There is nothing quite like biting into a warm, luscious peach dessert that captures the very essence of sunshine and summer breezes. This Summer Peach Bars Recipe brings together the perfect balance of buttery crust, sweet and tangy peach filling, and just a hint of cinnamon warmth to create an irresistible treat that you will want to make again and again. With its bright peach flavor and tender crumb, these bars are an absolute showstopper that is as simple to prepare as they are delightful to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Summer Peach Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the flaky crust to the juicy peach filling, every component adds flavor, texture, and beauty to the final dish.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, buttery crust that holds everything together.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the crust without overpowering the peaches.
- Unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed for creating that perfect crumbly texture in the crust.
- Ripe peaches: Peeled, pitted, and sliced to deliver the fresh, juicy fruit flavor that defines the bars.
- Brown sugar: Gives the peach filling a deep, caramel-like sweetness and richness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the peach filling so it sets beautifully without becoming runny.
- Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the fruit’s natural sweetness with a touch of zing.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the peach flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth and a hint of spice that compliments the peaches perfectly.
- Dash of salt: Elevates all the flavors by balancing sweetness and adding depth.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a delicate dusting that adds a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Summer Peach Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Leaving an overhang on the sides helps you easily lift the bars out later, making cleanup simple and hassle-free.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and granulated sugar. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend everything until it resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly mixture will bake into a buttery, golden crust that is the perfect base for the peach topping.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press the flour and butter mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This step ensures a sturdy, even crust. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the edges take on a lovely light golden color. This pre-bake keeps the crust from getting soggy once the fruit filling is added.
Step 4: Prepare the Peach Filling
While the crust is baking, toss your peeled, pitted, and sliced peaches in a large bowl with the brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a dash of salt. This mixture will become thick and bubbly as it bakes, giving you those irresistibly juicy and fragrant peach layers.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Once the crust comes out of the oven, immediately spread the peach filling evenly over it. The warmth of the crust helps meld the flavors together.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is set and the peaches are bubbling happily—the aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is an important step as it lets the filling set up nicely for clean slices.
Step 8: Slice and Optional Dusting
Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar if you want to add a pretty, delicate finish before serving.
How to Serve Summer Peach Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar enhances the charm and adds a touch of sweetness. For a little extra flair, fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream make elegant garnishes that highlight the peach’s natural beauty.
Side Dishes
This Summer Peach Bars Recipe pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness with creamy coolness. Fresh berries on the side can also add an extra burst of color and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these peach bars on a rustic wooden board for a farmhouse vibe, or stack them in a pretty layered arrangement to wow guests at a summer picnic. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming homemade gift presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover summer peach bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 4 days and even taste better after the flavors meld overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze baked peach bars for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm leftover bars gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to revive that fresh-baked feeling. Just be careful not to overheat as it may dry out the crumbly crust.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen peaches before mixing them with the other filling ingredients to avoid a soggy bar.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of tapioca starch or arrowroot powder. These alternatives will also help thicken the peach filling nicely.
How ripe do my peaches need to be?
Use peaches that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overly soft peaches may make the filling too watery, while unripe ones won’t have enough sweetness or flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking pan, like a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time slightly and keep an eye on the bars as they bake.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like all-purpose flour.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing these Summer Peach Bars Recipe with the people you love. The simple ingredients, vibrant peach flavor, and inviting aroma make them an unforgettable treat you can enjoy all summer long. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Summer Peach Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 bars (3×3-inch squares)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Summer Peach Bars featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a juicy, cinnamon-spiced peach filling. Perfect for warm weather indulgence, these bars combine sweet peaches with a tender baked base for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
Peach Filling
- 3 medium ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Dash of salt
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars later.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar. Add the chilled, cubed butter and blend with fingers or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form and Bake Crust: Press the flour mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan forming an even crust. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden.
- Prepare Peach Filling: While crust bakes, combine sliced peaches, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Toss until peaches are evenly coated.
- Add Filling to Crust: Remove baked crust from oven and immediately spread the peach mixture evenly over it.
- Bake Bars: Return to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until peaches are bubbly and topping is set.
- Cool Bars: Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use parchment overhang to lift bars out of pan once cooled.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- Ensure peaches are ripe and juicy for the best flavor and texture.
- Using chilled butter helps create a crumbly, tender crust.
- You can substitute fresh peaches with frozen thawed peaches if fresh are unavailable.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow bars to cool completely to help the filling set properly before slicing.
