Gluten Free Peach Crumble Bars

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing? Well, look no further! These Gluten Free Peach Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that combine the sweet tang of juicy peaches with a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a dessert to bring to a potluck, these bars are sure to be a hit. Get ready to bake some sunshine

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Simple steps and minimal prep time.
• Family-Friendly: A dessert everyone will adore, perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Deliciously Gluten Free: No gluten, all flavor!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Ingredients

Print

For the Gluten Free Lemon Shortbread:

• 125 g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) caster/superfine or granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons (Ideally, use organic unwaxed lemons.)
• 140 g (1¼ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
• 300 g (2½ cups) plain gluten free flour blend (I used Doves Farm Freee gluten free plain white flour that doesn’t have any xanthan gum added. You can also mix your own gluten free flour blend using this recipe. Note that for this homemade blend, 1 cup = 150g, so ideally use a digital food scale and the weight measurements for best results.)
• ¾ tsp xanthan gum (Omit if your gluten free flour blend already contains xanthan gum.)
• ½ tsp salt

For the Peach Filling:

• 5 medium fresh peaches (about 750g or just over 1½ lbs) (Make sure that your peaches aren’t overly ripe – they should be juicy and flavourful but not too soft.)
• 75 g (¼ cup + 2 tbsp) caster/superfine or granulated sugar
• 15 g (2 tbsp) cornstarch (US)/cornflour (UK)
• 15 g (1 tbsp) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! This recipe is straightforward, and the results are simply divine. Here’s how you can make these amazing Gluten Free Peach Crumble Bars:

Peeling the Peaches:

For the filling, you can use the peaches either with their skin on or peel them first – both options work great, so choose whichever one you prefer.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Make sure that your pot is large enough to fit all the peaches.
2. In a large bowl, prepare an ice water bath: fill it with cold water and add a couple of ice cubes to it.
3. Score a small, shallow “X” on the bottom of each peach.
4. Place the peaches into the boiling water, making sure that they’re submerged in the hot water as much as possible.
5. Leave the peaches in the boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them out of the boiling water and place them into the ice water bath.
6. Allow the peaches to cool for a couple of minutes, then peel off the loosened skin (starting from where you scored the “X”). You should be able to easily remove the skin with minimal effort with your fingertips.

Gluten Free Lemon Shortbread:

1. Adjust the oven rack to the lower middle position, pre-heat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line a 9-inch (23cm) square baking pan with parchment/baking paper.
2. Add the sugar and lemon zest to a large bowl, and use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar. This helps to release more essential oils from the zest, and it will make your crumble bars even more fragrant.
3. Add the softened butter and vanilla, mix well until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, xanthan gum and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well until it starts clumping together. Then, give it a knead until you get a fairly crumbly cookie dough.

Peach Filling:

1. Cut the (peeled or skin-on) peaches into about ½-inch (1-1.5cm) thick slices/wedges and place them into a large bowl.
2. Add the sugar, cornstarch (US)/cornflour (UK), lemon juice and vanilla, and toss to combine.

Assembling & Baking the Peach Crumble Bars:

1. Press about ⅔ of the shortbread cookie dough (about 390g) into the lined baking pan. Smooth it out into an even layer, this is easiest done with a small offset spatula.
2. Arrange the peach filling on top of the shortbread base in an even layer. Drizzle over any juices left in the bowl.
3. Crumble over the remaining ⅓ of the shortbread cookie dough, making sure that you get a fairly even coverage but allow some of the peach filling to peek through.
4. Bake at 375ºF (190ºC) for about 50-55 minutes or until the crumble is light golden brown and you can see the juices in the filling visibly bubbling through the crumble topping (not just around the edges but also in the centre)
5. Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before you remove them from the baking pan (with the help of the overhanging parchment/baking paper) and slice them into individual portions.

Equipment

• 9-inch square baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Slotted spoon
• Offset spatula (optional)
• Large pot

Tips & Variations

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the peach filling for extra warmth.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the shortbread dough and peach filling a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when you’re ready.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the crumble topping. It should be golden brown, but not burnt.

Serving Suggestions

These Gluten Free Peach Crumble Bars are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your dessert:

• Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Present them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Nutrition Facts

(This section can be automatically generated using a recipe nutrition calculator.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen peaches?

Yes, you can. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.

How can I make these bars ahead of time?

You can bake the bars a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them.

Can I substitute a different fruit for the peaches?

Absolutely! Berries, apples, or a mix of fruits would work wonderfully in these crumble bars. Check out my recipes for more inspiration: Easy Apple Crisp

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! A simple, delicious recipe for Gluten Free Peach Crumble Bars that’s sure to bring joy to your table. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for more comforting recipes, check out my easy recipes here. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of these delightful bars. Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with your friends! Happy baking!