Last updated on July 9, 2025
Do you remember the sweet aroma of baked goods wafting through your home, especially during those warm summer days? There’s something utterly heartwarming about the smell of ripe peaches baking in the oven, mixed with buttery crust and just a hint of sugar. It takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the simple act of baking felt like a warm embrace. Today, I want to share with you my Peach Bars Recipe, a dish that encapsulates the nostalgia of those days and brings a touch of sunshine into your kitchen.
Don’t worry if you’re new to baking or feel like you don’t have a knack for it—this recipe is designed to make your experience simple and enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone just starting out, you will find this recipe stress-free and totally doable. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to whip up these delightful treats and impress your family and friends.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe of Peach Bars
What makes my Peach Bars Recipe so special? For starters, it’s a beloved family recipe handed down through generations. Growing up, I remember helping my grandmother mix the dough and cut the peaches, filling our home with laughter and love. This recipe invites that same joy into your kitchen, making it perfect for families and beginner cooks alike.
But the beauty of this recipe doesn’t stop at the memories; there are practical benefits too. The recipe features easy-to-find ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, meaning fewer trips to the grocery store! Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap out the peaches for other fruits based on your seasonal cravings, making it a staple for every time of year. Cozy, practical, and full of love, these bars are sure to become a staple in your own home.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Peach Bars Recipe
To make these delectable peach bars, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Peach Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 15–18 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peach Bars are a delightful summer dessert made with a buttery crust, juicy peaches, and a sweet crumb topping. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (divided)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into chunks
- 1 large egg
- 30 oz peaches, drained and cut up (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 4 tsp cornstarch
- Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg, chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix 3 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Add 1 cup of chilled butter and cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Whisk 1 large egg slightly and mix it into the crumb mixture until combined.
- Press half of the dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 4 tsp cornstarch. Add 30 oz of drained, chopped peaches and stir to coat.
- Spoon the peach mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the peach layer.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the top is lightly golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, canned, or thawed frozen peaches—just make sure they’re well-drained.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and flavor.
- To make this nutty, fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: peach bars, summer dessert, fruit bars, peach crumble bars, easy peach recipe
Essentials
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your crust and crumble.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar – Perfect for adding sweetness, enhancing the flavors of the peaches.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the crust rise and gives it a nice texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavors in the dough.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cut into chunks) – Butter not only provides a rich flavor but also gives the bars a delightful crumbly texture.
- 1 large egg – Bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 30 oz peaches (drained and cut up) – Fresh or canned peaches work beautifully; they bring that lovely sweetness we crave in summer.
- 4 tsp cornstarch – A thickening agent to help the peach juice stay in place.
Optional Add-Ons
- Cinnamon or nutmeg – A dash of these spices can add warmth and complexity to the flavors.
- Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) – Adds a nice crunch and can enhance the flavor profile of your peach bars.
- Vanilla extract – A splash can elevate the flavor and aroma of the bars even further.
Substitutions and Shortcuts
- If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt to 1/8 tsp.
- For a healthier twist, substitute half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- If you want to skip the peach peeling and slicing, feel free to use frozen peaches; just ensure they’re thawed and drained well before adding to your mixture.
How to Make Peach Bars Recipe Step-by-Step
Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making peach bars! Follow these easy steps, and soon you’ll have a delicious treat to share.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly and develop that golden, beautiful top.
Step 2: Mix the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. Then, add in your 1 cup of chilled, cut butter. Toss the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Using a fork or pastry cutter, blend the butter in until you achieve a crumbly texture. It’s crucial not to overwork the dough; you’re aiming for a combination that will create a tender crust. In a separate bowl, whisk your 1 large egg slightly, and then stir it into the crumb mixture until everything is well combined.
Now, take half of your dough (you should have enough to cover the bottom of your baking pan), and press it into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, forming the base for your bars.
Step 3: Prepare the Peach Filling
In another bowl, take your remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and 4 tsp of cornstarch. Mix them together before adding in the 30 oz of sliced (and drained) peaches. Gently stir until the peaches are well-coated in the sugar mixture.
