Description
These peach bars are a simple, crowd-pleasing summer dessert featuring juicy fresh peaches, a buttery crumb crust, and a hint of vanilla. They’re easy to make, travel well, and are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can use a 1:1 gluten-free blend)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 5–6 medium peaches)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease the sides. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until you get pea-sized crumbs.
- Stir in the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The dough will be crumbly but should clump together when squeezed. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining dough firmly into the bottom of your lined pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until just lightly golden at the edges. Let cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, toss diced peaches with 1/3 cup sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Spread the peach mixture evenly over the par-baked crust, including all the juices. If peaches are extra juicy, sprinkle a teaspoon of flour over the crust first.
- Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup dough evenly over the peaches.
- Bake for 38-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling at the edges. If the crumble browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Let the peach bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—at least 1 hour. Use the parchment to lift them out, and slice into 16-20 squares.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, if desired.
Notes
For best results, use ripe but firm peaches. If using frozen peaches, thaw and drain well. For gluten-free bars, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter. Let bars cool completely before slicing for clean cuts. Bars can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16th of pan)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: peach bars, summer dessert, easy peach dessert, fruit bars, picnic dessert, potluck dessert, homemade peach bars, crumb bars, peach recipes, fresh peach dessert