Summer Peach Bars
Summer Peach Bars The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfection
As summer rolls in, the scent of ripe peaches wafting through the air is almost synonymous with sun-kissed days and lazy afternoons. What better way to capture the essence of this joyful season than with a delectable batch of Summer Peach Bars? These delightful treats combine buttery, crumbly crust with sweet, juicy peaches, creating a dessert that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just an indulgent afternoon snack. So why wait? Let’s dive into the world of baking perfection and bring these peachy delights to life!
Why Make This Recipe
- A delightful blend of flavors: The sweet peaches combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create a taste sensation that is simply irresistible.
- Perfect seasonal treat: Fresh summer peaches are at their peak, making this recipe a must-try while they are in abundance.
- Versatile enjoyment: Perfect warm from the oven, these bars are equally delicious served at room temperature or chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Making Peach Bars at Home
Creating these Summer Peach Bars is not just about baking; it’s about crafting memories. Follow this step-by-step guide to bring the refreshing taste of summer into your kitchen.
Step 1 Preparing the Crust
Begin by combining the dry ingredients for the crust. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This simple mixture forms the base of your peach bars and is essential for achieving that desirable crumbly texture.
Next, cut in the butter. Take ½ cup of cold, unsalted butter—make sure it’s cubed. Add it to your flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving that flaky crust that will perfectly complement the juicy peach filling.
Gradually work in 4-6 tablespoons of ice water, adding one tablespoon at a time and mixing gently after each addition. You’ll want to stop adding water once the dough starts to come together. Once the dough is sufficiently moist, gently form it into a disc. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2 Pre-Baking the Crust
After cooling, it’s time to roll out the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 9×13 inch rectangle. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9×13 inch baking pan. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan to create a perfect vessel for your filling. Trim any excess dough from the edges to keep everything neat.
Before you bake, prick the bottom of the crust with a fork several times, allowing steam to escape during baking. Next, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the crust for 15 minutes.
Once the time is up, carefully remove the parchment paper and pie weights and return the crust to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the crust turns lightly golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the peach filling.
Step 3 Making the Peach Filling
Now onto the star of the show: the peaches! Start by peeling and slicing 6 medium ripe peaches, which should yield about 6 cups of luscious fruit. In a large bowl, combine these sliced peaches with ½ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Gently toss to coat the peaches evenly in this delightful mixture.
Step 4 Preparing the Topping
For the crumbly topping, in a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, ½ cup of rolled oats, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cut in another 6 tablespoons of cold, cubed unsalted butter just like you did for the crust, aiming for that same coarse crumb texture.
Step 5 Putting It All Together
Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour in the peach filling, spreading it evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the peach mixture. Now, it’s time to bake! Place your assembled bars back in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If you notice that the topping is browning too quickly, feel free to tent the bars with foil to prevent burning.
Step 6 Final Steps
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and for an indulgent twist, serve them warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy the burst of summer flavors that these peach bars provide!
Storage Tips for Summer Peach Bars
To ensure your delicious peach bars stay fresh, consider the following storage guidelines:
- Refrigerate: Store your peach bars in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will remain fresh for 3-4 days at approximately 40°F.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers (or want to prepare ahead), these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply cut them into squares, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight or leave them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Summer Peach Bars
When it comes to serving these peachy delights, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas that will make your guests swoon:
- A la Mode: For an over-the-top dessert experience, serve warm peach bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The combo of warm and cold is simply divine!
- Spiced Whipped Cream: Whip up some heavy cream with a touch of cinnamon and sugar for a fragrant topping that perfectly complements the peaches.
- Fruit Compote: Drizzle a homemade peach or berry compote over each bar for an extra fruity kick.
- Tea Time Treat: Enjoy these peach bars with a cup of tea during a summer afternoon gathering or even as an elegant dessert after dinner.
- Picnic Perfection: Cut them into smaller squares for easy transportation and serve them at your next outdoor gathering. They’re bound to be a hit!
Tips to Make Summer Peach Bars
- Use Ripe Peaches: Ensure the peaches are ripe and juicy for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill Your Butter: Keeping your butter cold is crucial for a flaky crust.
- Don’t Rush Cooling: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to maintain their shape when cutting.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your peaches, you may want to adjust the sugar in the filling to achieve the desired sweetness.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re considering a twist on the classic Summer Peach Bars, here are a couple of ideas:
- Berry Bliss: Substitute half of the peaches with fresh blueberries or raspberries to add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the peaches, creating an exciting flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free variation, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the crust and topping instead of regular flour. This allows everyone to enjoy this delightful treat without compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these peach bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Simply store them in the refrigerator once cooled.
Q: What if I don’t have peaches?
A: If peaches are out of season or unavailable, you can use canned peaches. Just drain and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen peaches work well, but be sure to thaw and drain them before use to prevent a soggy filling.
Q: How can I make these bars spicier?
A: For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely grated fresh ginger to the peach filling for a delightful heat that nicely contrasts the sweetness.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes, here’s a general breakdown for a serving of peach bars (one square):
- Calories: Approximately 220
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 3g
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When embarking on your peach bar journey, keep these common pitfalls in mind to ensure your baking experience goes smoothly:
- Overmixing: Overworking your dough can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined.
- Ignoring the Chill: Don’t skip chilling the dough! This step is essential for achieving that flaky crust.
- Using Unripe Peaches: Subpar fruit can dull the overall flavor. Choose ripe, fragrant peaches for the best results.
By following these tips, you are sure to create Summer Peach Bars that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to bask in the joy of summertime with every bite of these luscious, peachy treats that encapsulate all the sunny goodness of the season. Happy baking!
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Summer Peach Bars
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful dessert bars combining a buttery crust with sweet, juicy peaches, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 4–6 tablespoons ice water
- 6 medium ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6 cups)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt (for filling)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for topping)
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed (for topping)
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, and salt for the crust.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together; refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into a 9×13 inch rectangle; press into the baking pan.
- Prick the crust, line it with parchment paper, and pre-bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Remove parchment, bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Combine sliced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt for the filling.
- For the topping, mix flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt; cut in butter until crumbly.
- Spread peach filling over the crust and sprinkle topping on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until topping is golden and filling is bubbly.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: peach bars, summer dessert, baking recipe
