Oh, let me tell you about my love affair with Peach Pie Bars! There’s just something about the sweet, juicy peaches mingled with a crumbly shortbread base that makes my heart melt. Growing up, my grandma used to whip up these delightful bars every summer when peach season hit its peak. The aroma of those warm peaches baking in the oven would fill our house, and it became a tradition to enjoy them fresh with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
These Peach Pie Bars are not only a nostalgic treat but also a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of summer, even when the sun isn’t shining. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can make them for a barbecue, a picnic, or just because.
What’s in Peach Pie Bars?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make these bars so scrumptious:
Fresh Peaches: Nothing beats the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches. I recommend using fresh ones if they’re in season for the best flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch. Just make sure they’re thawed beforehand!
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of the crust and crumb topping. I typically go for unbleached flour, but any all-purpose will do.
Sugar: I like a combination of granulated sugar for the filling and brown sugar for the crust. The brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note!
Butter: Ah, butter – the secret ingredient to a flaky crust. I always use unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the peach filling. It’s a must to prevent a soggy bar situation!
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making each bite taste like a sweet summer dream.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweet goodness.
Is Peach Pie Bars Good for You?
While these bars are certainly a treat, let’s chat about their health profile.
Peaches: These beautiful fruits are low in calories, high in vitamins A and C, and are a good source of fiber. Who knew you could score some nutrients while indulging?
Sugar: While delicious, be mindful of the sugar content in this recipe. Too much of it can lead to blood sugar spikes, especially for those with diabetes.
Butter: It’s a delightful source of flavor, but also high in saturated fats. If you’re looking to lighten up a bit, you can substitute half the butter with applesauce for a healthier twist.
So, while they aren’t exactly health food, Peach Pie Bars definitely have some redeeming qualities when you enjoy them in moderation!
Ingredients
– 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or frozen, thawed)
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
This recipe makes about 16 delicious bars, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself, no judgment here!).
How to Make Peach Pie Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well until smooth.
3. Add the flour, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon (if using) to the sugar mixture. Stir until just combined; the dough will be crumbly.
4. Press about 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
5. While the base is baking, toss the sliced peaches with cornstarch, vanilla, and a sprinkle of sugar (if desired).
6. Remove the base from the oven and layer the peach mixture evenly on top.
7. Crumble the remaining dough over the peaches to create a topping.
8. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbling.
9. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Peachy Keen Tips for Success
– If you’d like to switch things up, try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
– You can also mix in some blueberries or raspberries with the peaches for a delightful twist. Summer flavors on parade!
– Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a heavenly treat!
So, what do you think? I absolutely invite you to try out these Peach Pie Bars and bask in the buttery, peachy goodness. Don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends; they’ll love you for it! Let me know how yours turn out – I can’t wait to hear all about it!
