Peach Pie Crumble Bars – A Sweet & Simple Summer Favorite

There’s just something about Peach Pie Crumble Bars that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Maybe it’s the way the juicy peaches soak into that buttery shortbread base, or how the cinnamon-spiced crumble crunches gently under your fork. Whatever it is, these bars are pure comfort and pure summer in every bite.

They come together with everyday ingredients and just a bit of patience (mainly waiting for them to cool), but trust me—Peach Pie Crumble Bars are worth every second. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or sneaking a piece after bedtime (no judgment), this recipe’s got that “just one more bite” magic. And if you’ve been juggling the demands of life and still want something homemade and drool-worthy, consider this your new go-to dessert. Best part? You don’t need to roll out any pie dough. Let’s make dessert stress-free again.

Table of Contents

What are Peach Pie Crumble Bars?

Peach Pie Crumble Bars are exactly what they sound like: the glorious meeting of peach pie and peach crumble, baked into easy-to-slice squares. Think buttery shortbread base, a juicy peach filling made with fresh summer peaches (or frozen, we’re not judging), and a golden crumble topping made with oats and brown sugar. It’s the kind of dessert that works just as well for a backyard BBQ as it does for a solo treat on a Tuesday night.

While peach pie might sound a bit fussy (hello, rolling pins and lattice tops), these bars skip the fuss. They’re made in a simple 8×8-inch pan and sliced into squares that travel well, freeze well, and reheat beautifully. They’re like if your favorite peach cobbler went to culinary school and came out with a degree in casual elegance. And yes, you can eat them warm with ice cream or cold with coffee—these bars don’t judge.

Reasons to Try Peach Pie Crumble Bars

Let’s be real—life is busy, and if you’re anything like me, you want desserts that deliver on flavor without hijacking your entire afternoon. Peach Pie Crumble Bars tick all the boxes: they’re simple to make, totally crowd-pleasing, and packed with real, juicy peaches (not the canned syrupy kind). Whether you’ve got a few too-ripe peaches staring at you from the counter or a frozen stash waiting in the freezer, this recipe puts them to perfect use.

And here’s the kicker: these bars don’t need any fancy kitchen gear. One bowl for the shortbread, one for the filling, one for the crumble. Done. Also, they’re make-ahead friendly, which makes them ideal for potlucks, holiday tables, or those sweet cravings that hit midweek. Want a fruit-forward dessert that’s a step above basic but still foolproof? These bars are your answer. Oh, and if you loved our Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars, this one’s going straight to your repeat list.

Ingredients Needed to Make Peach Pie Crumble Bars

Shortbread Base

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Peach Layer

• 3 cups chopped peaches (about 4–5 large peaches)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or water)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Crumble Topping

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Glaze (Optional but highly recommended)

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4–5 tablespoons cream or milk

Instructions to Make Peach Pie Crumble Bars (Step by Step with Focus on Keyword)

Preheat and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (yep, get it nice and toasty). Grab an 8×8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure there’s a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal later. No wrestling with stuck-on bars here.

Make the Shortbread Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Now pour in that melted butter and stir until it’s well combined—think soft, sandy texture. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. You want it just lightly golden around the edges.

Toss Together the Peach Layer

While the base is baking, stir your chopped peaches with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps thicken the filling as it bakes, so you get a nice jammy layer instead of peach soup. This is what gives Peach Pie Crumble Bars their signature gooey middle.

Make the Crumble Topping

In another bowl (I know, one more dish—but it’s worth it), mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until it’s crumbly and holds together when you squeeze it. It should look like a sandy dream.

Assemble and Bake

Once the base has had its 15 minutes of fame, pull it out of the oven. Spread the peach mixture evenly over the warm shortbread, then use your hands to crumble the topping over the peaches. Don’t worry about perfection here—rustic is the vibe. Slide it back into the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven.

Cool and Glaze

Let the bars cool completely in the pan (yes, I know, the waiting is the hardest part). Once cool, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth. Drizzle that glaze all over the top. Slice into squares and prepare to fall in love.

For more dreamy fruit-forward treats like these, check out our Best Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars or go full brunch goddess with these Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish.

What to Serve with Peach Pie Crumble Bars

These bars are sweet and fruity, so they pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy. If it’s brunch time, they make a great sweet bite alongside something savory like French Onion Chicken Bowls or Easy Breakfast Potatoes. Hosting a summer get-together? Serve these bars chilled with iced tea or bubbly rosé. And if you’re just treating yourself (which you totally should), a hot mug of coffee and a quiet moment with one of these bars might be the best combo yet. Bonus: These also make a delightful gift—wrap a few squares in parchment, tie with twine, and boom. Sweetest gesture ever.

Key Tips for Making Peach Pie Crumble Bars

First things first: use ripe, juicy peaches. If peaches are out of season, frozen will totally work—just thaw and drain them first so your bars don’t turn into a soggy mess. Second, don’t skip the parchment paper. It makes getting the bars out of the pan a breeze (and keeps you from breaking that perfect crumble top). When making the shortbread, don’t overwork the dough—just stir until it holds together. And for the crumble topping, squeeze it into clumps before sprinkling to get those crave-worthy crunchy bites. If your glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar; too thick, add more cream. Finally, let them cool completely before cutting—unless you like peach lava on your hands. (Hey, no judgment if you do.)

Storage and Reheating Tips Peach Pie Crumble Bars

Once they’re baked and cooled, store your Peach Pie Crumble Bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 4–5 days (if they last that long). You can also freeze them—just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, pop a bar in the microwave for 15–20 seconds if you like them warm and gooey, or enjoy straight from the fridge for a firmer, chewier bite. If you’re planning to glaze them but want to freeze, it’s best to freeze unglazed and add the drizzle after thawing to keep it fresh and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, but drain them really well and skip the added sugar in the filling since canned peaches are often syrupy sweet.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.

Can I skip the glaze?
Of course, but it adds a sweet little kiss to each bite. If you’re feeling lazy (been there), just dust with powdered sugar instead.

Do these travel well?
Yes! These bars are sturdy once cooled, making them great for potlucks, road trips, or care packages.

Can I use other fruits?
Totally. Try swapping peaches for nectarines, apricots, or even mixed berries. Just keep the fruit-to-cornstarch ratio the same.

Final Thoughts

Peach Pie Crumble Bars are the kind of dessert that delivers in flavor, simplicity, and nostalgic feels. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just someone craving something sweet, this recipe doesn’t ask much—but it gives a lot. Keep it classic or get creative with different fruits, but don’t sleep on the joy of buttery crusts and jammy middles. If you love fruit-forward desserts with cozy vibes, go ahead and pin this one. And while you’re at it, check out our Southern Banana Cobbler for more down-home dessert goodness. These bars are a sweet way to bring a little sunshine into any day.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print