Peach Bars: A Summertime Delight

Summer’s bounty is best celebrated with these irresistible Peach Bars! Imagine the sweet, juicy taste of ripe peaches nestled in a buttery, crumbly crust, topped with a crunchy oat topping. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a taste of sunshine, a perfect ending to a warm summer day, or a delightful treat anytime you crave a burst of fruity goodness. These peach bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring no special baking skills, yet delivering restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home. From the initial aroma of baking peaches to the final satisfying bite, this recipe is a journey into pure summer bliss. Get ready to experience the ultimate peachy perfection!

Why You’ll Love This Peach Bars Recipe

This Peach Bars recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making and eating these delectable treats:

• Simplicity at its Finest: This recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll find the steps easy to follow and the process incredibly satisfying.
• Stunning Flavor Combination: The sweet and tangy peaches are perfectly complemented by the buttery, crumbly crust and the crunchy oat topping. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
• Adaptable to Your Preferences: Want to add a touch of spice? Feel free to experiment with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg. Prefer a different nut in your topping? Pecans, walnuts, or even almonds work beautifully. This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These Peach Bars are ideal for picnics, potlucks, bake sales, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home. They are equally delightful served warm or at room temperature.
• Makes a Great Gift: These bars make a wonderful homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors. Their beautiful presentation and delicious flavor will surely impress!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time, then assemble and bake them just before serving. This is perfect for busy schedules and last-minute gatherings.

Why You Should Try This Peach Bars Recipe

Beyond the deliciousness, there are several compelling reasons to give this Peach Bars recipe a try:

• Seasonal Delights: This recipe celebrates the peak season of juicy, ripe peaches. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients enhances the flavor and provides a more authentic taste of summer.
• Impress Your Guests: These bars are guaranteed to impress your guests with their stunning presentation and unforgettable flavor. They are far more impressive than store-bought desserts, and the effort required is minimal.
• Perfect for Beginners: The clear, step-by-step instructions make this recipe ideal for beginner bakers. Don’t be intimidated; you can easily master this delicious treat.
• Cost-Effective: Peach bars are surprisingly economical to make, especially when using seasonal ingredients. This means you can enjoy a delicious treat without breaking the bank.
• Versatile Dessert: These bars are incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt them to your preferences, adding different spices, nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate for extra indulgence.
• Share the Joy: Baking is a wonderful way to connect with others. Share your delicious Peach Bars with friends and family, and spread the joy of homemade goodness.

Ingredients and Utensils for Peach Bars

Gathering the right ingredients and tools is crucial for baking success. Here’s a detailed list to ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience:

Ingredients:

• Crust:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes (for a vegan option, substitute with vegan butter)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg yolk (for a vegan option, substitute with flax egg: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water)
• Peach Filling:
• 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4-5 medium peaches) – *Consider using frozen peaches if fresh are unavailable. Thaw them completely before using.*
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Topping:
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (vegan butter for vegan option)

Necessary Utensils:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Large bowls (at least 3)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry blender or your fingers for cutting in the butter
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Peeler (for peeling peaches)
• Baking sheet (for extra support if needed)
• Cooling rack

Detailed Recipe Steps for Peach Bars

Let’s embark on the delightful journey of making these Peach Bars. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious treat.

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. **Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.** This forms the base for a perfect, crumbly crust.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. **Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.** This step is key to achieving that signature flaky texture.
3. Add Sugars and Egg Yolk: Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add the egg yolk and mix until just combined. **Do not overmix.** Overmixing will result in a tough crust.
4. Press into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. **Ensure the crust is evenly distributed** to avoid uneven baking. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to press down the dough.
5. Prepare the Peach Filling: In a separate large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Gently toss to coat the peaches evenly. **The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes.**
6. Assemble the Bars: Spread the peach filling evenly over the prepared crust. **Make sure to distribute the peaches evenly** so each bar has an ample amount of peach filling.
7. Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and nuts (if using). Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly. **Don’t overmix; a slightly coarse texture is desirable.**
8. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the peach filling. **Ensure the entire filling is covered.**
9. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. **Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes.** Overbaking can dry out the peaches.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the Peach Bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This allows the filling to set and the bars to hold their shape. **Cutting them while still warm will result in a messy outcome.** Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.

Tips and Variations for Peach Bars

Experimentation is half the fun! Here are some tips and variations to enhance your Peach Bars experience:

• Frozen Peaches: If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen peaches work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger to the peach filling for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
• Nutty Variations: Experiment with different nuts in the topping, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or a mix of nuts.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust and topping to create delicious gluten-free Peach Bars.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) for a completely vegan version.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the crust dough will result in a tough crust. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will dry out the peaches and make the bars too hard. Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes.
• Let it Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and prevents them from crumbling.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Peach Bars

While Peach Bars are undeniably indulgent, they offer some nutritional benefits thanks to their key ingredients:

(Note: Nutritional information is an approximation and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For precise values, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.)

• Peaches: Peaches are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and fiber. They are also low in calories and high in antioxidants.
• Oats: Oats are a whole grain rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. They also provide beneficial soluble fiber.
• Nuts (optional): Nuts are packed with healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. They contribute to overall heart health and provide sustained energy.

However, it’s important to remember that Peach Bars are a dessert, and moderation is key. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs about Peach Bars

Conclusion: Your Peach Bars Journey Awaits!

These Peach Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of summer’s sweetness. From the simple preparation to the incredible taste, every step is designed to bring you joy. Don’t just read about them – bake them! Let the delightful aroma of baking peaches fill your kitchen, and the satisfying crunch of the topping tantalize your taste buds. Share your experience with us in the comments below. Let us know how your Peach Bars turned out, and tag us on your social media platforms! We’d love to see your delicious creations. And don’t forget to check out our other amazing recipes on Noeli’s Recipes blog – from savory Spanish delights like berenjenas con miel to comforting classics like empanadas, there’s something for everyone. Happy baking!

For more delicious dessert inspiration, visit our Pinterest page: Noeli’s Recipes on Pinterest

Delicious Peach Bars

These easy peach bars are perfect for summer baking. A buttery crust, sweet peach filling, and crunchy oat topping make them irresistible.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Baked Goods, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust Ingredients

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cups Unsalted butter, chilled (1 stick), cut into cubes
• 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.25 cups Packed light brown sugar
• 1 Large egg yolk

Peach Filling Ingredients

• 4 cups Fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
• 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cinnamon

Topping Ingredients

• 0.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups Rolled oats
• 0.5 cups Packed light brown sugar
• 0.25 cups Chopped pecans or walnuts optional
• 0.5 cups Unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Pastry blender or fork

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add the egg yolk and mix until just combined. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Make the peach filling: In a separate bowl, combine sliced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss gently to coat.
4. Spread the peach filling evenly over the crust.
5. Make the topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and nuts (if using). Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly.
6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the peach filling.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the crust. You can also substitute other berries for the peaches, adjusting the sugar as needed. Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.