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Easy peach bars: A close up of golden, baked summer peach bars.

Heavenly Easy Peach Bars

Amelia
These peach bars are bursting with summer flavor, featuring a buttery crust, juicy peach filling, and optional crumbly oat topping. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Large bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • pastry blender or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups sliced fresh or frozen peaches thawed and drained if frozen
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  • Cut in 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pieces of butter still visible.
  • Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch baking pan. Press firmly to create an even layer.
  • Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
  • While the crust is baking, prepare the peach filling. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups sliced peaches, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  • Gently toss the ingredients together until the peaches are evenly coated.
  • Remove the par-baked crust from the oven.
  • Pour the peach filling evenly over the crust.
  • If making the topping, in a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/4 cup chopped nuts (if using).
  • Cut in 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Sprinkle the topping evenly over the peach filling.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly.
  • Let the peach bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
  • Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.

Notes

For best results, use very cold butter for both the crust and topping. Freezing the butter for 10-15 minutes before using can help. If your peaches aren't very sweet, adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to taste. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a variation, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the peach filling or topping. A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm peach bars perfectly.