Carefully spoon the peach mixture over the pressed crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Crumble the Remaining Dough
Take your remaining dough and crumble it over the peach layer. This creates a lovely topping that contrasts with the soft, sweet peaches below.
Step 5: Bake!
Now it’s time to bake! Place the pan in your preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on your bars; you’re looking for a lightly golden brown top.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove your peach bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This helps them set properly, making cutting easier. Once they’re cool, cut them into squares and get ready to enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Peach Bars Recipe
Baking is a wonderful science that can go awry if you aren’t careful. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for when making your peach bars:
Not Measuring Ingredients Properly
One of the most common mistakes in baking is not measuring ingredients accurately. For this recipe, ensure you level off your measurements, especially with flour. Too much flour can lead to a dry and crumbly result, while too little can make your bars too gooey.
Overmixing the Dough
It’s tempting to keep mixing until everything is perfectly smooth, but when it comes to crust and crumble, less is more. Overmixing can develop the gluten in flour, leading to a tough crust instead of a tender one.
Not Allowing the Bars to Cool
Be patient! If you cut into your peach bars before they have fully cooled, they may fall apart. Letting them cool allows the filling to firm up and ensures that you have nice, clean squares.
Using Overripe or Underripe Peaches
Using the right peaches is essential. Overripe peaches can lead to a mushy filling, while underripe ones may lack flavor. Choose peaches that are just ripe—you want them sweet but still firm enough to hold up during baking.
Serving Suggestions for Peach Bars Recipe
Peach bars can be enjoyed in so many ways! Here are some ideas for serving them:
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
What could be better than a warm peach bar topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? The coldness of the ice cream perfectly complements the warm, fruity bars, making it a dessert that’s hard to resist.
Drizzled with Honey
For a touch of elegance, drizzle your bars with honey or a simple homemade glaze. This adds a lovely sweetness and can brighten the overall flavor.
Pair with Fresh Berries
Serve your peach bars alongside a bowl of fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of color and flavor, and they make for a stunning presentation.
Serve at Brunch
These peach bars are not just for dessert. They make for a delightful brunch treat paired with coffee or tea. Slice them into smaller portions and serve them on a platter for guests—everyone will appreciate the sweet addition to their meal.
Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready
Once you’ve mastered the basic Peach Bars Recipe, here are a few pro-level tips to help you elevate your baking skills even further:
Experiment with Different Fruits
While peaches are the star of this recipe, feel free to swap them out for other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or even apples. Different seasonal fruits can offer new flavors and textures.
Flavor Your Dough with Zest
Add a little zest from lemons or limes to your dough for an added layer of flavor. It brightens the dish and balances out the sweetness.
Use a Food Processor
If you have one, using a food processor can make mixing the ingredients even quicker and easier. Just pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Store Properly
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the peach bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to make a delicious Peach Bars Recipe that’s both cozy and classy. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easier than it looks to whip up a batch of these treats. Remember, this recipe is endlessly customizable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own by experimenting with different fruits and flavors.
Now is the time to put on your apron, preheat that oven, and transform your kitchen into a place of warmth and sweetness. Happy baking!
FAQs About Peach Bars Recipe
Can I use other fruits in the Peach Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can substitute with any fruit you like, such as blueberries, raspberries, or apples.
How can I make my Peach Bars more flavorful?
You can enhance your peach bars by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or stir in a bit of lemon or lime zest. These small additions can elevate the whole dish.
How do I store leftover Peach Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer protection, you can freeze them, wrapping them tightly. They can be eaten directly from the freezer or thawed to room temperature.
Can I make this peach bars recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to follow additional guidelines for gluten-free baking if you’re new to it.
What’s the best way to cut the bars into squares?
For clean edges, use a sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion. Make sure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to reduce the risk of them falling apart.
Now that you have all the information and tips to create the perfect Peach Bars, it’s time to get started. Enjoy the warmth and comfort that come from baking and the joy of sharing it with loved ones!
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