Looking for a delicious way to enjoy summer fruit? You’ll love these Peach Plum Crumble Bars! They pack a sweet and tangy punch, perfect for any gathering. With juicy peaches and plums, every bite offers fresh flavor. Plus, they’re super easy to make! Join me as we explore the simple steps and tasty tips to create your new favorite treat. Let’s dive into the recipe and start baking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups ripe peaches, diced
– 2 cups ripe plums, diced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup rolled oats
– ½ cup packed brown sugar
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
– 1 large egg
When we make Peach Plum Crumble Bars, we need fresh fruit. Ripe peaches and plums create a sweet filling. The lemon juice adds a nice zing to the mix. Sugar balances the tartness of the fruit, making it just right.
We also need some basic baking ingredients. All-purpose flour forms the base. Rolled oats add a chewy texture. Brown sugar gives a deeper flavor than white sugar. Baking powder helps our bars rise. Salt enhances all the flavors.
Finally, cold unsalted butter is key. It mixes with the dry ingredients to create a crumbly topping. An egg binds everything together.
Check the Full Recipe for details on how to combine these ingredients. Enjoy the fresh tastes of summer in every bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8-inch square baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over. This step helps when you remove the bars later.
Prepare the Fruit Filling
Next, you will prepare the fruit filling. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of diced peaches and 2 cups of diced plums. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Gently fold the ingredients together. This helps coat the fruit evenly. Set this bowl aside. Let the fruit marinate while you make the crust.
Make the Crust and Topping
Now, it’s time to make the crust and topping. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This mix creates a great base for the bars.
Next, add ½ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mix. Use a fork or pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mix. Keep mixing until it looks like coarse crumbs, with some small pieces still visible.
Now, add 1 large egg to the mixture. Stir until you form a cohesive dough. Divide the dough in half, and set one half aside. Press the other half evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will be your crust layer.
Spread the marinated fruit mixture evenly over the crust. Make sure the fruit is spread out well. Now, take the remaining dough and crumble it over the top of the fruit. This creates a nice rustic topping.
Place your baking dish in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the fruit bubbles. Once baked, remove it from the oven. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. After that, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
For the full recipe, refer back to the ingredients and detailed steps I provided above.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Crumble Texture
To get the right texture for your crumble, focus on the butter. Use cold, unsalted butter and cut it into small cubes. This helps create a light and airy topping. When mixing, use a fork or pastry cutter. Work the butter into the dry mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Some small chunks should remain. This adds texture and crunch to your bars.
Flavor Enhancements
For more flavor, consider adding spices or extracts. A pinch of cinnamon pairs well with the fruit. You can also add a splash of almond extract for a nutty taste. If you want a fresh zing, try adding a little orange zest. These small tweaks can make a big difference in taste.
Cooling and Serving Tips
After baking, let your bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This helps them set properly. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares for serving. For an extra treat, serve with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also dust the bars with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Enjoy the mix of sweet, fruity flavors with each bite!
Variations
Substitutions for Fruits
You can change the fruits in these bars. Try using cherries, blackberries, or raspberries. Each fruit brings its own taste and color. Mixing fruits can give you a fun twist. You can also use apples or pears if you prefer. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness.
Gluten-Free Options
To make Peach Plum Crumble Bars gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking. This will give you a similar texture. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free, like oats. Always check labels to avoid gluten.
Vegan Adaptations
Want to make these bars vegan? It’s simple! Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a flax egg instead of the large egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. These swaps will keep the bars tasty and plant-based.
For the full recipe, check the main article.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
To keep your Peach Plum Crumble Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from drying out. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They can stay at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. In the fridge, they will stay good for about a week.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is a great way to save your bars for later. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. After that, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. Frozen Peach Plum Crumble Bars can last for up to three months.
Reheating Instructions
To enjoy your bars warm, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This will restore their crisp topping and warm the fruit. You can also use the microwave for a quick fix. Heat on low power for about 30 seconds. Enjoy the warm, fruity goodness!
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fruit for the bars. Just ensure you thaw and drain the fruit well. This avoids excess moisture in the bars. Frozen peaches and plums work well and save you time.
How long do these bars last?
These bars can last up to five days when stored in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for the best flavor. If you need more time, refrigerate them, and they can last a week.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day ahead. Just bake them, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, let them sit at room temperature for a bit or warm them slightly in the oven.
What can I serve with Peach Plum Crumble Bars?
These bars are great on their own, but they shine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for Peach Plum Crumble Bars.
This blog post guides you to make delicious Peach Plum Crumble Bars. Start with fresh, ripe fruit and a tasty crust. We covered preheating your oven, preparing the filling, and making the crumble. Plus, I shared tips for the best texture and flavor. You can even tweak the recipe for gluten-free or vegan options. Store leftovers correctly to keep them fresh. Enjoy these bars warm or cold, with ice cream or just as they are. Get baking, and delight in the sweet taste of summer fruits!
