Peach & Pecan Oat Crumble Bars

I made these last night and brought them to work this morning and they are almost all gone in just 30 minutes time. These are delicious, especially the contrast between the tart, ripe peaches and sweet crust and crumb topping. I bet they would taste even more delicious with some vanilla ice cream on top!

Peach & Pecan Oat Crumble Bars

makes 9x13" pan
Ingredients:

Base Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature for 1 hour
• 1/2 packed cup dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Peach Filling:

• 2 pounds peaches, unpeeled (about 8 peaches)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Pecan Oat Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature for 1 hour, divided
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Glaze:

• Juice of 1 lemon, about 3 tablespoons
• 1/2 to 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl, using a hand mixer) cream the butter with the brown sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Turn off the mixer and add in the flour, salt, ginger, and cinnamon. Mix dry ingredients in just until the dough is soft and pulled together. Press the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan and refrigerate while preparing the filling and topping.

Roughly chop the peaches into 1/2-inch pieces and toss with the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.

Wipe out the mixer bowl and mix 1/4 cup softened butter with the oats, flour, pecans, cinnamon, and salt until soft and crumbly. Melt the remaining 1/4 cup butter and set aside to cool.

Spread the chopped peaches over the chilled dough base. Evenly crumble the topping over the peaches, and drizzle with the melted butter.

Bake for 45 minutes or until the topping is lightly browned.

Whisk together the lemon juice with enough powdered sugar to make a thin glaze. Drizzle over the bars.

Cool (or chill) for at least an hour before slicing and serving. I do recommend chilling these; they will stay fresh (and slice more cleanly) for about 5 days when stored well-covered in the fridge.