Name: Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1 egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

These Heavenly Summer Peach Bars are a perfect way to enjoy the bounty of ripe peaches during the summer months. They feature a buttery, crumbly crust that’s topped with a sweet and tangy peach filling, all finished off with a light dusting of powdered sugar. With every bite, you’ll experience the refreshing, juicy sweetness of summer, making them an ideal treat for any gathering or casual afternoon indulgence.

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

4 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the topping:

1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the crust:

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan.

In a food processor, I combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Then, I add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

I add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and pulse again until the dough begins to come together.

Next, I press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake it for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden.

For the filling:

While the crust is baking, I combine the sliced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. I gently toss everything to coat the peaches evenly.

Once the crust is done, I remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before spreading the peach mixture over the crust.

I bake the bars for another 25-30 minutes, or until the peach filling is bubbling and the edges are golden brown.

For the topping:

Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, I finish them off by dusting a light layer of powdered sugar on top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9 bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

If I want to mix things up, I like to try a few variations:

Add berries: I can incorporate fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries with the peaches for a burst of color and flavor.

Almond extract: For a subtle twist, I might replace the vanilla extract with almond extract in the crust.

Spices: I can also experiment with adding a bit of ginger or allspice to the peach filling for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

To store these peach bars, I make sure to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last a little longer, I’ll refrigerate them for up to a week. I can also freeze them for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy a bar, I just let it thaw at room temperature, or I can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get the crust nice and crisp again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh peaches?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to remove any excess moisture before using them in the filling.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! I can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Just be sure to use a 1:1 ratio of gluten-free flour.

How do I know when the peach bars are done baking?

I know the bars are done when the peach filling is bubbling, and the crust is golden brown around the edges. The filling should also look set and not too liquidy.

Can I add a crumble topping instead of dusting with powdered sugar?

Yes, I could easily add a crumble topping made from butter, flour, and sugar to give the bars a bit more texture. Just sprinkle it over the peach filling before baking.

Can I use a different fruit for this recipe?

Yes, I can replace peaches with other fruits like plums, nectarines, or apricots. The recipe is very versatile, and any of these fruits would work wonderfully in place of peaches.

Conclusion

These Heavenly Summer Peach Bars are everything I love about summer: light, fruity, and full of flavor. The buttery crust pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced peach filling, and the simple powdered sugar topping is just the right finishing touch. Whether I’m enjoying them at a family BBQ or packing them for a picnic, these bars are sure to be a hit. They’re a perfect way to savor the flavors of summer!

Recipe: