Pin
This heavenly summer peach bars recipe brings together juicy peaches and a buttery crumble for a treat you will want to make all season. The crust bakes up golden and crisp while the fruit melts into every bite. These bars are the highlight of every picnic and outdoor gathering for my family once peaches hit their peak.
I first made these bars for a backyard potluck and now neighbors are always hoping I bring them. The combination of warm peaches and cinnamon reminds me of cobblers from my childhood summers.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: brings structure and helps the bars hold their shape. Choose unbleached for best texture.
- Granulated sugar: sweetens the base and balances tart peaches. Use organic if possible for pure flavor.
- Brown sugar: gives a caramel note and helps the crust brown nicely. Pack it tightly for accurate measuring.
- Rolled oats: add chewy texture and hearty bite. Old-fashioned oats work best.
- Butter: provides that rich, classic crumble. Use good quality dairy butter, softened to room temperature.
- Vanilla extract: lifts the filling with warmth. Pure extract is worth it here.
- Baking powder: keeps the bars tender and light.
- Salt: enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: adds depth and cozy spice. Use freshly ground if you have it.
- Fresh peaches: are the star. Choose ripe fruit that yields slightly when pressed for juiciest results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparing the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a nine inch square baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside. This keeps the bars from sticking and ensures even baking.
- Mixing the Crust:
- Combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add the softened butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture is crumbly with pea sized bits. This creates that perfect texture for both the crust and topping.
- Forming the Base:
- Reserve about one cup of this crumb mixture to use as your topping. Press the rest evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers. This should be compact to form a sturdy base.
- Preparing the Filling:
- Peel and dice fresh peaches into small pieces. In a separate bowl, toss the peaches with vanilla extract and a touch of sugar if your fruit is less sweet. Spread this peach mixture evenly over the crust layer.
- Adding the Crumb Topping:
- Scatter the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the peach layer. The gaps allow some juices to bubble up and create that irresistible golden finish.
- Baking and Cooling:
- Bake in the preheated oven for thirty to thirty five minutes until the top is deeply golden and you see the filling bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool for at least ten minutes before slicing. This step helps the filling set so your bars hold together when served.
Pin
I have a soft spot for brown sugar in these bars because it caramelizes with the peach juices and makes the whole house smell incredible. The first time we baked these as a family my kids insisted on licking every crumb from the pan.
Storage Tips
Store leftover peach bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep their texture best this way and can last for up to four or five days. To reheat just pop a bar in the microwave for a few seconds to warm the fruit and topping. If you like extra crunch enjoy them straight from the fridge.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out peaches for nectarines or mix in a handful of berries for variety. If you are out of oats try using quick oats instead of rolled though the texture will be less chewy. For a richer flavor brown butter is a decadent replacement for standard butter. For a gluten free version use a measure for measure gluten free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. For an elevated presentation dust the cooled bars lightly with powdered sugar. Sometimes I pack them for picnics and they disappear before I even get a plate out.
Pin
Cultural Context
Peach bars are a classic Southern treat and highlight the region’s love for fresh stone fruit. This recipe channels the feeling of homemade peach cobbler but in a portable bar form perfect for sharing at summer gatherings. Every bite brings memories of farmers market hauls and hot July days.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Yes, canned or frozen peaches work well. Drain canned peaches and thaw frozen peaches before using, then proceed as usual.
- → How do I make the crust extra crumbly?
Mix the crust ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand, and don't overwork the butter. Chilling the reserved topping before baking helps enhance the crumbly texture.
- → Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Yes, try combining peaches with raspberries or blueberries for more flavor and color. Adjust sugar as needed based on fruit sweetness.
- → How should peach bars be stored?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Enjoy cold or briefly warmed.
- → What can I add for extra crunch?
Chopped nuts like pecans or almonds, or shredded coconut sprinkled into the topping, provide great texture and a nutty flavor.
- → Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour and oats to accommodate gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor.