Fresh Peach Crumb Bars Recipe

Fresh Peach Crumb Bars: A Summer Delight

Summer is a season that brings with it an abundance of fresh, juicy fruits, and peaches are undoubtedly one of the most beloved. Their sweet, tangy flavor and luscious texture make them a perfect ingredient for a variety of desserts. Among these, Fresh Peach Crumb Bars stand out as a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This simple and easy recipe not only highlights the natural goodness of fresh peaches but also offers a versatile base that can be adapted to any of your favorite summer fruits.

Ingredients and Their Role

Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and their significance in the recipe.

For the Crust:

1. Granulated Sugar (1 cup / 222g): Adds sweetness to the crust, balancing the tartness of the peaches.
2. All-Purpose Flour (3 cups / 378g): Provides structure and stability to the crust and crumb topping.
3. Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Acts as a leavening agent, giving the crust a light, tender texture.
4. Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
5. Ground Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the peaches.
6. Unsalted Butter (1 cup, cold, cut into cubes / 8oz or 226g): Creates a rich, flaky texture in the crust and crumb topping.
7. Large Egg (lightly beaten): Helps bind the ingredients together, providing structure to the crust.

For the Peach Layer:

1. Granulated Sugar (½ cup / 110g): Sweetens the peach filling, enhancing their natural sweetness.
2. Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the peach mixture, preventing it from becoming too runny.
3. Ground Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the peach filling.
4. Large Peaches (5, peeled and diced, about 4 to 5 cups): The star ingredient, providing a burst of fresh, juicy flavor.
5. Fresh Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of acidity, balancing the sweetness and preventing the peaches from browning.

For the Icing (Optional):

1. Powdered Sugar (1 cup / 115g): Forms the base of the icing, adding sweetness and a smooth texture.
2. Almond Extract (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the peaches.
3. Milk (1 tablespoon, more or less for desired consistency): Thins the icing to the desired consistency, making it easy to drizzle over the bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we understand the role of each ingredient, let’s walk through the process of creating these delightful Peach Crumb Bars.

1. Preparing the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F if using a glass pan or dark metal pan, or 375°F for a light metal pan. Lightly grease or spray a 13×9-inch baking pan and set it aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The combination of these dry ingredients forms the base of our crust and crumb topping, providing a balance of sweetness, structure, and flavor.

Next, add the cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry cutter, blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand. The cold butter is crucial here, as it creates a flaky texture in the crust. If you prefer, you can also use a food processor for this step. Simply process the sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together, then add the butter and process until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Add the lightly beaten egg and mix until the dough starts to hold together but is still crumbly.

Gently press a little more than half of the dough into the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. This will form the sturdy base of our bars.

2. Preparing the Peach Layer

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture will thicken and flavor the peaches, creating a luscious filling.

Add the diced peaches to the bowl and toss to combine, ensuring each piece is coated with the sugar mixture. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice over the peaches and toss again to coat. The lemon juice not only adds a hint of acidity but also helps to prevent the peaches from browning.

Pour the peach mixture over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

3. Adding the Crumb Topping

Using your hands, press together handfuls of the remaining crumb topping to create clumps. Scatter these clumps and any remaining crumbled topping over the peach layer, leaving some peaches visible through the topping. This crumbly layer adds texture and a delightful crunch to the bars.

4. Baking the Bars

If using a glass pan, bake the bars at 350°F for 50-55 minutes or until lightly browned. If using a metal pan, bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes. The bars are done when the topping is golden brown, and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before chilling them in the refrigerator. Chilling helps to set the filling, making it easier to cut the bars into neat squares.

5. Preparing the Icing (Optional)

While the bars are cooling, prepare the optional icing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon of almond extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency. The icing should be thick but pourable.

Just before serving, drizzle the icing over the chilled bars. The sweet, nutty icing adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful finishing touch to the bars.

Serving and Storing

Cut the bars into squares and serve. These Peach Crumb Bars are perfect for a summer picnic, a potluck, or simply as a delightful treat to enjoy at home. The combination of the buttery crust, juicy peach filling, and crumbly topping is sure to please any crowd.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best results. The bars will stay fresh for several days, although they are likely to be devoured much sooner.

Variations and Tips

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to use other fresh summer fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or plums. Simply substitute the peaches with an equal amount of your chosen fruit and follow the same steps.

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your Peach Crumb Bars turn out perfectly every time:

1. Choose Ripe Peaches: For the best flavor, use ripe, juicy peaches. They should be fragrant and slightly soft to the touch.
2. Peeling Peaches: To easily peel peaches, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily.
3. Chill Before Cutting: Chilling the bars before cutting helps the filling to set, making it easier to slice them into neat squares.
4. Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your peaches, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. Taste the peaches before adding them to the filling and adjust as needed.

In conclusion, Fresh Peach Crumb Bars are a celebration of summer’s bounty. Their delightful combination of a buttery crust, juicy peach filling, and crumbly topping makes them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you stick with peaches or experiment with other fruits, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!