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Fresh Peach Oatmeal Bars with Almond Streusel Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 5 reviews

Fresh Peach Oatmeal Bars with Almond Streusel Recipe are one of my absolute favorite ways to celebrate peach season. There’s something so cozy and nostalgic about those tender, juicy peaches nestled between a buttery oatmeal base and a crunchy almond-studded streusel topping. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert, these bars bring warmth and a hint of sunshine to any occasion.

I first made this Fresh Peach Oatmeal Bars with Almond Streusel Recipe on a summer afternoon when my peach tree was overflowing, and friends were stopping by for coffee. It was a hit! Beyond the delightful flavors, what makes this recipe special is how it balances the fresh fruit’s natural sweetness with the wholesome texture of oats and the nuttiness of almonds. Plus, it’s pretty straightforward, so even if you don’t bake often, you’ll find success here, which I always appreciate!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Fresh Peach Flavor Fusion: Using perfectly ripe peaches ensures the filling is naturally sweet and juicy without overpowering the bars.
  • Oatmeal Crust for Texture: The rolled oats combined with flour and brown sugar create a chewy, tender base that holds up well to the juicy filling.
  • Almond Streusel Crunch: Adding sliced almonds to the topping lends a nutty crunch that balances the soft fruit filling beautifully.
  • Simple Assembly and Baking: The recipe breaks down into easy steps that fit into any busy schedule without sacrificing homemade goodness.
This image shows a tray of nine square fruit crumble bars with one square missing from the middle bottom row. The bars have three main layers: the base layer is a light golden crust, the middle layer contains bright orange chunks of soft cooked fruit, and the top layer is a crumbly mix of oats, brown sugar, and almond slices scattered evenly. The texture of the top is crunchy and slightly rough with browned bits, while the fruit layer looks juicy and sticky. The bars are sitting on a crinkled parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Fresh Peach Oatmeal Bars with Almond Streusel Recipe plays a part in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Using fresh, ripe peaches is key to getting that juicy, tangy sweetness, while the oats keep the bars hearty. I always recommend using good quality unsalted butter to get that rich, buttery crumb that’s a must-have in any great crumble topping.

  • Ripe Peaches: Fresh peaches bring natural sweetness and vibrant flavor—choose firm but ripe for best results.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a subtle molasses note that complements the peaches perfectly.
  • Lemon Zest and Juice: Brightens the filling and balances the sweetness with a little tang.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the peach filling so it doesn’t get runny when baked.
  • Rolled Oats: Gives the crust and crumb a satisfying chew and rustic texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps hold the dough together and makes sure the bars slice cleanly.
  • Cinnamon: Brings a gentle warmth that pairs beautifully with peaches.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the crumb rise slightly and keeps it tender.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip or reduce it too much.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds everything together and adds rich flavor.
  • Sliced Almonds: Toast or raw—these add a delicate crunch and nutty aroma to the streusel topping.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of the Fresh Peach Oatmeal Bars with Almond Streusel Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste or pantry. I often play around with the nuts depending on what I have—sometimes walnuts or pecans instead of almonds—and I think you’ll find it just as delicious. You can also swap brown sugar for coconut sugar if you want a slightly different sweetness profile.

  • Nut Variation: I once tried pecans for an earthier crunch and loved the contrast with the peaches—that’s a great option if you want to switch things up.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free oats and a blend of gluten-free flours to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive friends, just keep an eye on the moisture so it doesn’t turn soggy.
  • Extra Spice Boost: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the warmth and complexity if you want a spiced twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fresh Peach Oatmeal Bars with Almond Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Bring the Peach Filling to Life

Start by peeling and chopping those fresh peaches—if the skin bugs you, peeling is worth the extra step for a smoother filling. I toss them into a skillet with brown sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a bit of water, then bring it to a gentle boil while stirring. This cooks the peaches down just enough for a saucy texture. To thicken, stir in your cornstarch slurry and cook until the mixture becomes luscious and glossy. Let it cool completely while you prepare the crust—the filling needs to be cool so it doesn’t make the crust soggy!

Step 2: Prepare the Oatmeal Crust Base

Mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Pour melted butter over and mix until it forms a crumbly but sticky dough. This step is crucial—make sure the butter is fully incorporated so the crust holds together well. Press about two cups of this mixture evenly and firmly into a buttered 11×7” pan. I use the bottom of a glass to help press it evenly with no gaps. Pop it into your preheated 350°F oven to par-bake for 15 minutes. This pre-baking prevents the crust from turning mushy once the filling goes on.

Step 3: Toss Almonds into the Remaining Crumble

While the crust bakes, stir sliced almonds into the remaining oatmeal crumble mixture. I like to toss these so the almonds are evenly coated with the spiced oat and sugar blend, which ensures a deliciously crunchy, lightly cinnamon-flavored topping.

