Nectarine Crumble Bars are the ultimate summer treat, combining the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe nectarines with a buttery, crumbly topping. Whether you’re preparing for a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a dessert to enjoy with your family, these bars are a perfect choice. With their easy-to-follow recipe and fresh fruit filling, Nectarine Crumble Bars offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that everyone will love.
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Why You’ll Love These Nectarine Crumble Bars
Nectarine Crumble Bars are a go-to dessert for any occasion. They’re quick to make, requiring only 20 minutes of prep time, and they are the perfect way to celebrate the seasonal nectarines. The buttery crust and crumble topping are simple yet delicious, and the nectarine filling adds a burst of flavor without being too heavy. You can even customize the recipe to fit dietary preferences, making them a versatile addition to your dessert table.
Ingredients for Nectarine Crumble Bars
Here’s a list of ingredients that make these Nectarine Crumble Bars irresistible. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base for the crust and topping, giving it a sturdy yet crumbly texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the crust and topping.
- Granulated sugar: Lightens the sweetness and enhances the natural flavor of the nectarines.
- Baking powder: Helps the crust rise slightly, giving it a light, airy texture.
- Cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to both the crust and the nectarine filling.
- Nutmeg: Adds a subtle spiciness that pairs perfectly with the nectarines.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and texture to the crust and crumble topping.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together to form a cohesive dough for the crust and topping.
- Sliced nectarines: The star of the dish, giving the bars a juicy, fruity filling.
- Lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that complements the nectarines.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile of the nectarine filling.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you don’t have nectarines or want to try a different variation, consider these alternatives:
- Peaches: If you can’t find nectarines, peaches are a perfect substitute. They have a similar texture and sweetness.
- Gluten-free flour: For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Maple syrup: Swap the granulated sugar for maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Nectarine Crumble Bars
Making Nectarine Crumble Bars is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious, homemade treat:
- Preheat the 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.
- In a large food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pulse until combined.
- Add the cold butter, pulsing until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Add the whisked egg to the food processor and pulse until the dough begins to come together.
- Press a little more than half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the nectarine filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced nectarines, sugar, and cinnamon.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the nectarines and stir to combine.
- After the crust has baked, spoon the nectarine filling onto the crust, spreading it evenly. Use a slotted spoon to avoid excess juice.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping over the nectarines.
- Bake the bars for an additional 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Nectarine Crumble Bars
- Chill the butter: For an extra-flaky crust, ensure your butter is cold when you mix it into the flour. This helps create the perfect crumbly texture.
- Don’t overfill the pan: Be sure to leave a small gap around the edges of the pan to allow for even baking.
- Test for doneness: The top should be golden brown, and the fruit filling should be bubbling when the bars are done baking.
- Let it cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure the filling sets properly.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Nectarine Crumble Bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate them even further:
- Toppings: Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a light, fresh salad to balance the sweetness of the bars.
- Variation: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Seasonal Appeal and Health Benefits
Nectarines are in season during the summer months, making this the perfect dessert to enjoy when they are at their peak. They are a low-calorie, nutrient-packed fruit rich in vitamins A and C, which support healthy skin and immune function. Enjoy these Nectarine Crumble Bars knowing you’re indulging in a seasonal treat with some health benefits too!
By following this easy recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a delightful dessert that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any summer gathering. Try these Nectarine Crumble Bars today for a treat that’s sure to impress.
Conclusion
Nectarine Crumble Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of summer. The combination of juicy nectarines with a buttery, crumbly topping creates a balance of sweet, tart, and rich textures that are sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together or simply looking for a treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these bars are a fantastic choice. With their simple ingredients and quick preparation, they’re perfect for any baker—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pro. Don’t forget to enjoy them with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of yogurt for an extra indulgence!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen nectarines for Nectarine Crumble Bars?
Yes, you can use frozen nectarines if fresh ones are unavailable. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using them in the filling to prevent excess moisture. The bars will still turn out delicious!
2. Can I make the Nectarine Crumble Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. They hold up well and even taste better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Nectarine Crumble Bars should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they’ll last for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
More Relevant Recipes
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Nectarine Crumble Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nectarine Crumble Bars are a perfect combination of sweet, juicy nectarines with a buttery, crumbly topping. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for summer gatherings and is sure to be loved by all. Enjoy them as they are or top with ice cream for an extra indulgence.
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 (for filling)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (for filling)
- 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 the foil with cooking spray.
- In a large food processor, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pulse until combined.
- Add the cold butter to the food processor, pulsing until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Add the whisked egg to the food processor and pulse until the dough begins to come together.
- Press a little more than half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the nectarine filling by combining the sliced nectarines, sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the nectarines and stir to combine.
- After the crust has baked, layer the nectarine filling over the crust using a slotted spoon to drain excess juices.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping over the nectarine mixture.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Chill the butter for an extra-flaky crust.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 54mg
