Hey there, dessert lover! If you’re anything like me, you know that there’s magic in the kitchen, especially when peaches are in season. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that captures the essence of summer, Peach Pie Bars. These bars are the perfect blend of a flaky crust and luscious peach filling, making each bite a sweet embrace of nostalgia. Ready to turn your kitchen into a haven of fruity aromas? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Peach Pie Bars Recipe
What makes this recipe special? Well, let me tell you! First off, the combination of juicy peaches and a buttery crust creates an irresistible dessert that’s hard to resist. You get all the goodness of a classic peach pie but in a more portable bar form, perfect for sharing (or not)!
These bars are incredibly versatile and can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, making them suitable for any occasion, be it a summer picnic or just a cozy evening at home. Plus, they showcase simple ingredients, so you won’t find yourself running all over town looking for fancy additions. Just grab some fresh peaches, and let’s get baking!
How to Make Peach Pie Bars
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff, how to prepare these heavenly Peach Pie Bars. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to create a delightful treat the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the crust and filling, you’ll need the following:
- 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt (or sea salt)
- 3 sticks unsalted butter (chilled)
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Dash of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour (again, ditch the bleached stuff)
Directions
For the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 1½ cups of sugar, and ¼ tsp of kosher salt.
- Cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of this mixture firmly into the base of the prepared pan. Set the other half aside for the topping.
For the Peach Pie Filling:
- In a separate bowl, combine the sliced peaches with ½ cup of granulated sugar, tossing gently until well coated.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, ½ tsp cinnamon, dash of salt, and vanilla extract.
- Fold in the peach mixture into the egg and sour cream mixture gently to combine.
Now, pour the peach filling over the pressed crust in the pan and sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Now, you can enjoy your Peach Pie Bars!
Best Ways to Serve Peach Pie Bars
These bars are a treat on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your serving game:
- A La Mode: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect contrast of flavors and textures.
- Fresh Whipped Cream: Top each bar with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Garnish with Mint: A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves on top can add a beautiful touch and a hint of freshness.
- Pair with Tea or Coffee: These bars pair wonderfully with your favorite warm beverage, creating a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
Storage Tips for Peach Pie Bars
You’ve made these delicious Peach Pie Bars, now how do you keep them fresh? Here are some great storage tips:
- At Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy them within a couple of days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: For extended freshness, pop those bars in the refrigerator where they’ll last up to a week.
- Freezing: If you’ve made a big batch, feel free to freeze them! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying them again.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peach Pie Bars
To ensure your bars turn out beautifully, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose Fresh Peaches: Select ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. Firm peaches may need a day or two to ripen at room temperature before using.
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing your crust ingredients, be careful not to overmix! This will keep your crust tender and flaky.
- Cool Completely: After baking, allow the Peach Pie Bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set up properly and makes slicing easier.
Delicious Variations of Peach Pie Bars
While the classic Peach Pie Bars are already a winner, here are some fun twists to try:
- Berry Blast: Mix in some blueberries or raspberries with the peach filling for a delicious mixed berry treat.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the crumb topping for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Spiced Up: Try adding nutmeg or ginger to the filling for a spiced flavor profile that’s perfect for fall.
FAQs about Peach Pie Bars
1. Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.
2. How do I know when my bars are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown top, and the filling should be bubbling. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these delicious bars.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making Peach Pie Bars, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start baking! I can’t wait for you to enjoy this blissful treat. Remember, baking is all about creating joy, so don’t stress, embrace the process, and have fun in your kitchen! 🍑✨
Print
Delightful Peach Pie Bars
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert capturing the essence of summer with a flaky crust and luscious peach filling.
Ingredients
- 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 3 sticks unsalted butter (chilled)
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Dash of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 1½ cups of sugar, and ¼ tsp of kosher salt.
- Cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of this mixture firmly into the base of the prepared pan. Set the other half aside for the topping.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sliced peaches with ½ cup of granulated sugar, tossing gently until well coated.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, ½ tsp cinnamon, dash of salt, and vanilla extract.
- Fold in the peach mixture into the egg and sour cream mixture gently to combine.
- Pour the peach filling over the pressed crust in the pan and sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
These bars can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg