These Peach Bars are a delightful summer treat, easy to make and perfect for sharing. You’ll love the sweet peach filling nestled between a buttery crust and a crumbly topping – it’s sunshine in every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Fresh Peaches: Ripe, juicy peaches are best. You can use frozen peaches if fresh aren’t available, just thaw and drain them well.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the crust and topping. A gluten-free 1:1 baking flour can often be substituted.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the filling and the crust. You can slightly adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your peaches.
- Cold Butter: Essential for a tender, flaky crust and crumbly topping. Margarine can work in a pinch, but butter gives the best flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into ½-inch cubes
* 1 large egg
For the Peach Filling:
* 4-5 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 4-5 cups)
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-280 calories
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, large mixing bowls, pastry blender or fork, parchment paper.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the peach bars out later.
2. Make the Crumb Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry blender, a fork, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Form the Dough and Crust
Add the egg to the crumb mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. It will still be a bit crumbly. Press about two-thirds of this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust for your peach bars.
4. Prepare the Peach Filling
In a separate bowl, gently toss the sliced peaches with sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). The flour helps thicken the peach filling as it bakes.
5. Assemble the Bars
Pour the peach filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough mixture over the peaches. Don’t worry about perfect coverage; the “crumble” look is part of the charm.
6. Bake the Peach Bars
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, and the fruit should be tender.
7. Cool and Cut
Let the peach bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. This is important for clean slices and for the bars to set properly. Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift them out and slice into squares.
Storage Instructions:
Store cooled peach bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use canned peaches?
A: Fresh or frozen peaches are best for flavor and texture. If using canned, drain them very well and reduce the sugar in the filling slightly.
Q: Why are my bars crumbly when I cut them?
A: Ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting. If they’re still warm, the filling won’t be fully set.
Q: Can I freeze peach bars?
A: Yes, once completely cooled, cut the bars and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Q: My crust is too hard, what went wrong?
A: Make sure you didn’t overwork the dough when pressing it into the pan. Also, ensure your butter was very cold.
Q: Can I add nuts to the topping?
A: Absolutely! A ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts can be a delicious addition to the crumb topping.
Q: What if my peaches aren’t very sweet?
A: You can add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the peach filling mixture if your peaches are on the tart side.
