Peach Bars Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that captures the joyful spirit of summer with every bite, Peach Bars are your new best friend. These delightful treats combine a buttery, tender base, luscious fresh peaches, and a pretty drizzle of almond glaze, creating a dessert that’s as elegant as it is irresistibly homey. Whether you serve them at a picnic, bring them to a potluck, or enjoy them with coffee on a sunny afternoon, these Peach Bars deliver big flavor and a soft, satisfying texture that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the best part: every ingredient in these Peach Bars plays a starring role, from the juicy stone fruit to the aromatic extracts and the simple pantry staples that form their rich base. Don’t be intimidated by the list—each element is easy to find and truly makes a difference in taste, texture, or the gorgeous golden color of your finished bars.

• Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming—this is what makes the bars so tender and rich.
• Granulated sugar: Lends just the right amount of sweetness and helps achieve that signature golden color.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture, resulting in a lovely, soft crumb.
• Pure vanilla extract: Gives warmth and depth to the batter—don’t skip this for that classic bakery flavor.
• Pure almond extract: Adds a beautiful, subtle nuttiness that makes the bars especially memorable.
• Unbleached all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bars—be sure to measure carefully for best results.
• Morton kosher salt: A little salt brings out the sweetness and balances every bite perfectly.
• Fresh ripe peaches: The heart of Peach Bars—choose peaches that are juicy and fragrant for maximum flavor.
• Packed brown sugar: Adds a caramel note to the peach filling, making it more complex and rich.
• Cinnamon: Warms up the peaches with a cozy spice that pairs perfectly with stone fruit.
• Cardamom: A pinch brings a hint of floral, citrusy aroma that surprises and delights.
• Powdered sugar: The base of the silky almond glaze, melting smoothly for a beautiful finish.
• Cream: Makes the glaze ultra-smooth and pourable—you’ll adore the luxurious texture it adds.
• Pure almond extract (for glaze): Ensures the topping ties everything together with an extra pop of flavor.

How to Make Peach Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 13 x 18-inch rimmed sheet pan with nonstick baking spray. This simple step makes sure your Peach Bars will lift out effortlessly after they’ve baked, making for perfect squares and stress-free cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Bar Dough

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them until the mixture turns pale, fluffy, and unified—this usually takes around 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each so the batter stays smooth. Blend in both the vanilla and almond extracts to infuse your dough with deep, comforting aroma.

Step 3: Finish and Spread the Dough

Slowly incorporate the flour and kosher salt just until the dough comes together. You don’t want to overmix, which keeps your Peach Bars soft instead of tough. Using a spatula or your hands, spread 3/4 of this dough into the prepared pan, smoothing it into a nice, even layer that reaches all the corners.

Step 4: Prepare the Peach Filling

In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced peaches with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. You want every slice to be coated so that each bar bursts with juicy, fragrant fruit and just the right hit of spice. Once combined, evenly distribute the peach mixture over the dough in the pan.

Step 5: Add the Cobbler Topping

With a teaspoon, drop small dollops of the remaining quarter of bar dough over the peaches. Don’t worry about perfection—the patchy, cobbler-like finish is part of these bars’ country charm, creating irresistible pockets of golden crust and bubbling fruit.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake the Peach Bars for about 35 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the peaches are bubbly. You’ll know they’re ready by that heavenly aroma and the light coloring around the crust.

Step 7: Make the Almond Glaze

While the bars are still just slightly warm from the oven, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream, and almond extract for your glaze. Adjust with a drizzle more cream or a sprinkle more sugar until you love the texture—then drizzle it generously across the cooled bars for a sweet, glossy finish.

Step 8: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Let the bars and glaze finish cooling completely. Once set, slice your Peach Bars into neat squares. Get ready to serve up slices of sunshine that melt in your mouth!

How to Serve Peach Bars

Garnishes

For an extra burst of personality, top your Peach Bars with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a scattering of toasted sliced almonds, or a few fresh peach slices. A little zest from a lemon or orange adds brightness for those who love a hint of citrus.

Side Dishes

These bars shine with simple accompaniments—serve them beside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a bowl of Greek yogurt for a brunch-worthy twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Stack bars on a pretty cake stand or rustic platter, arrange them among fresh flowers and whole peaches, or pack them in parchment-lined boxes as a summery take-home treat. Individually wrapping them up makes for a delightful picnic snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Peach Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Their flavor actually deepens after a day, and they hold together beautifully thanks to the tender dough.

Freezing

Peach Bars freeze surprisingly well! Arrange cooled, cut bars in single layers separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw them at room temperature and they’ll taste as fresh as the day you baked them.

Reheating

If you enjoy your Peach Bars warm, pop them into a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave individual squares for about 15 seconds. The filling softens up, the crust gets nice and aromatic, and the glaze stays perfectly sweet.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you can’t get ripe fresh peaches, use well-drained canned slices or thawed frozen peaches. Just be sure to blot them dry to avoid excess moisture making the bars soggy.

Why is almond extract so important in this recipe?

Almond extract highlights the flavor of peaches and gives these bars their characteristic “bakery” aroma. It’s a beautiful partner to stone fruit—feel free to adjust the amount if you like a more subtle hint.

Do I need a mixer, or can I make these by hand?

A mixer makes the creaming step easy and gets the butter perfectly fluffy, but you can definitely make Peach Bars by hand with a sturdy spoon and a bit of elbow grease. Just be sure to mix thoroughly at each stage.

How do I get clean slices for serving?

Let the bars and glaze cool completely before cutting, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for tidy squares. A little patience pays off—your Peach Bars will look picture-perfect!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! These bars are great for sharing, and the recipe doubles easily—just use a larger pan or bake two batches. Keep an eye on the baking time, as thicker bars may need a few extra minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Peach Bars before, trust me—this is one recipe you’ll wind up making again and again. The fresh peaches, buttery base, and creamy glaze guarantee every bite is pure bliss. Don’t wait for a special occasion; gather some peaches and treat yourself (and your favorite people) to these unforgettable bars!

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