Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the fruity, buttery, and utterly irresistible treat that is the Heavenly Summer Peach Bars. This recipe brings together the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches with a tender, crumbly crust and a delicious crumb topping, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re craving a refreshing dessert or a delicious snack, these bars are sure to brighten your day with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create the magic in these bars. Each one has a role that builds layers of flavor and texture, from the soft peaches to the buttery crust that holds everything in place.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet tender base and topping for your bars.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the crust and overall bar.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides a light lift to the crumbly dough, keeping it from getting too dense.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The secret to a flaky, rich crust and crumb topping.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the dough.
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced: The star ingredient, bursting with juicy, summery flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the juicy peach filling so it doesn’t get soggy.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel sweetness and works perfectly with the peaches.
How to Make Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make sure your bars lift out easily once baked. This little step saves cleanup time and keeps the bars looking perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then add your cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is what gives your crust and topping that delightful crumbly texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Whisk your eggs and vanilla extract into the flour and butter mixture. Stir gently just until everything comes together. The dough will be slightly sticky but that’s exactly what you want to hold it all together while keeping it tender.
Step 4: Press the Crust
Reserve about one-third of the dough for the topping, then press the remaining two-thirds firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This forms the base that holds the luscious peach filling.
Step 5: Prepare and Add Peach Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the diced peaches with cornstarch and brown sugar. The cornstarch will thicken the juices as the bars bake, preventing a soggy bottom. Spread this juicy peach mixture evenly over your crust for a vibrant, fresh layer.
Step 6: Add the Crumb Topping and Bake
Crumble the reserved dough evenly over the peach layer. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and irresistibly crumbly. The warm peach scents flooding your kitchen will already have you reaching for a fork.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper. This cooling step ensures the bars set perfectly for clean, beautiful squares that hold their shape and flavor.
How to Serve Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
Garnishes
These bars are a star on their own but topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes them to next-level deliciousness. A light sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh mint leaves add a lovely finishing touch and extra personality to each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve your Heavenly Summer Peach Bars alongside a refreshing iced tea or a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade for a perfect summer afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with a simple green salad when enjoyed as part of a casual brunch or light dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, consider cutting the bars into small bite-sized pieces and arranging them on a pretty platter for easy sharing. You might also try layering them in parfait glasses with Greek yogurt and crushed granola for a fun and elegant dessert twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the bars tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is best to keep the peaches fresh, just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Freezing
Heavenly Summer Peach Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
The bars taste fantastic warmed up. Pop them in a preheated 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave them for about 20 seconds for a deliciously soft, gooey treat reminiscent of fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for these bars?
Yes! Frozen peaches can work well if fresh ones aren’t in season. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can affect the texture of your bars.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that measures cup for cup for best results. The texture may be slightly different but they will still taste delicious.
Can I make these bars vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the butter for plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use a flax or chia egg in place of the eggs. The flavor will remain just as heavenly.
How ripe should my peaches be?
Choose peaches that are ripe but firm. Overripe peaches can become too mushy when baked, while underripe ones won’t have that full, sweet flavor.
What’s the best way to peel peaches quickly?
A quick blanch in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then plunging them into ice water makes peeling a breeze. The skins slip right off!
Final Thoughts
Every time I make these Heavenly Summer Peach Bars, I’m reminded of warm summer days and the simple joy of fresh fruit desserts that bring everyone together. They are a joy to bake, share, and savor, so why not grab those peaches in season and treat yourself? I promise these bars will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
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Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heavenly Summer Peach Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with juicy, fresh peaches baked to golden perfection. Perfect for summertime gatherings or a sweet treat, these bars combine the natural sweetness of peaches with a tender crumbly base for a mouthwatering experience.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make the crust mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a tender and flaky texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the flour and butter mixture, mixing just until combined to form a dough. Press about two-thirds of this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a sturdy base for the peaches.
- Prepare the peach topping: In a separate bowl, gently toss the diced peaches with cornstarch and brown sugar to thicken the fruit juices during baking and add a subtle sweetness. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust layer in the pan.
- Top with remaining dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the peach layer to create a crumbly topping that will bake to a golden brown, adding texture and flavor.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the peach bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out the bars using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Notes
- For easier peeling, blanch peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water to loosen skins.
- Use ripe but firm peaches to avoid soggy bars.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg over the peach layer before baking.
- Gluten-free flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free, but texture may vary slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2×2 inch)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: summer peach bars, peach dessert, fruit bars, summer dessert, baked peach bars, easy peach recipe
