These Easy Heavenly Summer Peach Bars are like a bite of sunshine! With juicy peaches and a buttery crust, they’re perfect for warm days and sweet cravings.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of baked peaches? I love serving these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—makes every bite feel like a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the bars their structure. You can swap it for whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste or a gluten-free flour blend if you’re avoiding gluten.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best, but if they aren’t in season, canned peaches work just fine. Just make sure to drain them so they won’t make the bars soggy.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version, but the flavor will be different.
Cornstarch: This thickens the peach mixture. If you don’t have it, arrowroot powder is a great substitute.
Cinnamon: While optional, it adds warmth to the filling. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip it or try nutmeg instead.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crust?
The crust is key to these bars, so pay attention during preparation! Mixing the butter into the dry ingredients should create a crumbly texture. Here are some steps to nail it:
- Start with cold butter. Cold butter makes a flakier crust.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until you see pea-sized crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan. A good press ensures it holds together when baked.
- Don’t over-bake! Watch for a light golden color to keep it tender.
Easy Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 2 large peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon (about 1/4 teaspoon) for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let the bars cool for a bit before cutting into them, so plan for at least 1 hour of cooling time. In total, you can enjoy these bars in about 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This will help your bars lift out easily once they’re baked!
2. Make the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix everything together until it resembles coarse crumbs. It should look crumbly and not too smooth. Be careful not to overmix!
3. Assemble the Base:
Set aside about 1/3 of the crumb mixture for topping later. Press the remaining crumbs firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a nice, even crust. This is where the delicious filling will sit!
4. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, toss the diced peaches with cornstarch, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and optional cinnamon. This mixture will thicken as it bakes and keep your peaches from becoming too runny.
5. Layer the Peach Filling:
Evenly spread the peach mixture over the crust you’ve just created in the pan. Make sure it’s distributed well so you get a taste of peach in every bite!
6. Add the Crumb Topping:
Now, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top of the peach filling. This will create a lovely, crumbling texture once baked.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the top is lightly golden and the peach filling is bubbly!
8. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This will take about an hour. Once cooled, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper or cut directly in the pan!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Heavenly Summer Peach Bars are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as-is, or elevate the experience by topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet treat any time!
These bars are sure to be a hit with their buttery crust and juicy peach filling. Enjoy every heavenly bite!
FAQ for Easy Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen peaches to remove excess moisture. If they seem too wet, a little extra cornstarch can help thicken the filling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat!
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. For the egg, you can use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a binder if needed, though this recipe doesn’t require an egg.
What Other Fruits Work Well in This Recipe?
While peaches are delicious, you can also use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or apples. Adjust the sugar and cornstarch based on the sweetness and juiciness of the fruit!
