This delightful Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars recipe is proudly sponsored by Minerva Dairy. All insights and opinions shared here are entirely my own, reflecting a genuine love for quality ingredients.
Experience the ultimate summer treat with these easy-to-make Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars. Featuring the finest seasonal peaches, nestled between a rich, buttery crust and a sweet, golden crumble topping, then finished with a delicate drizzle of vanilla icing, this dessert is destined for blue-ribbon acclaim!
As summer unfolds, local farm stands and vibrant farmers’ markets overflow with an abundance of perfectly ripe peaches. This seasonal bounty sparks endless culinary inspiration, prompting creative ideas for incorporating these juicy fruits into every meal.
From tantalizing sweet desserts to innovative savory dishes, and everything in between – think hearty main courses or refreshing milkshakes – it’s truly a fantastic time to experiment in the kitchen. Peaches offer incredible versatility, lending their unique flavor to a surprising array of recipes. For instance, you might even find them gracing the top of a gourmet pizza. Don’t knock it until you try it!
Today, however, we’re embracing the sweet side of peaches with an irresistible recipe: Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars. While the name might be a bit of a mouthful, every bite promises a truly delicious experience, combining classic cobbler comfort with the convenience of a handheld bar.
The Irresistible Allure of Crumble Topping
When indulging in any baked pastry, for many, the crowning glory is undoubtedly the sweet, buttery crumble topping. It’s often the most anticipated part, adding delightful texture and flavor. That’s precisely why these peach bars feature a generous and utterly delectable crumble topping, transforming them from a simple dessert into an extraordinary treat.
Achieving a truly exceptional crumble isn’t complicated, but it does hinge on two crucial factors: first, a perfect ratio of flour, butter, and sugar, ensuring that ideal balance of crispness and tenderness. Second, and equally important, is the quality of the butter you choose. This is where Minerva Dairy Butter truly shines.
Minerva Dairy’s butter is slow-churned, boasting an impressive 85% butterfat content. This results in a product that is not only creamier and richer but also far more flavorful than conventional butters. When incorporated into our crumble, this premium butter elevates the topping, making it extraordinarily delicious, golden, and perfectly crumbly, providing an unparalleled textural contrast to the soft, juicy peach filling. It’s a difference you can truly taste and feel, making every bite of these peach cobbler crumble bars a luxurious experience.
Essential Ingredients for Your Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars
Crafting these sensational Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each component contributes to a harmonious, comforting flavor profile. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this blue-ribbon dessert.
For the Buttery Crust and Sweet Crumble Topping
The foundation of these bars is a versatile and flavorful crust that doubles as the irresistible crumble topping. This base ensures a consistent, buttery texture throughout the dessert. For inspiration, this crust is adapted from a similar base used in a White Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake Tart, known for its superb structure and taste.
If you’re interested in exploring that recipe, you can find it here: White Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake Tart
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (2 sticks) Minerva Dairy salted butter, kept very cold and cut into cubes
- 1 large egg
For the Luscious Peach Filling
The heart of these crumble bars is a vibrant, sweet, and perfectly spiced peach filling. Using fresh, ripe peaches is key to achieving the best flavor and texture. The addition of warm spices and a touch of citrus brightens the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- 6 medium peaches, peeled (optional) and diced
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons corn starch (to thicken the filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (adds a unique, aromatic warmth)
- Zest and juice from 1/2 a fresh lemon (enhances the peach flavor)
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars
Follow these simple instructions to create a batch of the most delicious Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring fantastic results even for novice bakers.
For the Perfect Crust and Crumble
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure to leave some excess overhang on the sides; this will act as “handles” later, making it incredibly easy to lift the cooled bars out of the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the crust and crumble: all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Add the cold, cubed Minerva Dairy salted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry blender or a fork (or even your fingertips for a more rustic approach), cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for that signature crumbly texture.
- Next, stir in the large egg until the mixture just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Take approximately two-thirds of this delicious crumb mixture (about 4 cups) and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. This forms the solid crust base for your bars. Refrigerate the remaining one-third of the mixture; this will be used as the crumble topping later.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the crust to cool slightly while you prepare the peach filling.
For the Juicy Peach Filling
- While the crust is baking and cooling, prepare your peach filling. In another large bowl, combine the diced peaches, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cardamom, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.
- Gently toss all these ingredients together until the peaches are fully coated with the sugary spice mixture. The cornstarch will help to thicken the juices released by the peaches during baking, preventing the bars from becoming soggy.
- Once the crust has cooled slightly, spread the peach mixture evenly over the baked crust in the pan.
- Evenly sprinkle the reserved flour/crumb mixture over the peach layer, forming the delicious crumble topping.
- Return the pan to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes, or until the crumble topping is beautifully golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing the bars to cool fully is essential, as it helps the filling to set, making them easier to cut and ensuring clean, beautiful slices. Using the parchment or foil overhang, carefully lift the entire slab of cooled bars out of the pan before cutting into individual portions.
