Golden Peach Crumble Bars

Sweet, juicy peaches meet a buttery, golden crumble in these irresistible bars that are perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy treat with coffee. With a shortbread-style crust and jammy peach filling, these bars strike the perfect balance between crisp and soft.

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🍽️ Ingredients:

For the crust & crumble:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the peach filling:

• 4 ripe peaches (peeled, pitted, diced)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep
   Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust
   In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter and cut in with a pastry cutter (or use fingers) until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup for topping.
3. Press & Bake the Base
   Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 12 minutes.
4. Prepare the Filling
   In a bowl, mix peaches with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon.
5. Assemble & Bake Again
   Pour the peach mixture over the crust. Crumble the reserved topping over the peaches. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden.
6. Cool & Slice
   Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

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🍴 Serving Tips:

• Serve cold or slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.

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💡 Pro Tips:

• Use firm but ripe peaches for best texture.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper flavor.
• Bars can be frozen for up to 1 month.