Heavenly Summer Peach Bars (Printable View)

Luscious peach bars with a buttery crust and cinnamon crumb, ideal for sunny days and sweet treats.

# Ingredient List:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

→ Peach Filling

05 - 3 to 4 large peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Crumb Topping

10 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
11 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
14 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to overhang for easier removal.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
03 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
04 - In a separate bowl, toss the peach slices with granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to rest to develop flavor and release juices.
05 - In another bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until large crumbs form.
06 - Spread the peach filling evenly across the cooled crust, then distribute the crumb topping evenly over the fruit layer.
07 - Return the pan to the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
08 - Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out and slice into squares. Serve plain or with ice cream. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - For cleaner slices, chill the bars before cutting, and wipe the knife between cuts. Use ripe but firm peaches for best texture.