These Heavenly Summer Peach Bars are a perfect mix of sweet and fruity. With juicy peaches and a buttery crust, they’re great for summer picnics or a tasty treat at home!
My favorite part? They smell AMAZING while baking! I can’t help but sneak a taste while they cool. Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I find that it still holds up well!
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are key here. If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches (drained) or even frozen peaches. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well!
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of the bars. You could also use coconut oil or vegan butter if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just remember, it’ll change the flavor a bit!
Cornstarch: It thickens the peach filling. If you don’t have cornstarch, try using all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as an alternative.
How Do You Get a Perfectly Golden Top on Your Peach Bars?
Getting that golden crust on top is important for both taste and presentation. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Press the crust dough firmly into the pan to create a solid base, which helps with even baking.
- While baking, keep an eye on the bars after 35 minutes. If the top is browning too fast, cover it with aluminum foil.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps set everything and gives you nice, clean edges.
Little tips like these will elevate your peach bars and make them irresistible! Enjoy making them this summer!
Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peach Filling:
- 3 to 4 medium ripe peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Topping:
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes of baking time. Plus, you’ll want to let the bars cool completely before cutting, which may take an additional 30 minutes. All together, you should plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish—definitely worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to create that perfect, golden crust when the bars bake.
2. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with a little butter or cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out when they’re ready!
3. Make the Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Mix in the Egg and Vanilla:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until you have a crumbly dough.
6. Form the Crust:
Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the crust. Make sure it’s packed tightly to hold the filling!
7. Prepare the Peaches:
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced peaches with cornstarch, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. This will help thicken the peach juices while baking and add delicious flavor!
8. Add the Peach Layer:
Layer the peach mixture evenly over the crust, spreading it out gently so every bite has some juicy peach goodness.
9. Crumble the Topping:
Take the remaining dough and crumble it over the peaches. This will create a lovely textured topping that bakes to perfection!
10. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You want the top to be golden and the peach filling to be bubbling. The lovely aroma will fill your kitchen!
11. Cool the Bars:
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This may take about 30 minutes.
12. Serve:
Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if you’d like a sweet finishing touch!
Enjoy these sweet, buttery, and juicy peach bars that capture the essence of summer! They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or keeping all to yourself!
FAQs About Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, canned or frozen peaches work well. Just make sure to drain canned peaches and thaw frozen ones before using them. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bars?
To keep these bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap!
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added health benefits. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser.
What Can I Use Instead of Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent in the peach filling. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for in cornstarch.
Feel free to ask if you have any other questions while making your Heavenly Summer Peach Bars!
