Peach Bars
There’s something truly special about Peach Bars. Growing up, summer meant juicy peaches bursting with flavor, and we’d often find ourselves making these delightful treats together. The aroma of fresh peaches mixed with baking goodness would fill the air, making our kitchen feel like a warm, inviting space. I remember those sunny afternoons spent cutting up peaches, mixing ingredients, and eagerly waiting for them to bake. Each bite of these bars is a perfect blend of sweet and tart, making them a favorite during family gatherings. Whether served at a picnic or enjoyed as a quick snack, Peach Bars bring back lovely memories and a taste of home.
Recipe Snapshot
50 mins
0 mins
50 mins
Medium
210 kcal
3 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
9 g
Oven, Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Cutting Board
What makes Peach Bars even better is how easy they are to whip up using simple ingredients. You can feel good about serving them to friends and family, knowing that you’ve created something delicious using fresh produce. Let’s dive deep into why Peach Bars are a must-try dessert!
What’s Great About This Peach Bars
1. Fresh Peach Flavor
The star of Peach Bars is undoubtedly the fresh peaches. Using ripe, juicy peaches enhances the taste, providing a natural sweetness that’s hard to beat. This fruit not only adds flavor but also a beautiful texture that complements the buttery crust.
2. Simple Ingredients
One of the best things about Peach Bars is the simplicity of the ingredients. With just flour, sugar, butter, and peaches, you can create something that tastes like it came from a bakery. This means less fuss in the kitchen and more time to enjoy the beautiful summer days!
3. Versatile Dessert
Peach Bars are super versatile. You can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or have them cold as a refreshing snack. They’re perfect for any occasion, be it a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner.
4. Easy to Make
If you’re hesitant about baking, fear not! Peach Bars are incredibly easy to make. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious dessert that will impress everyone. It’s a great recipe for beginners or those looking to bake something quickly.
5. Perfect for Sharing
These bars are perfect for sharing. Make a batch for your next potluck or picnic, and watch them disappear! Everyone will love the sweet peach flavor and the crumbly texture, making it a hit among friends and family.
Shopping List for Peach Bars
When it comes to making Peach Bars, the ingredients are key to bringing out the best flavors. Each component plays a vital role in building that delightful taste and texture. You’ll find that these ingredients work harmoniously together, creating a balanced treat that’s both satisfying and delicious.
- 2/3 cup spelt, white, or oat flour: This is the base of your bars, providing structure and a light texture.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
- 3/4 tsp baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the bars; unrefined sugar is a great option for a healthier choice.
- 3/4 cup butter, coconut oil, or almond butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bars.
- 3 tbsp milk of choice or additional butter: Provides the right consistency to the dough.
- 2 1/2 cups diced peaches (360g): Fresh, ripe peaches are essential for the best flavor.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot: Helps to thicken the peach filling.
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or sweetener of choice: Additional sweetness to enhance the natural peach flavor.
Step by Step Instructions for Peach Bars
Making Peach Bars is a delightful experience. The process is straightforward, and the result is incredibly rewarding. Let’s get started on creating this scrumptious dessert!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your Peach Bars bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden color. A properly preheated oven will help the bars rise beautifully.
In a large mixing bowl, stir the first five ingredients: flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix them until they are well combined. The aroma of cinnamon should start to fill your kitchen!
Cut in the butter or stir in the oil until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re using oil or unsalted butter, be sure to add an additional 1/4 tsp of salt. This step is essential as it creates that rich flavor in your crust.
Press about two thirds of the dough very firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Make sure it’s evenly spread out. This will form a sturdy base for your delicious peach filling.
Toss the diced peaches with the cornstarch and maple syrup. This mixture will create a lovely filling that keeps the peaches tender and sweet.
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust, ensuring every bite will have that delicious fruit flavor. Don’t be shy; make sure to get all the peaches in there!
Sprinkle the remaining dough evenly over the top of the peaches and press down firmly. This step is vital for ensuring the topping holds together while baking.
Bake for about 50 minutes. The edges should turn golden, and your kitchen will smell heavenly. Keep an eye on it, and if you notice it browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil.
Once done, let the Peach Bars cool before slicing them into bars. If you’ve used coconut oil, they might be more crumbly, so I recommend chilling them before cutting for cleaner slices.
Things Worth Knowing
- Use Ripe Peaches: Make sure to select peaches that are ripe and fragrant for the best flavor.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool entirely before cutting to get clean slices.
- Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can ensure your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: If you’re looking for different sweetness levels, try adjusting the maple syrup or sugar amount.
Helpful Notes about Peach Bars
When baking Peach Bars, it’s good to keep a few tips in mind to make the process smoother. Here are some helpful notes to ensure your baking experience is delightful.
- Storage: Keep your Peach Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
- Freezing: These bars can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
- Pairing: Serve your Peach Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Variations: Experiment by adding nuts or oats to the crust for a different texture.
- Serving Warm: A warm slice of Peach Bars with ice cream is a heavenly summer treat!
How to Enjoy Peach Bars
Enjoying Peach Bars can be as versatile as the recipe itself! Here are some delightful ways to serve them:
- Picnics: Slice and pack your Peach Bars for a perfect picnic treat.
- Summer Gatherings: Serve them at BBQs or family get-togethers for a sweet end to the meal.
- Snack Time: Have one as a quick afternoon snack paired with your favorite beverage.
- Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a slice with coffee or tea for a sweet breakfast option.
- Seasonal Dessert: Perfect for summer gatherings, these bars highlight the best of peach season.
FAQ
Conclusion
Peach Bars are a delightful combination of buttery crust and sweet peach filling that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Whether enjoyed warm with ice cream or cold as a snack, they are sure to please everyone. Give this recipe a try and bring the taste of summer to your kitchen!
Peach Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 F. Stir the first five ingredients. Cut in the butter or stir in the oil. If using oil or unsalted butter, add an additional 1/4 tsp salt. Press about two thirds of the dough very firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Toss the peaches with the cornstarch and liquid sweetener. Spread over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining dough evenly over top, and press down firmly. Bake 50 minutes. Let cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Storage: Keep your Peach Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
- Freezing: These bars can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
- Pairing: Serve your Peach Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Variations: Experiment by adding nuts or oats to the crust for a different texture.
- Serving Warm: A warm slice of Peach Bars with ice cream is a heavenly summer treat!
