Peach Bars
Posted by Chef Don King, Culinary Market Specialist
Description:
Peach Bars are a delightful treat that brings the essence of summer to your kitchen, no matter the season. Their buttery crust, juicy peach filling, and crumbly topping create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. These bars are not only delicious but also versatile; they're ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a sweet ending to any meal. They're straightforward to make and require simple ingredients, making them an excellent choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. The natural sweetness of the peaches, combined with the hint of lemon and cinnamon, makes each bite a burst of fruity bliss. Plus, they're a great way to use up fresh peaches when they're in season or to enjoy jarred ones during the colder months, like Jake & Amos Peach Halves. Indulge in these Peach Bars, and you'll find they quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Ingredients:
Crust & Topping:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar, pack lightly
3/4 cup salted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon coarse sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Peach Filling:
4 1/2 cups Jake & Amos Peach Halves, drained well and patted dry
1/4 cup cornstarch
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
2. Prepare topping using a hand mixer to mix together all of the ingredients for the crust EXCEPT the coarse sugar.
3. Divide the dough in half and spread one half on the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside the second half of dough.
4. In a large mixing bowl, gently stir together the peaches, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add in the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently toss together to evenly coat the peaches.
5. Places the coated peaches on top of the crust in the ban. Sprinkle remaining crust mixture over the peaches. Sprinkle the top of it all with the coarse sugar for a sweet crunch.
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
7. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream. You can also cut it into bars once cooled.
Recipe inspired by TastesOfLizzyT