Hey y’all! If you’re craving something sweet, fruity, and absolutely irresistible, this Peach Bars recipe is for you. With a buttery shortbread crust, juicy peaches, and a crumbly topping, these bars are the ultimate summer dessert and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a cozy night in. So grab those fresh peaches and let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Peach Bars Recipe
- Super easy to make with everyday ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Delivers a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors in every bite.
- Perfect for making ahead—these bars taste even better the next day!
- Great for sharing at gatherings, picnics, or as an afternoon snack.
- Can be customized with your favorite seasonal fruits.
Peach Bars Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups peeled, diced fresh peaches (about 4 large peaches)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Peach Bars Recipe: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ¾ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until well combined. Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the topping and press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Peach Filling
In a medium bowl, toss diced peaches with the remaining ¼ cup sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust.
Step 4: Add the Crumble Topping
Evenly sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the peaches.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Peach Bars Recipe Notes
- Use this quick guide to peeling peaches for less mess and perfect chunks.
- If using canned or frozen peaches, drain well and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
- For an extra touch, dust cooled bars with powdered sugar before serving.
Peach Bars Recipe Variations
- Berry Peach Bars: Add 1 cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the peach filling for a sweet berry twist.
- Gluten-Free Peach Bars: Substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour.
- Spiced Peach Bars: Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger or nutmeg to the filling for warm, aromatic notes.
Required Equipment for Peach Bars Recipe
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula
Peach Bars Recipe Storage Instructions
Store leftover peach bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze bars (well-wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Serving Recommendations for Peach Bars Recipe
Serve these peach bars chilled or at room temperature. They’re fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or alongside a glass of sweet iced tea for the perfect Southern-inspired treat!
Pro Tips for the Best Peach Bars Recipe
- Chill the dough before baking for an even flakier crust and crumb.
- Let bars cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, neat squares. (See more tips for cutting perfect bars.)
- Always use ripe, fragrant peaches for the juiciest, most flavorful bars. Learn how to choose ripe peaches at EatingWell.
Peach Bars Recipe FAQ
- Can I use canned or frozen peaches in this Peach Bars recipe?
- Yes! Just make sure to drain and pat dry canned or thawed frozen peaches to prevent excess moisture in the bars.
- Can I make peach bars ahead of time?
- Absolutely. In fact, these bars often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
- Can I halve this Peach Bars recipe?
- Yes, prepare the recipe in an 8x8-inch pan and start checking for doneness at 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yields: 18 bars
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
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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3Add eggs and vanilla extract to the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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4In a separate bowl, toss diced peaches with cornstarch and brown sugar. Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust.
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5Crumble the remaining dough over the peach layer. Bake for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
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6Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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