Heavenly Summer Peach Bars: A Delicious Seasonal Treat

As summer rolls in, so does an abundance of juicy peaches, making it the perfect time to indulge in heavenly summer peach bars. These delightful treats combine the sweetness of ripe peaches with a buttery shortbread crust, creating a dessert that is not only delicious but also brimming with seasonal flavors. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a picnic in the park, or just looking for a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, these peach bars are a fantastic choice.

Why Peach Bars?

Peach bars are more than just a tasty dessert; they encapsulate the essence of summer. The use of fresh, ripe peaches means that each bite is bursting with flavor. Moreover, the recipe is simple enough for novice bakers while still allowing experienced cooks to experiment and customize to their taste. Let’s take a look at how to create this delightful dessert.

Ingredients

To make your heavenly summer peach bars, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of your peaches)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for added warmth)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

2. Mix the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

3. Press and Bake: Press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow it to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Peach Filling

1. Prepare the Peaches: In a separate bowl, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). Toss gently to coat the peach slices and set aside for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Spread the Filling: Pour the peach mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.

2. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the peach filling.

3. Bake to Perfection: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

1. Cool Down: Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least an hour. This will help them set and make them easier to cut.

2. Slice and Enjoy: Carefully lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares. Serve them plain, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Tips for Perfect Peach Bars

• Selecting Peaches: Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and sweet-smelling. Firm, unripe peaches may not yield the best results.
• Storing Bars: Peach bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well; just wrap them tightly and enjoy later.

Conclusion

Heavenly summer peach bars are a delightful way to celebrate the season’s bounty. Their sweet, fruity filling paired with a buttery crust makes for a mouthwatering dessert that everyone can enjoy. So gather your fresh peaches and get baking; a delicious summer treat awaits!