Name: Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 bars
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; ¼ cup brown sugar

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Hey y'all! If you're looking for a dessert that captures the very best of summer, these Heavenly Summer Peach Bars are where it's at. Imagine tender, juicy peaches nestled in a buttery, crumbly crust—deliciously sweet with just a hint of tartness. This recipe is perfect for backyard BBQs, picnics, or any time you want to treat your family to something special. They're easy to whip up and guaranteed to disappear fast. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe

Perfectly balances sweet, juicy peaches with a buttery shortbread crust.
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients—no fancy tools needed.

Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or picnics.
Delicious served warm or chilled, making it a versatile treat.
Can be made ahead and stays fresh for days!

Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
⅓ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Directions for Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Peaches

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, toss the diced peaches with brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Set aside to macerate.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Set aside 1 cup of the dough for the crumble topping.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Spread the peach mixture over the crust.
Crumble the reserved 1 cup of dough over the peaches.

Bake for 38-42 minutes, or until the top is golden and the peaches are bubbling.

Step 4: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour) for clean slicing.
Lift out using parchment paper and cut into squares.

Notes for the Best Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

If using frozen peaches, thaw and drain them well to prevent soggy bars.
Add a dash of nutmeg to the peaches for extra warmth and flavor (learn how to peel peaches easily).
Chill the bars before slicing for cleaner edges.

Delicious Variations on Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

Berry-Peach Bars: Replace 1 cup of peaches with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed fruit twist.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Almond Crunch: Sprinkle ½ cup sliced almonds over the crumble before baking.

Required Equipment for Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

9x13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls

Hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

Knife

Storage Instructions for Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze bars (well wrapped) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

Serve bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Pair with a glass of iced tea or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing summer treat.
Try with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.

Pro Tips for the Best Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

Use ripe, in-season peaches for the juiciest and most flavorful bars (read about selecting the best peaches).
Don’t overmix the dough; just combine until the flour disappears for a tender crumb.
If the crumble browns too quickly, tent the pan with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking (bar baking tips).

Frequently Asked Questions: Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

Can I use canned peaches?: Yes, just drain them well and reduce the brown sugar in the filling by 1-2 tablespoons since canned peaches are sweeter.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?: Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
Do I need to peel the peaches?: Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic look and extra fiber.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

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Heavenly Summer Peach Bars