Peach Bars: A Summertime Delight

Summer’s bounty is undeniable, and nothing screams sunshine and warmth quite like juicy, ripe peaches. This recipe for Peach Bars is a testament to the simple pleasures of fresh, seasonal ingredients transformed into a delightful dessert. Imagine the golden-brown crumble topping, the sweet and tangy peach filling, and the buttery, oat-studded crust – all working in perfect harmony to create a bar that’s both comforting and utterly irresistible. These Peach Bars are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee or tea on a lazy afternoon. Forget those complicated pastries; these bars are surprisingly easy to make, yet deliver an explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting more. They’re the epitome of summer baking – uncomplicated, delicious, and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Peach Bars Recipe

This Peach Bars recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the embodiment of summer in a pan, a celebration of fresh, seasonal peaches transformed into a delectable treat. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:

• Simplicity at its finest: The recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. No special skills or equipment are required, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
• Irresistible flavor combination: The sweet and tangy peaches, perfectly balanced by the cinnamon-spiced crumble, create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Make-ahead convenience: These Peach Bars can be made ahead of time, allowing you to prepare them in advance for parties or gatherings. They’re even better the next day!
• Perfect for sharing: The 9×13 inch pan makes it ideal for sharing with friends and family. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any event.
• Adaptable to your preferences: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add nuts, a drizzle of glaze, or experiment with different spices for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!
• Gorgeous presentation: These Peach Bars are visually appealing, with their golden-brown topping and vibrant peach filling. They’re perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.

Why You Should Try This Peach Bars Recipe

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

• Utilizes seasonal ingredients: By using fresh, ripe peaches, you’re embracing the best of what the season offers. This results in a brighter, more flavorful dessert.
• Cost-effective: The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly dessert option.
• Versatile dessert option: These bars are appropriate for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to more formal events.
• A rewarding baking experience: The process of making these Peach Bars is satisfying and enjoyable, from measuring ingredients to watching them bake in the oven.
• Great for meal prepping: Bake a batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week as an easy, delicious treat. They’re perfect for a quick dessert fix!
• Improves baking skills: This recipe is a great way to hone your baking skills, learning techniques like making a crumble topping and baking a bar dessert. You can use this as a foundation to explore other similar desserts!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Peach Bars

Before you embark on this delectable journey, let’s gather the necessary ingredients and tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and efficient. Precise measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture and taste.

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version)
• ½ cup rolled oats (quick-cooking or old-fashioned)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar (for added depth of flavor)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (a classic complement to peaches)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (to enhance the other flavors)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes (essential for a flaky crust)

Filling:

• 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4 medium peaches – choose ripe, but firm peaches)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness level)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (helps to thicken the filling)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (adds brightness and prevents browning)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (classic spice pairing)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for a warm, subtle spice note)

Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

Utensils:

• 9×13 inch baking pan (a standard size for bar desserts)
• Large bowls (at least three, for crust, filling, and topping)
• Pastry blender or your fingers (for cutting in the butter)
• Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate measurements)
• Whisk (for mixing the filling ingredients)
• Spatula or spoon (for spreading the crust and filling)
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
• Baking sheet (optional, for added stability in the oven)
• Cooling rack (to prevent sogginess after baking)
• Vegetable peeler (for peeling the peaches)
• Sharp knife (for slicing the peaches)

Detailed Recipe Steps for Peach Bars

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these delectable Peach Bars. Take your time, and enjoy the process!

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Lining the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, is highly recommended.
2. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. **Important:** Use cold butter to ensure a flaky crust. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
3. Press into Pan: Press half of the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to create an even layer. A slightly uneven crust adds rustic charm.
4. Prepare the Peach Filling: In a separate bowl, gently toss together the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Be gentle to avoid mashing the peaches. **Tip:** The flour helps thicken the filling and absorb excess moisture.
5. Spread the Filling: Pour the peach mixture evenly over the crust. Spread it out to an even layer. **Don’t overfill**, as this might prevent the topping from crisping properly.
6. Make the Topping: In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Again, work quickly to keep the butter cold.
7. Sprinkle the Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the peach filling. You can use your hands or a spoon to distribute it evenly. **Tip:** A thicker topping will result in a crispier top.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning. **Important:** Oven temperatures vary, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the suggested time.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the Peach Bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This allows the filling to set and prevents them from falling apart. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. You can dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Tips and Variations for Peach Bars

While the basic recipe is fantastic, there’s always room for creativity! Here are some tips and variations to make these Peach Bars even more exceptional:

• Ingredient Swaps: Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and gluten-free option. Consider using maple syrup instead of some of the granulated sugar for a richer flavor. Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or ginger, to add a unique twist.
• Add-ins: Incorporate chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) into the topping or filling for added texture and flavor. A sprinkle of chopped fresh mint adds a refreshing touch. Dried cranberries or chopped apricots will complement the peaches perfectly.
• Glaze it up: Once cooled, drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice over the top for extra sweetness and shine. A caramel drizzle would also be a delicious addition.
• Vegan Version: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) to bind the topping if needed. Ensure your oats are certified vegan.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: Don’t overmix the crust or topping, as this can make them tough. Use cold butter to ensure a flaky crust. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
• Storage: Store leftover Peach Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Peach Bars

While Peach Bars are undeniably indulgent, they also offer some nutritional benefits thanks to their ingredients. It’s important to remember that nutritional information is approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This is just an estimation for a single bar.

Approximate Nutritional Information (per bar):

• Calories: 300-350
• Protein: 4-5g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Fiber: 2-3g

Benefits of Ingredients:

• Peaches: Rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to healthy skin and digestion.
• Oats: Excellent source of fiber, promoting gut health and aiding in weight management. Also provide beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol.
• Whole wheat flour (optional substitute): Offers more fiber compared to all-purpose flour.

Remember, moderation is key. Enjoy these Peach Bars as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs

Conclusion: Your Peach Bars Adventure Awaits!

These Peach Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re a summer experience captured in a pan. The combination of sweet, juicy peaches, a buttery oat crust, and a delightful cinnamon crumble is a taste of summer sunshine. With their simple preparation, adaptable nature, and impressive results, these bars are perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on this delicious baking adventure.

Don’t forget to share your Peach Bar creations with us! Share your photos on social media using #PeachBars and tag us! We’d love to see your delicious results. And for more delectable dessert inspiration, be sure to check out our other amazing recipes on Recipesamaya, like our Pumpkin Cake Balls, a perfect fall treat! Happy baking!

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Delicious Peach Crumble Bars

These easy peach bars are perfect for a summer dessert. A buttery oat crumble topping complements a sweet and juicy peach filling.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Bakery, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust Ingredients

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups Rolled oats
• 0.5 cups Packed light brown sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Unsalted butter, cold cut into cubes

Filling Ingredients

• 4 cups Fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4 medium peaches)
• 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.25 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg

Topping Ingredients

• 0.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups Packed light brown sugar
• 0.5 cups Rolled oats
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cups Unsalted butter, cold cut into cubes

Equipment

• 9x13 inch Baking Pan
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry blender or fork

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Make the filling: In a separate bowl, gently toss together the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Pour the peach mixture evenly over the crust.
5. Make the topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Sprinkle the crumb 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 and topping. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or almonds to the topping for extra crunch.