Craving a sweet treat that’s both easy to make and full of flavor? Look no further than peach pie bars! This delightful dessert combines juicy peaches with a buttery crust, creating a delicious bite-sized treat. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through each step, ensuring your peach pie bars turn out perfect every time. Get ready to impress family and friends with this simple yet scrumptious dessert that’s sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients Needed
– 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
– 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thicker filling)
Dairy and Eggs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
When making these peach pie bars, fresh ingredients make all the difference. I always choose ripe peaches, as they bring the best flavor. The sweet and tangy lemon juice brightens the filling. A touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth.
For the dry ingredients, I usually mix them together in a big bowl. I often find that dividing the sugar helps balance sweetness in both the crust and filling. The flour gives structure, while baking powder helps the crust rise. Salt enhances all the flavors, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create a cozy aroma.
If you want a thick filling, cornstarch is your friend. It helps bind the juices from the peaches. Don’t forget the melted butter and egg! They bring richness and moisture, making the crust tender and flaky.
For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Dish
– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
– Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper
First, we prepare the oven. Set it to 350°F. This heat will help our bars bake evenly. Next, take your 9×13-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. Leave some parchment hanging over the edges. You will thank yourself later!
Preparing the Peach Filling
– Combine diced peaches and sugar
– Marinate with lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg
Now, let’s make the peach filling. Take 2 cups of diced peaches in a bowl. Add ½ cup of sugar. This will sweeten the peaches nicely. Then, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix this well. Let it sit for a few minutes. This marinating makes the flavors pop!
Making the Crust
– Whisk together dry ingredients
– Mix butter and egg, then combine with dry ingredients
– Reserve crust mixture for topping
Next, we create the crust. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and the rest of the sugar. In another bowl, mix ½ cup of melted butter and 1 large egg. Pour this into the dry mix. Stir until just combined. Save about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping later.
Assembling the Bars
– Press crust mixture into the bottom of the dish
– Spread peach filling and top with reserved crust mixture
Now, let’s assemble our bars. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined dish. This forms a nice base. Then, spread the peach filling on top of the crust. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the peaches. This creates a crunchy topping.
Baking the Bars
– Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown
Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Watch for a golden brown top. You want to see the peach filling bubbling. This means it’s ready!
Cooling and Serving
– Cool in the pan for 20 minutes
– Cut into squares and cool completely
After baking, take the dish out. Let it cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Use the parchment to lift the bars out. Cut them into squares. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Now, they are ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the details.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Crust
– Ensure butter is melted for easy mixing. This helps blend the crust smoothly.
– Avoid over-mixing when combining ingredients. This keeps the crust tender and flaky.
Achieving the Best Flavor
– Use ripe, juicy peaches for maximum flavor. Look for peaches that yield slightly when pressed.
– Consider adding almond extract for variation. It gives a lovely nutty taste to the bars.
Serving Suggestions
– Dust with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch to your dessert’s look.
– Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess pairs well with the fruity bars.
These tips will help you craft the perfect peach pie bars. For the complete instructions, check the Full Recipe.
Variations
You can easily change up the classic peach pie bars. Here are some fun ideas.
Different Fruit Options
– Substitute peaches with fresh berries. Strawberries, blackberries, and cherries work well.
– Try combining peaches with blueberries or raspberries for a colorful blend. This adds a new twist.
Gluten-Free Alternative
– Use almond flour for a nutty taste.
– A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend is also a great choice. It keeps the texture light.
Vegan Version
– Replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce. This keeps the bars moist.
– Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option. This change keeps the bars rich and tasty.
These variations allow you to enjoy peach pie bars in many ways. Experiment with your favorites and find what you love best! For more ideas, check the Full Recipe.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
You can keep your peach pie bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container. This method works well and keeps the bars tasty for up to 3 days at room temperature. Just make sure they are completely cooled before sealing them up.
Long-Term Storage
If you want to keep your peach pie bars longer, refrigerate them. They will stay good for up to a week. For even longer storage, freeze them. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. It’s best to wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This way, they won’t get freezer burn.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your peach pie bars again, simply warm them up. You can use an oven or a microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. In a microwave, heat them for about 20-30 seconds. This will make them nice and warm, ready to serve! You can find the Full Recipe for more details.
FAQs
Can I make these peach pie bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these peach pie bars a day in advance. Just store them covered in your fridge. This makes them great for parties or family gatherings. The flavors will blend even more, making them taste even better!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
To check if the bars are done, look for a golden brown top. You should also see the peach filling bubbling. If you see both, they are ready to come out of the oven!
What can I do if the filling is too runny?
If your filling is too runny, don’t worry! You can add cornstarch to the peach mixture to thicken it. This will help absorb extra moisture and give you that perfect, gooey filling.
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches. Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry. This prevents excess moisture, which can make your bars soggy. For the best flavor, choose peaches packed in juice, not syrup.
In this article, we explored how to make delicious peach pie bars. We covered all the fresh and dry ingredients, along with simple step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to achieve the best crust and flavor, plus fun variations for everyone.
Remember, using ripe peaches makes a big difference in taste. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try a new twist, enjoy your homemade treat. Happy baking!
