Name: Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes; 3-4 large peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that perfectly captures the magic of summer, these Heavenly Summer Peach Bars will sweep you off your feet. Imagine buttery crust, juicy peach filling, and a golden, cinnamon-kissed crumb topping all in one dreamy bite! Every layer brings out the sweet sunshine flavor of ripe peaches, making this dessert a celebration of the season’s best fruit. Whether you’re gathering for a picnic, brunch, or just need a sunny pick-me-up, these bars will quickly become your favorite go-to treat.

Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Heavenly Summer Peach Bars lies in an ingredient list that’s both simple and full of purpose. Each staple—from sweet peaches to crumbly butter—plays a key role in creating the perfect contrast of textures and flavors, so be sure to use the freshest ingredients you can find for the best results!

All-purpose flour: The foundation for both the crust and topping, creating a sturdy yet tender base.
Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness to the crust, filling, and crumb layers.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances every note of flavor throughout the dessert.
Unsalted butter: Cold butter makes the crust wonderfully flaky, while melted butter brings richness to the crumb topping.
Large peaches: Perfectly ripe peaches are the star of the show—juicy and bursting with flavor. Peel, pit, and slice for the best texture.
Lemon juice: A splash brightens the peach filling and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Just half a teaspoon adds a depth of warmth to the fruit layer.
Brown sugar: Mixed into the topping for a caramel-like richness that pairs beautifully with peaches.
Cinnamon: A subtle sprinkle infuses the bars with cozy, nostalgic spice.
Powdered sugar (optional): Dust the finished bars for an elegant bakery finish.

How to Make Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on each side. This little trick will make lifting out your cooled bars for slicing so much easier—and mess-free!

Step 2: Create the Buttery Crust

Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Take cold, cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or a fork, work it into the dry ingredients until you see coarse, sandy crumbs. This is what gives your bars that amazing, tender snap. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan and bake for about 15-18 minutes, until you see the edges turn a light golden shade. Let it cool slightly, giving you the perfect foundation for your next luscious layer.

Step 3: Make the Peach Filling

In a large bowl, toss your sliced peaches with sugar, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until each piece is beautifully coated. The flour will help thicken the juices as the bars bake, while the sugar and lemon make the fresh peach flavor sing. This step is the heart of just-picked fruit freshness that makes Heavenly Summer Peach Bars so irresistible.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumb Topping

Mix together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Pour over the melted butter and stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined and forms lovely, chunky crumbs. This layer is going to be your secret weapon: sweet, spiced, and perfectly crisp when baked.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread your peachy filling gently and evenly over the pre-baked crust. Next, sprinkle the crumb topping all over those peaches, covering every corner for an even crunch in every bite. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crumb is gloriously golden and you can see the filling bubbling at the edges.

Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience pays off here, as cooling helps everything set, so you’ll get those neat, bakery-worthy squares. Use the parchment paper edges to lift out your bars and cut them into generous squares. For that little finishing touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar if you like, or dive right in and savor every peachy bite.

How to Serve Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar gives your Heavenly Summer Peach Bars a charming, elegant look without overwhelming their fruit-forward flavor. For a special touch, add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—extra indulgence is always welcome!

Side Dishes

Serve these bars with a pitcher of fresh lemonade or peach iced tea for the ultimate summer snack spread. They’re also wonderful alongside a small bowl of mixed berries or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt if you want to lean into a light, brunchy vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into diamonds or mini rectangles for an eye-catching dessert platter. For parties, pop a wooden stick into each square and serve them like “peach bar pops”—adorably portable and guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Individual ramekins are also a fun way to personalize plating for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Heavenly Summer Peach Bars fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll remain delicious and moist for up to four days—though they rarely last that long!

Freezing

If you want to make these bars well in advance, you can absolutely freeze them. Wrap the cooled, uncut bars tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and slice as usual.

Reheating

Your bars taste phenomenal chilled or at room temperature, but if you’d like them warm, quickly microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for five minutes. Add ice cream while they’re warm for an extra-luxe treat.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes! If peaches are out of season, you can substitute with drained canned peaches or thawed frozen peaches (pat them dry to avoid excess liquid). The flavor will still be delicious, though nothing quite compares to fresh summer peaches in these bars.

How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?

For the neatest slices, allow the bars to cool completely—or even chill them for an hour in the refrigerator before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for picture-perfect squares every time.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so just keep an eye out for that golden topping and bubbling filling.

What if my crumb topping looks too wet or dry?

If the topping seems too wet, add a spoonful of flour until you reach a crumbly texture. If it’s too dry, drizzle in a tiny bit more melted butter. Crumbs should hold together but not be pasty or powdery.

Do these bars travel well for picnics or potlucks?

Heavenly Summer Peach Bars are fantastic for sharing—they pack up beautifully and hold their shape, making them ideal for festivities, bake sales, and outdoor gatherings. Just layer parchment between stacked bars to keep them looking lovely.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about baking Heavenly Summer Peach Bars and sharing them with people you love. The combination of bright peach filling and buttery crumbs is summer on a plate—simple, soul-satisfying, and always greeted with smiles. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a sweet highlight of your sunny days!

Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the flavors of summer with these Heavenly Summer Peach Bars. A buttery crust, sweet peach filling, and a crumbly topping come together to create a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss gently to coat the peaches evenly.
Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
Assemble the Bars: Spread the peach filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the peaches.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.
Serve: Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. Enjoy these bars on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or ginger to the peach filling.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American