Ingredients
Method
Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Crust and Crumble:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and egg. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Form the Base Layer:
- Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust.
Prepare the Peach Filling:
- In another bowl, combine the sliced peaches with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss until the peaches are evenly coated and the mixture is glossy.
Layer the Filling:
- Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish.
Add the Topping:
- Mix the optional oats into the remaining crumb mixture for added texture. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the peaches, ensuring full coverage.
Bake:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach layer is bubbling.
Cool and Slice:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Peach Alternatives: You can use canned or frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to drain them well.
- Add a Crunchy Twist: For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or almonds to the topping.
- Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.