There’s something so comforting about the combination of peaches and cinnamon. Every time I bake these Peach Cinnamon Oatmeal Crumb Bars, the aroma takes me right back to the cozy summer afternoons of my childhood. My grandmother used to slice fresh peaches from our backyard tree, sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar, and tuck them into the most delicious crumbly desserts. Inspired by her kitchen magic, I’ve created a recipe that blends those same flavors with the soft chewiness of oatmeal bars.
What I love about these bars is how nostalgic yet refreshingly simple they are. Each bite is filled with tender peach pieces, a whisper of warm cinnamon, and a rich, buttery crumble that melts in your mouth. I enjoy baking them in large batches, whether for casual brunches, after-school snacks, or even just a quick indulgence after dinner. They’re easy to prepare, yet always impress with their beautiful golden layers and inviting scent.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this recipe because it brings together the sweetness of peaches and the depth of cinnamon, all baked into a chewy, hearty base. The crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts with the soft fruit layer. Plus, you can make it with pantry staples—nothing fancy, just pure homemade goodness.
Versatile
These bars can easily adapt to the season. While fresh peaches are delightful in summer, you can use canned or frozen peaches any time of year. Want to switch it up? Try apricots or berries instead. They hold their structure well, making them perfect for bake sales, picnics, or lunchbox treats. You can even serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.
Affordable
One of the best things about this recipe is how budget-friendly it is. The ingredients are simple, accessible, and often already in your kitchen—flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, and a few ripe peaches. There’s no need for expensive equipment or specialty items. Just one bowl and one pan will do the job.
Ingredients for the Recipe
– All-purpose flour
– Old-fashioned rolled oats
– Brown sugar
– Baking soda
– Ground cinnamon
– Salt
– Unsalted butter (melted)
– Fresh or canned peaches (chopped)
– Cornstarch
– Granulated sugar
– Lemon juice
– Vanilla extract
HOW TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Making these Peach Cinnamon Oatmeal Crumb Bars is a breeze, and the results are always worth it. From start to finish, the process is simple and satisfying. Here’s exactly how I prepare them in my kitchen:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
First, I preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Then I line a 23×23 cm (9×9 inch) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift out the bars once they’ve cooled. A light greasing of the pan also helps prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, I combine:
– 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
– ¾ cup of brown sugar
– ½ teaspoon of baking soda
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon of salt
Once the dry ingredients are mixed thoroughly, I pour in ¾ cup of melted unsalted butter. Using a fork or my hands, I gently mix until the crumb mixture resembles wet sand with small clumps.
Step 3: Press the Bottom Layer
I take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. I use the bottom of a measuring cup to flatten and smooth it evenly across the surface. This will form the chewy base that holds everything together.
Step 4: Prepare the Peach Filling
In a separate bowl, I stir together the chopped peaches. If I’m using fresh peaches, I peel and dice about 2 ½ cups worth. Then I add:
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– ¼ cup of granulated sugar (adjust depending on how sweet the peaches are)
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
I toss the mixture gently until the peaches are fully coated. The cornstarch helps thicken the filling during baking, so the bars don’t end up soggy.
Step 5: Layer the Filling
I spoon the peach mixture evenly over the crust layer in the pan. It’s important to spread it out and reach all the corners so each bar will have fruit in every bite.
Step 6: Add the Crumb Topping
Next, I sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the peaches. I try to distribute it evenly, breaking up larger clumps for a more uniform layer. This topping will become golden and slightly crispy in the oven.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
I place the pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling at the edges. The smell is incredible—sweet, buttery, and filled with warm cinnamon.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Once baked, I remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. It’s important to let the bars cool completely before slicing so they firm up properly. I usually wait at least 1 hour before lifting them out using the parchment overhang.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
After they’ve cooled, I slice them into squares or rectangles. They hold their shape well and are perfect for packing into containers or serving on a dessert tray.
Quick and Easy
The beauty of this recipe is how little time it takes to bring together. From start to oven-ready, it only takes about 20 minutes of prep. Cleanup is minimal, and it’s the kind of recipe you can throw together without much effort, especially if you keep canned peaches on hand.
Customizable
These bars are very forgiving. You can swap the peaches with diced nectarines, plums, or even blueberries. For a warmer flavor, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can be added to the filling. The crumb base can also handle the addition of chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or flaxseed for texture and nutrition.
Popular With Many People
These crumb bars are always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve made them for bake sales, brunch buffets, and family gatherings, and they’re always one of the first things to disappear. The combination of chewy, buttery oats and sweet peaches appeals to kids and adults alike. They’re easy to transport, and they don’t require refrigeration if you’re serving them the same day.
🍑✨ Peach Cinnamon Oatmeal Crumb Bars – Irresistibly Chewy!
These chewy Peach Cinnamon Oatmeal Crumb Bars are the perfect blend of fruity sweetness, warm spice, and hearty texture. With a buttery oat crust, juicy peach filling, and a golden crumb topping, they’re simple to make, budget-friendly, and always a hit. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
For the crumb base and topping:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the peach filling:
- 2½ cups fresh, canned, or frozen peaches (peeled, diced, and drained)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 23×23 cm (9×9 inch) pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly and fully combined.
- Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even base.
- In another bowl, combine the diced peaches, cornstarch, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently to coat the fruit evenly.
- Spread the peach filling over the crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the peach layer. Break up any large chunks for even coverage.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares or bars.
Notes
Peaches can be fresh, canned (drained), or frozen (thawed and drained).
You may reduce sugar to taste.
For added texture, mix ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds into the crumb mixture.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?
Yes, absolutely. Canned peaches (drained well) or frozen peaches (thawed and drained) work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to remove excess moisture so the filling doesn’t become runny.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture remains chewy and satisfying with minimal difference in taste.
How do I store Peach Cinnamon Oatmeal Crumb Bars?
Once cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar in both the crust and filling by about 25% without compromising the texture too much. However, the bars may be slightly less sweet and golden.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make these bars dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or use melted coconut oil. The crumb texture may be slightly softer, but still delicious.