There’s something about peaches that just feels like summer, isn’t there? Sweet, juicy, and a little messy, they’re the kind of fruit you can’t help but smile about. These healthy peach bars take all that peachy goodness and wrap it up in a crumbly, golden crust that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Think of them as a lighter, fresher take on a classic fruit crumble—only portable enough to grab as a snack or serve after dinner with a little scoop of yogurt or ice cream.
Why You’ll Love These Peach Bars
These bars hit that sweet spot between dessert and snack. They’re just sweet enough to feel like a treat, but they’re also made with nourishing ingredients you can feel good about. The spelt or oat flour adds a hearty touch, the peaches bring natural sweetness, and the crumb topping ties it all together. Plus, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just one bowl, one pan, and a little patience while they bake.
A quick tip: if you’ve ever found yourself with peaches that are a bit too ripe to eat on their own, this recipe is the perfect way to use them up. They practically melt into the filling, which makes the bars extra juicy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Spelt flour, white, or oat flour
- Cinnamon
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Sugar (unrefined if you’d like)
- Butter, coconut oil, or almond butter
- Milk of choice (or more butter)
- Fresh peaches, chopped
- Cornstarch or arrowroot
- Maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener)
I love how flexible this recipe is. You can switch up the flour depending on what you have in the pantry, and the choice of butter or oil gives you room to make it dairy-free if you prefer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add in the butter or oil and stir until well combined. (If you’re using unsalted butter, add a pinch more salt here.)
- Take about two-thirds of this dough and press it firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch square pan lined with parchment paper. This will form your crust.
- In another bowl, toss the peaches with cornstarch and maple syrup until everything is nicely coated.
- Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining dough on top of the peaches and press down lightly to create a crumble topping.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the top looks golden and the peaches are bubbling underneath.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing. This part is hard—I know! But it really helps the bars hold together.
Tips for Success
- If your peaches are very juicy, try blotting them with a paper towel before mixing with cornstarch. This keeps the bars from getting soggy.
- Want to make them extra special? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the crust for a warm spice twist.
- These bars taste great chilled too—just pop them in the fridge once they’re cooled.
Storage & Serving
You can store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, but I find they last longer (and taste fresher) in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to save some for later, they also freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually, and you’ll have a ready-to-go treat whenever a craving hits.
They’re perfect on their own, but if you want to make dessert out of them, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt. It’s that perfect balance of cozy and refreshing.