Peach Bars Recipe

Let me introduce you to the ultimate summer treat: Peach Bars! These bars boast tender butter crust, an avalanche of ripe, juicy peaches, and a dreamy almond glaze that makes every bite swoon-worthy. Whether you adored fresh orchard fruit as a kid, or you’re simply craving something golden and homey, Peach Bars are a joy to make and even more fun to share. With their sunny color and bakery-worthy flavor, they bring a sweet slice of the season straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh peaches, you’ll be amazed at what comes together. Each ingredient here is carefully chosen to highlight the peaches while building that soft, plush texture that makes Peach Bars so irresistible.

• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming, lending a rich, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps form the structure of the bars.
• Eggs: Four eggs ensure wonderful lift and a tender, cakey bite.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds warm undertones that complement the peaches beautifully.
• Pure Almond Extract: Just a dash in both the bars and the glaze, this gives each bite an irresistible aroma!
• All-Purpose Flour: Unbleached for a fuller flavor; it creates the perfect sturdy-yet-soft bar base.
• Morton Kosher Salt: A little salt sharpens all the other flavors and prevents the bars from being too sweet.
• Fresh Peaches: The stars of the show! Choose ripe, juicy peaches for the brightest, sunniest flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes to the peach filling and makes the fruit extra-luscious.
• Cinnamon: Brings gentle warmth and a hint of spice—it’s magic next to the fruit!
• Cardamom: Just a pinch offers a pop of unexpected floral spice, taking these bars up a notch.
• Powdered Sugar: The base for that dreamy drizzle glaze.
• Cream: Makes the glaze luxuriously smooth.
• Almond Extract (for the glaze): Echoes the almond flavor in the bars for extra depth.

How to Make Peach Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 13×18-inch rimmed sheet pan with nonstick baking spray. Lining your pan up and getting it ready makes assembly a breeze—no sticking, no fuss.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until it’s smooth and fluffy, about two to three minutes. Don’t shortcut this step! The air you beat in here keeps your Peach Bars wonderfully light.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Extracts

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The batter will look extra silky and luscious! Pour in the vanilla and almond extracts, giving everything one last mix—these flavors make the bars sing.

Step 4: Bring in the Flour and Salt

With the mixer on low, gently add in the flour and salt. Mix just until combined; overmixing here can toughen your bars, and we want them soft and plush.

Step 5: Layer the Dough

Spread about three-quarters of your dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it gently into the corners—it should form a cozy, even layer. This forms the buttery base for your Peach Bars.

Step 6: Make the Peach Filling

In a separate bowl, combine those beautiful slices of peach with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of cardamom. Gently fold everything together so the fruit is glossy and spiced but still holding its lovely shape.

Step 7: Assemble the Bars

Spoon the peach mixture evenly over your dough. Then, dollop the remaining dough by the teaspoon over the peaches, leaving gaps to create that rustic, cobbler-inspired look. This contrast of dough, fruit, and craggy topping is what makes Peach Bars so charming!

Step 8: Bake

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and your kitchen smells like a bakery in July. The bars will set as they cool.

Step 9: Drizzle Almond Glaze

While the bars are still just a bit warm, stir together the powdered sugar, cream, and a little almond extract until smooth. If needed, add a dab more powdered sugar or a splash of water to reach the perfect drizzling consistency. Take a spoon and drizzle generously over the bars—it’ll set into a shiny, sweet finish.

Step 10: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Let the bars and glaze cool completely before slicing into neat squares. Get ready for instant happiness in every bite!

How to Serve Peach Bars

Garnishes

Top your Peach Bars with an extra scatter of powdered sugar, or a few toasted sliced almonds for crunch and visual sparkle. If you’re entertaining, a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of lemon zest makes them pop even more on the platter.

Side Dishes

Peach Bars pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt. They’re just as happy alongside a cup of afternoon tea or sparkly lemonade for a sunny brunch or picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking Peach Bars in a pretty tiered tray for gatherings, or wrapping individual squares in wax paper for picnic treats. For a show-stopping dessert, serve them warm with a swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce—it’s pure celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Peach Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five. The bars stay moist and flavorful, making them a make-ahead dream for parties or bake sales.

Freezing

Peach Bars freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled and sliced, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before serving for the freshest flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy Peach Bars warm, pop a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat a few on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for about five minutes. The glaze will glisten and the fruit will taste bright and summery all over again.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you can’t find fresh peaches, you can substitute well-drained canned or thawed frozen peaches. Try to choose peaches packed in juice, not syrup, and blot them dry to avoid excess moisture in your bars.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

No worries—just add a little extra vanilla extract. The bars will still be delicious, but almond extract really does add a bakery-style aroma and flavor if you have it!

How do I peel peaches easily?

Score a small “X” on the bottom of each peach, then blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds. The skins will slip off easily after a quick dip in ice water. Super quick, and no mess!

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes! For a smaller batch, cut every ingredient in half and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Your Peach Bars will be just as delicious and perfect for a smaller household.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You sure can—just swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free if necessary, and you can share Peach Bars with even more friends.

Final Thoughts

Peach Bars are truly a taste of sunshine you can share all summer long. Whether you bake them for a picnic or just a sweet afternoon snack, they’re sure to win hearts and big smiles. Treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch—you’ll want to make these again and again!