Nectarine Crumble Bars are the ideal treat to make your summer desserts stand out. With a sweet, spiced nectarine filling and a buttery, crisp crumble topping, these bars are perfect for barbecues, picnics, or just a satisfying snack at home. Combining juicy nectarines and a simple crust, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, offering a mouthwatering burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
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Why You’ll Love These Nectarine Crumble Bars
These Nectarine Crumble Bars offer everything you want in a summer dessert: they’re quick, easy to make, and packed with the vibrant flavor of fresh nectarines. The crumble topping, made from the same mixture as the crust, provides a delightful contrast to the sweet and slightly tart nectarine filling. You don’t need any special tools or ingredients—just a food processor to make everything come together seamlessly. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be served on their own or with a scoop of ice cream, perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients for Nectarine Crumble Bars
Crust and Crumble Topping
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crust and crumble, giving it a soft, delicate texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and richness to the crumble.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling.
- Baking powder: Helps the crust rise slightly, giving it a light and crumbly texture.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note to the crumble and filling.
- Nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon and enhances the flavor of the nectarines.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness of the sugar.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust and crumble together.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the dough come together in the food processor.
Nectarine Filling
- Fresh nectarines: The star ingredient, offering a juicy and fragrant filling that’s perfect for summer.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the nectarine filling.
- Cinnamon: Enhances the nectarine’s natural sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling, preventing it from becoming too runny.
- Lemon juice: Adds a tart note to balance the sweetness of the fruit.
- Vanilla extract: Provides a fragrant, subtle flavor that complements the nectarines.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you want to switch things up or have dietary restrictions, here are some ideas:
- Gluten-free flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free without compromising texture.
- Vegan butter: Replace unsalted butter with a plant-based option to make the recipe vegan.
- Almond flour: For a more nutty flavor, try using almond flour in place of regular flour for a grain-free option.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Nectarine Crumble Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust and crumble topping. In a large food processor, combine the flour, both sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pulse until combined. Add the cold, chopped butter and pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Add the whisked egg and pulse until the dough comes together.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan. Take a little over half of the dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes to set the base.
- Prepare the nectarine filling. In a large bowl, mix the sliced nectarines, sugar, and cinnamon. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the nectarines and fold gently to combine.
- Assemble the bars. Using a slotted spoon, layer the nectarine filling over the pre-baked crust, ensuring you leave behind any excess juices. Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping over the fruit.
- Bake the bars. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy them as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Nectarine Crumble Bars
- Don’t overmix the dough: When combining the dough in the food processor, pulse until it just comes together. Overmixing can result in a tough texture.
- Use ripe nectarines: For the best flavor and texture, make sure your nectarines are ripe but not overly soft.
- Check for doneness: The crumble topping should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling slightly. If the bars seem too soft, let them cool for a bit longer to firm up.
- Storing leftovers: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze well for up to a month.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
- Serve with vanilla ice cream: These Nectarine Crumble Bars are perfect when paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the warm fruit and buttery crumble topping perfectly.
- Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds: For a little crunch, top your bars with some toasted sliced almonds before baking.
- Make them gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Turn them into a breakfast treat: Serve these bars with a side of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast option that feels like a treat.
Conclusion: Savor the Sweetness of Nectarine Crumble Bars
In conclusion, Nectarine Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the juicy sweetness of nectarines with a buttery, crisp crumble topping. Whether you serve them at a summer barbecue or enjoy them with a cup of tea, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, they offer both convenience and deliciousness in one easy-to-make treat. The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for any occasion, and the addition of a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream only enhances their appeal. So, grab some fresh nectarines and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these irresistible bars!
FAQs about Nectarine Crumble Bars
1. Can I use frozen nectarines for this recipe?
While fresh nectarines are ideal for this recipe, you can substitute frozen nectarines if fresh ones are not available. Make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen nectarines before using them in the filling. This will help prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.
2. How do I store leftover Nectarine Crumble Bars?
Store your leftover Nectarine Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them cold, they can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
3. Can I substitute the butter with a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free butter substitute or coconut oil in place of the unsalted butter to make these bars dairy-free. Just ensure the substitute is cold and cut into small pieces before using it in the food processor for the crust and crumble topping.
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PrintNectarine Crumble Bars
Nectarine Crumble Bars are a delicious summer dessert made with juicy nectarines, a buttery crumble topping, and a sweet spiced filling. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and full of vibrant, fruity flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 5 cups sliced nectarines (about 4–6 large nectarines)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large food processor, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pulse until mixed.
- Add the cold butter and pulse until coarse crumbs form.
- Add the whisked egg and pulse until the dough forms. If the dough doesn’t come together, transfer to a bowl and mix with a spatula.
- Press a little over half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced nectarines, sugar, and cinnamon. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, then pour over the nectarines and fold to combine.
- Using a slotted spoon, layer the nectarine mixture over the baked crust, leaving behind excess juices. Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping over the fruit.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Ensure the nectarines are ripe but not overly soft for the best texture.
- Use a slotted spoon to prevent excess liquid from making the bars soggy.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- If you have gluten sensitivities, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