Step 4: Layer and Bake to Golden Perfection

Once your crust has cooled just a bit, spread the peach filling evenly on top. Don’t worry if the peaches have some juices—this is what makes the bars so juicy. Next, sprinkle the almond streusel crumble evenly over the peach layer so it covers all the fruit but doesn’t smush it. Bake everything together at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and smells irresistible. Then, let the bars cool fully before slicing—this helps them set up and slice cleanly into about 24 small squares.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Peeling Peaches Made Easy: To peel peaches effortlessly, score a small X on the bottom, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath—skins slip right off.
  • Press the Crust Firmly: Use the bottom of a glass when pressing the crust into the pan for a compact, sturdy base that holds together beautifully.
  • Don’t Skip the Par-Bake: This step is key to avoid a soggy crust when adding the juicy peach filling—trust me on this one!
  • Cool Completely Before Slicing: Let the bars cool fully (even refrigerate if needed) so each piece cuts cleanly without falling apart.

How to Serve Fresh Peach Oatmeal Bars with Almond Streusel Recipe

Three pieces of crumble-topped dessert are placed in a row on a long white plate over a white marbled surface. Each piece has a rough top layer with golden brown crumbles and thin, toasted almond slices scattered across. Below the crumble, bright orange fruit chunks peek out, likely cooked to softness. The dessert has a slightly uneven texture, with the fruit layer contrasting with the crumbly topping. The image focuses clearly on the middle piece, showing details of the crunchy topping and juicy fruit inside, while the front and back pieces are softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple so the flavors shine through—sometimes just a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra toasted almonds sprinkled on top adds a nice touch. Whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side makes for a lovely, creamy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the oat and peach flavors.

Side Dishes

These bars shine on their own, but if you’re serving them as part of brunch or dessert spread, they’re great alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette or even a cheese plate for a sweet-savory mix. A cup of coffee or fresh iced tea is my personal go-to pairing when I want to enjoy these bars as an afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these bars on a pretty platter with fresh peach slices and edible flowers for a summer party vibe. Cutting them into mini bars or even bite-sized squares is perfect for gatherings where finger foods are welcome—plus, they disappear faster that way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Fresh Peach Oatmeal Bars with Almond Streusel Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them within two days. After that, I move them to the fridge to keep the peaches fresh longer. They stay tasty for up to 5 days when refrigerated—just bring them to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to make these bars ahead of peach season, they freeze beautifully. I wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They keep well up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

For warm bars, I reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This revives the crumbly topping’s crispness without drying out the peach filling. Microwave works too, but I find it can make the crust a bit soggy, so I use that only if I’m in a rush.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen peaches for this Fresh Peach Oatmeal Bars with Almond Streusel Recipe?

    Yes, you can use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using so your filling isn’t too watery. You might want to reduce the water a bit in the filling recipe to compensate for the extra moisture.

  2. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy under the peach filling?

    Par-baking the oatmeal crust before adding the peach filling is the key. This step firms up the crust so it holds its shape. Also, letting the peach filling cool before spreading it onto the crust helps prevent sogginess.

  3. Can I make these bars nut-free?

    Absolutely! Simply omit the sliced almonds from the streusel topping, or replace them with extra oats or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a different crunch without nuts.

  4. How should I slice the bars to get even pieces?

    Wait until the bars are completely cooled before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for nice, clean edges. The recipe yields about 24 bars when cut into roughly 1¼-inch squares.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Peach Oatmeal Bars with Almond Streusel Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen and heart—it combines the best of summer’s bounty with comforting textures that feel like home in every bite. If you’re ever wondering what to do with a surplus of fresh peaches or craving something sweet but wholesome, give these bars a try. I promise, once you make them, they’ll become your go-to treat too!

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Fresh Peach Oatmeal Bars with Almond Streusel Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 24 squares
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Delight in the sweet and tangy flavors of these Fresh Peach Bars featuring a luscious peach filling nestled between a buttery oatmeal crust and an almond-studded crumble topping. Perfect for a summery dessert or a snack, these bars combine tender peaches with warm cinnamon-spiced oatmeal for a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Peach Filling

  • 3 cups ripe peaches (about 5-6 peaches), peeled and chopped
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Oatmeal Crumb

  • 1¼ cups rolled oats
  • 1¼ cups unbleached all purpose flour
  • ¾ cups brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt (slightly rounded)
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick + 2 tablespoons), melted
  • ½ cup sliced almonds

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the peach bars.
  2. Make the Filling: In a shallow skillet, combine the chopped peaches, brown sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes until the peaches are soft and saucy. Whisk together cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the peach mixture. Cook for 1 minute more until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Prepare Oatmeal Cookie Base: In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Press 2 cups of this mixture evenly into the bottom of an 11 x 7 inch baking pan, leaving no gaps.
  4. Par-Bake Crust: Place the pan with the crust in the oven and bake for 15 minutes to set the base.
  5. Prepare Crumble Topping: To the remaining oatmeal mixture, add the sliced almonds and toss until combined to create the crumble topping.
  6. Assemble Bars: Spread the cooled peach filling evenly over the par-baked crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the peach layer.
  7. Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before cutting into 24 squares.

Notes

  • To peel peaches easily, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water before peeling.
  • If fresh peaches are unavailable, frozen sliced peaches can be used; thaw and drain excess juice before cooking.
  • For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the sliced almonds before adding to the crumble topping.
  • Ensure the peach filling is cooled before assembling to prevent sogginess in the crust.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square (about 2 inches)
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

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