Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Heavenly Summer Peach Bars capture the sweet, juicy flavors of ripe peaches in a buttery crust topped with a crunchy crumb. They’re perfect for summertime gatherings or a simple, satisfying dessert any day of the week.

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). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
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 it evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced peaches with 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the topping.
4. Step 4: For the crumb topping, mix 1/2 cup flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms crumbs.
5. Step 5: Spread the peach filling evenly over the cooled crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 45–50 minutes until the topping is golden and the peach filling is bubbling. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
7. Step 7: Cut into squares and serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little nutmeg or ginger into the peach filling.
• If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen peaches can be used—just make sure to thaw and drain excess juice first.
• Swap the crumb topping for chopped nuts or oats for added texture.
• Use maple syrup or honey in place of some sugar for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store the peach bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving if desired. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, the bars can be baked a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to develop more fully. Just bring them to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Baking the crust partially before adding the filling helps it set and prevents sogginess. Also, tossing the peaches with flour absorbs excess moisture and keeps the crust crisp.

Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 51 reviews

These Heavenly Summer Peach Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery crust, juicy peach filling, and a crumbly cinnamon-sugar topping. Perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet snack, they bake to golden perfection with a balance of tartness and sweetness that highlights the fresh peaches.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 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, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out once baked.
2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in the cold, cubed 1/2 cup unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
3. Prepare Filling: In a bowl, toss the peeled, pitted, and sliced 3–4 large peaches with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Allow it to sit while preparing the crumb topping; this helps the flavors meld and the filling thicken slightly.
4. Make Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in the melted 1/4 cup unsalted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
5. Assemble: Spread the peach filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the peach layer, ensuring good coverage.
6. Bake: Bake the assembled peach bars in the oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan to set properly before slicing.
7. Serve: Cut into squares and serve plain or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze for later enjoyment.

Notes

• Make sure to peel the peaches for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on if preferred for added fiber.
• Use ripe but firm peaches to avoid overly mushy filling.
• Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
• These bars freeze well; thaw before serving.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Keywords: peach bars, summer dessert, fruit bars, crumb topping, peach dessert, baking recipe