Heavenly Summer Peach Bars: A Sweet Slice of Sunshine
Summer is the perfect time to indulge in the sweetness of freshly picked peaches. One delightful way to enjoy this seasonal fruit is with Heavenly Summer Peach Bars. These bars are a delicious combination of a buttery crust, juicy peach filling, and a crumbly topping, making them the perfect treat for warm days. Whether you share them at a picnic, serve them at a family gathering, or enjoy them on your patio, these peach bars bring a taste of sunshine to your plate.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you make Heavenly Summer Peach Bars? First, they highlight the beautiful flavors of summer fruits, especially juicy peaches. Second, they are simple to prepare, requiring only a few key ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Lastly, these bars are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them plain or with a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence. Plus, they are an ideal dessert for sharing with friends and family!
How to Make Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
Making Heavenly Summer Peach Bars is easy and rewarding. Just follow these steps to create your own sweet treat.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Peach Filling:
- 3–4 large peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow it to cool slightly.
While the crust cools, toss the peach slices with sugar, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla in another bowl. Let this mixture sit while you prepare the topping.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt for the crumb topping. Stir in the melted butter until crumbs form.
Spread the peach filling evenly over the baked crust. Then sprinkle the crumb topping over the peach layer.
Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Cut into squares and enjoy them plain or with a scoop of ice cream. Store any leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for later.
How to Serve Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
Heavenly Summer Peach Bars can be served in various ways. For a delightful treat, enjoy them warm on their own. You can serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. They also pair well with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor. No matter how you serve them, these bars are sure to impress!
How to Store Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
To keep your Heavenly Summer Peach Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Tips to Make Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
- Use ripe peaches for the best flavor and sweetness.
- If you don’t have fresh peaches, you can use canned or frozen peaches, just ensure they are drained well.
- For a fun twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or some chopped nuts to the crumb topping for added texture.
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting them to ensure clean slices.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe. Try using different fruits like cherries, plums, or berries instead of peaches for a different flavor. You can also add spices, like cardamom or nutmeg, to the filling for an extra kick. If you want a nutty flavor, add chopped almonds or walnuts to the crumb topping.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
2. How can I tell when the peach bars are done baking?
They are done when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
With Heavenly Summer Peach Bars, you’ll have a delightful treat that celebrates the joys of summer. Enjoy this deliciously sweet and satisfying dessert with friends and family!