Recipe Variations and Expert Tips for Perfection
While these Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars are perfect as is, a few simple adjustments and tips can make them even more versatile and foolproof.
- Berry Bliss: Don’t limit yourself to just peaches! This recipe is incredibly adaptable to other summer fruits. Consider making mixed berry crumble bars by substituting some or all of the peaches with a delightful medley of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and/or blueberries. The vibrant colors and varied textures will create a truly spectacular dessert.
- Elegant Vanilla Drizzle: Elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of sweetness by drizzling a simple vanilla icing over the cooled bars. To make it, whisk together powdered sugar with a small amount of milk (start with a tablespoon and add more as needed for desired consistency) and a splash of pure vanilla extract until smooth.
- Choosing Your Peaches: For the best flavor, opt for ripe, fragrant peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure. If your peaches are particularly juicy, you might add an extra half tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling to ensure it sets properly.
- The Cold Butter Advantage: When making the crust and crumble, ensure your butter is very cold. This prevents it from melting too quickly when cut into the flour, which is key to achieving that desirable crumbly, flaky texture. If the butter gets too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Common Questions About Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that might arise while preparing these delicious peach bars, ensuring your baking experience is smooth and successful.
- Do peaches need to be peeled for this recipe?
- The answer is generally no. Peach peels soften considerably during the baking process, so they won’t typically present a texture issue in your crumble bars. However, if you have a strong preference for a completely smooth peach filling or find the texture of the peel undesirable, you can certainly peel your peaches beforehand. A simple way to peel peaches is to blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily.
- How should I store these peach bars?
- To maintain their freshness and delicious texture, store your peach crumble bars in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, individual bars can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Can I use canned peaches or peach pie filling?
- Yes, you can absolutely use canned peaches or even pre-made peach pie filling as a convenient alternative, especially when fresh peaches are out of season. However, there are a couple of important adjustments to make:
- For Canned Peaches: Make sure to drain them very well to remove excess liquid. Since canned peaches are usually packed in syrup and already sweetened, you can likely skip or significantly reduce the 1/2 cup of brown sugar in the filling recipe. You may also need less cornstarch, so start with 1-2 tablespoons and add more if the mixture seems too watery.
- For Peach Pie Filling: This product is already sweetened and thickened, so you can generally skip Step 1 of the peach filling instructions entirely. Simply spread the canned peach pie filling directly over the slightly cooled crust, then top with your reserved crumble mixture and bake as directed. Taste the filling first to decide if any additional spices are desired.
Using canned options makes these bars an accessible treat year-round!
- Yes, you can absolutely use canned peaches or even pre-made peach pie filling as a convenient alternative, especially when fresh peaches are out of season. However, there are a couple of important adjustments to make:
Perfect Serving Suggestions
These Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert on their own, but they truly shine when served warm, accompanied by a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm, spiced peaches with the cold, melting ice cream is simply heavenly. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce would also be exquisite.
Explore More Delicious Peach Recipes 🍑
If you’re as enamored with peaches as we are, you’ll love these other fantastic recipes that celebrate this versatile summer fruit:
Classic Peach Pie
Refreshing Peach Basil Mojito Cocktail (or Mocktail!)
Savory BBQ Peach and Ginger Glazed Chicken
Delicious Peach and Dijon Pork Chops
Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars
20 servings
10 minutes
45 minutes
10 minutes (for initial crust bake)
1 hour 5 minutes
These easy Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars perfectly capture the essence of summer. Made with the season’s best peaches, they feature a rich, buttery crust and a sweet, irresistible crumble topping, guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
- For the Crust and Crumble Topping
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup (2 sticks) Minerva Dairy salted butter, COLD and cubed
- 1 large egg
- For the Peach Filling
- 6 peaches, diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Zest and juice from 1/2 lemon
Instructions
For the crust and crumble topping
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring excess overhang for easy removal later.
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Using a fork or pastry blender, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg until just combined.
Press two-thirds of this mixture (about 4 cups) firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust. Refrigerate the remaining mixture for the crumble topping.
Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
For the peach filling
While the crust bakes, combine diced peaches, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Toss until the peaches are fully coated.
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust. Then, sprinkle the reserved flour/crumb mixture evenly over the peach layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly.
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. Use the parchment or foil overhang to carefully lift the bars out of the pan before slicing for clean, neat portions.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my passion for baking!
- GreenLife Bakeware Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, Rectangular Cake Pan, 13″ x 9″, Turquoise
- Zyliss Easy Slice Peach Slicer, medium, White/Grey/Red
- Pastry Cutter with Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Blades
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20
Serving Size: 1 bar
Amount Per Serving (estimated):
Calories: 181Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 57mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 2gSugar: 20gProtein: 3g
All nutritional information provided is an estimate and intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
As summer beckons, how do you prefer to enjoy your peaches – sweet or savory?
There’s still an abundance of time to savor summer’s finest produce. So, seize the opportunity, gather some luscious peaches, and bake a batch of these extraordinary Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars!
