Contents
Introduction
Treat yourself to the delightful sensation of Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars! These bars are not only easy to prepare but also offer a perfect balance of sweet, juicy peaches and a crumbly topping enhanced with warm spices. Ideal for dessert or a sweet afternoon treat, these bars will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the ingredients and make this deliciousness come to life!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1 egg
4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Now, gather your ingredients and get ready to create these scrumptious Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 1 cup of cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes) and 1 egg until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Press the Crust into the Baking Dish
Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base of your bars.
Step 4: Prepare the Peach Filling
In another bowl, toss 4 cups of peeled and sliced fresh peaches with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch until the peaches are evenly coated with the mixture.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish. Crumble the remaining crumb mixture over the peach filling.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares for serving.
Notes
Note 1: Refrigeration
Store any leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Note 2: Serving Suggestions
These bars can be served warm or at room temperature, and they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Note 3: Peach Variations
Feel free to substitute fresh peaches with other fruits such as nectarines or apricots for a different flavor.
Cook techniques
Measuring Ingredients
Accurately measure your flour and sugar using the spoon-and-level method to ensure the right texture for the crumble bars.
Cutting in Butter
Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which creates a flakier texture in the crust.
Pressing Crust
Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the baking dish to create a solid base for the crumble bars.
Tossing Peaches
Gently toss the sliced peaches with lemon juice and spices to evenly coat them, enhancing their flavor while preventing browning.
Layering
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust to ensure every bite is filled with juicy peaches, then crumble the remaining topping evenly over the fruit.
Baking
Bake until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly, checking occasionally to avoid over-baking and ensure a perfect finish.
Cooling
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting to prevent them from crumbling and to help them set properly.
FAQ
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches, but be sure to drain them well and adjust the sugar amount based on their sweetness.
Can I substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour?
You can, but the texture may vary. Almond flour can make the bars denser; you may need to experiment with the liquid ingredients.
How should I store the leftover crumble bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What can I use as a topping instead of nutmeg?
You can leave out the nutmeg or substitute it with extra cinnamon or a spice blend that complements the peaches.
Conclusion
Indulging in these Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars is a delightful way to enjoy fresh peaches with a comforting cinnamon twist. The combination of buttery crust and tender, sweet peach filling makes for a treat that is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for gatherings or a special dessert at home, these bars are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Peach and Berry Crumble
Mix fresh peaches with blueberries or raspberries for a vibrant and juicy twist on the classic crumble bars. The added berries will provide a nice tartness that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars
Substitute the peaches with sliced apples, adding a sprinkle of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts for a fall-inspired treat that is warm and comforting.
Peach Cobbler Bars
Transform your crumble bars into a peach cobbler version by adding a biscuit-like topping. Incorporate buttermilk and vanilla for a richer flavor profile.
Peach and Almond Crumble
Incorporate sliced almonds into the crumble mixture for a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with peaches. Honey can be drizzled on top before baking for an extra layer of sweetness.
Cinnamon Roll Peach Bars
Create a cinnamon roll-inspired bar by swirling a cinnamon roll filling into the peach mixture. Top with a creamy frosting after baking for a decadent dessert.
Peach and Coconut Bars
Add shredded coconut to the crumble mixture for a tropical flair. The coconut will bring an interesting texture and flavor to complement the peaches.
