Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars

Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars combine the sweetness of ripe, juicy peaches with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, all layered between a buttery crumb crust. These bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The peaches are tossed with brown sugar and spices, then layered over a base of buttery crumbs. A second layer of the crumb mixture tops the peaches, adding a delicious crunch to every bite. Baked to golden perfection, these bars are great for dessert or an afternoon snack, and they’re easy to cut and share for potlucks or gatherings.

INGREDIENTS

• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to balance the sweetness
• Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon, for leavening
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup, to sweeten the crumb crust
• All-purpose flour: 2 cups, for the base and topping
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: 1 cup, for a rich, buttery flavor
• Large egg: 1, to bind the ingredients
• Fresh peaches, peeled and sliced: 4 cups, for the filling
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, to enhance the peach flavor
• Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, for a deeper sweetness in the filling
• Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon, for warmth and spice
• Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon, to complement the cinnamon
• Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons, to thicken the peach filling

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2:

In a bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and egg, blending with your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press half of this mixture into the prepared baking dish to form the base.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, toss the peach slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until evenly coated.

Step 4:

Spread the seasoned peach mixture over the base layer, then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top to cover the peaches.

Step 5:

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the peach layer is bubbly. Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares.

Serving and Storage Tips

• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
• For best flavor, serve the bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Helpful Notes

• Make sure to peel and slice the peaches before using them in the recipe to ensure a smooth texture.
• If using frozen peaches, thaw and drain them before adding to the filling to avoid excess moisture.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Ina Garten suggests adding a pinch of cardamom for an extra layer of spice that complements the peaches beautifully.
• Chef Alton Brown recommends using a pastry cutter or fork to blend the butter into the crumb mixture for the perfect texture.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars are made with a buttery crumb crust and a spiced peach filling. Fresh peaches are tossed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar before being layered between a crumbly, buttery base and topping. These bars are baked to golden perfection, with the peach layer bubbling and the crumb topping crisp. They're perfect for serving at parties, picnics, or as an everyday treat. The balance of sweet peaches and warming spices makes them a comforting dessert that everyone will enjoy!