Peach Oatmeal Bars Recipe

A Sweet and Wholesome Treat

If you’re looking for the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and hearty oats, these Peach Oatmeal Bars are a must-try! They have a buttery, cinnamon-spiced oat crust, a luscious peach filling, and a crumbly topping that makes them irresistible. Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a light dessert, these bars are easy to make and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Easy

This recipe uses basic pantry staples and comes together in just a few steps.

Bursting with Flavor

Fresh, juicy peaches pair beautifully with cinnamon and vanilla for a warm and comforting taste.

Versatile and Wholesome

Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Plus, they can easily be made gluten-free.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Crust and Topping:

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats – Gives a chewy, hearty texture. Use gluten-free oats if needed.
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Can be substituted with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend.
• ½ cup brown sugar – Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Coconut sugar works too.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon – Complements the sweetness of the peaches.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup – Natural sweeteners that add a hint of extra flavor.

For the Peach Filling:

• 3-4 medium fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, and diced; about 2 cups) – Can substitute frozen or canned peaches (drained).
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adjust based on the sweetness of your peaches.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Helps thicken the filling.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens up the flavor and balances sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Make the Crust and Topping

In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
Add the melted butter and honey (or maple syrup) to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
Reserve about ¾ cup of the mixture for the topping and press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

Prepare the Peach Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Assemble the Bars

Spread the peach filling evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top of the peach layer.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly.

Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour). For easier slicing, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before cutting into squares or rectangles.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve as a quick breakfast, snack, or even dessert. These bars are delicious on their own or with a dollop of yogurt on top.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the crumble topping.
Use ripe peaches for the best natural sweetness. If your peaches aren’t sweet enough, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.

Common Mistakes

Don’t skip the cornstarch, or your filling might turn out too runny.
Make sure the bars are fully cooled before cutting to avoid a crumbly mess.

Time-Saving Tips

Make the peach filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Freeze leftover bars for a grab-and-go snack anytime.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

These bars go perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
For a full breakfast spread, serve alongside a French Omelette with Fines Herbes.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the bars with powdered sugar for a bakery-style look.
Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

Beverage Pairings

Enjoy with a vanilla latte or a fresh fruit smoothie.
Pair with a chilled glass of almond milk for a dairy-free treat.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Methods

Enjoy cold or at room temperature, or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen or canned peaches?

Yes! If using frozen peaches, thaw and drain them before cooking. If using canned peaches, drain well and reduce the sugar slightly.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

Variations & Customizations

Make It Vegan

Use coconut oil instead of butter and swap honey for maple syrup.

Flavor Twists

Add a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries to the peach filling for extra flavor.
Stir in a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty undertone.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

In the fall, swap peaches for apples and add a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy twist.
During the holidays, mix in some cranberries for a festive touch.

More Breakfast & Snack Ideas

Looking for more delicious and easy recipes? Try these:

• Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – A fun and comforting meal.
• Classic French Toast – Perfect for a weekend brunch.

Stay Inspired

Follow along for more delicious recipes on Pinterest: Cooking With Callie Pinterest

These Peach Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, fruity treat that everyone will love. Try them out and let me know what you think in the comments! Happy baking!

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