Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Heavenly Summer Peach Bars are a delightful treat that captures the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches with a buttery crust and crumbly topping. Perfect for warm weather, they make a refreshing dessert or snack everyone will love.

Ingredients

• For the Crust:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• For the Peach Filling:
• 3–4 large peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Crumb Topping:
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: To make the crust, combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Prepare the peach filling by tossing the sliced peaches with 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Set aside to rest while you prepare the topping.
4. Step 4: For the crumb topping, mix 1/2 cup flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Stir in the melted butter until crumbs form.
5. Step 5: Spread the peach filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the peaches.
6. Step 6: Bake for 45–50 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
7. Step 7: Cut into squares and serve plain or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.

Tips & Variations

• Use ripe but firm peaches to keep the filling from becoming too watery.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little nutmeg into the peach filling along with cinnamon in the topping.
• Substitute nectarines or apricots if peaches aren’t available or to try a slightly different flavor.
• Chill the butter before cutting it into the dry ingredients to create a flakier crust.

Storage

Store leftover peach bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy them chilled. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

Yes, frozen peaches can be used but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing to avoid a soggy crust.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Baking the crust first until lightly golden forms a barrier that helps keep it crisp once the filling is added.

Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 127 reviews

These Heavenly Summer Peach Bars combine a buttery crumb crust with juicy, spiced peach filling and a crunchy crumb topping. Baked to golden perfection, they are a perfect dessert for summer gatherings, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors in every bite.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars (9×9-inch pan, cut into 4x4 squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Peach Filling:

• 3–4 large peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal after baking.
2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 15 to 18 minutes or until it becomes lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare Filling: While the crust is baking, in a separate bowl, toss the peeled, pitted, and sliced peaches with granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Allow this mixture to sit briefly so the flavors meld and the peaches release some of their juices.
4. Make Crumb Topping: In another bowl, stir together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbs form, ensuring they are evenly coated and clumpy.
5. Assemble: Once the crust has cooled slightly, spread the peach filling evenly over it. Then, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the peaches, covering the filling completely.
6. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly around the edges. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack to allow the filling to set.
7. Serve: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve plain or with a scoop of ice cream. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

• Peeling peaches can be made easier by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds and then plunging into ice water.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• To intensify peach flavor, use ripe, in-season peaches or consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
• Bars keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze nicely for up to 2 months.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Keywords: peach bars, summer dessert, crumb bars, peach dessert, baked peach bars, fruit bars