Peach Pie Bars

$- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 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) - 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. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) - Line a 9x13-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 9x13-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! - 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! - 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. - 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. - 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! - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the classic peach pie bars. Here are some fun ideas. - 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. - Use almond flour for a nutty taste. - A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend is also a great choice. It keeps the texture light. - 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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! 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. 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!$

Experience the delightful taste of summer with Peachy Paradise Pie Bars! Made with fresh peaches and a buttery crumb crust, these bars are perfect for any occasion. With easy step-by-step instructions, you’ll whip up this scrumptious dessert in no time. Serve them warm with ice cream for an irresistible treat.

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced

1 cup granulated sugar, divided

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thicker filling)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, ½ cup of sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch if using. Mix well and set aside to marinate while you prepare the crust.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining ½ cup of sugar.

In another bowl, mix the melted butter and egg until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Reserve about 1 cup of the crust mixture for topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust.

Spread the peach filling evenly over the crust layer. Then, sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the peaches for the topping.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling.

Allow cooling in the pan for at least 20 minutes before lifting the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 bars

- Presentation Tips: Serve these peach pie bars on a lovely platter, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.