumb bars
These Peach Crumb Bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them as-is for a handheld snack, or warm them slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels bakery-level fancy.
Hosting a summer cookout? Pair them with a pitcher of Peach Smoothie or Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad for a full-on peach party. Their crumbly texture makes them easy to pack for picnics or potlucks, and they hold their shape well at room temperature.
Want to create a brunch table spread? These bars go beautifully with savory options like Blackberry Basil Grilled Chicken Salad or a cool Caprese Pasta Salad to balance sweet and salty flavors.
Variations and storage tips
Make them gluten-free:
Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your baking powder is certified GF.
Switch up the fruit:
Out of peaches? Try nectarines, apricots, or even a mix of stone fruits like in this juicy Cherry Streusel Bars Recipe. Just keep the quantities the same for the best texture.
Add a drizzle:
Once cooled, you can elevate your bars with a light vanilla glaze (just powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract) or even a sweet lemon drizzle.
Storage:
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. They also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or gently warm in the microwave.
FAQs About Peach Crumb Bars
Can I use canned or frozen peaches for crumb bars?
Yes. Drain canned peaches thoroughly, and thaw frozen ones with excess liquid removed. Fresh peaches are best, but the others work well with adjustments.
How do I keep the crumb topping from getting soggy?
Use cornstarch in the filling, avoid overripe or watery fruit, and let the bars cool completely before slicing.
Can these be made ahead?
Definitely. They store well in the fridge and taste even better the next day once the flavors meld.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan (11×17) and increase baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the top turning golden.
Peach Crumb Bars That Taste Like Summer in Every Bite
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery, crumbly, and filled with juicy peaches, these peach crumb bars are a simple summer dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups peeled, sliced fresh peaches
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1½ tablespoons cornstarch
1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment and spray with non-stick spray.
2. In a bowl, whisk sugar, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly.
4. Add egg and vanilla, stir until just combined.
5. Press two-thirds of the dough into the pan as the crust.
6. In another bowl, mix peaches with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon.
7. Spread peach mixture over crust evenly.
8. Sprinkle remaining dough on top.
9. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbling.
10. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
For extra flavor, drizzle with vanilla glaze once cooled.
Bars taste even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 253
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 157mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
Conclusion: The Summer Bar You’ll Make Again and Again
These Peach Crumb Bars capture everything we love about summer baking—fresh fruit, warm cinnamon, and buttery layers all in one easy-to-make treat. Whether you serve them at a cookout, take them on a picnic, or just sneak a bite with your morning coffee, they bring comfort and joy in every crumb.
For more peachy ideas, don’t miss these Peach Upside Down Mini Cakes or the fun twist in Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes. Thanks for baking with me—let’s keep making memories, one bar at a time.
