Heavenly Peach Bars

$To make Heavenly Peach Bars, gather these fresh and simple ingredients: - 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Zest of 1 fresh lemon - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice Fresh peaches are key. They give the bars their sweet and juicy flavor. I love using ripe, yellow peaches for the best taste. The oats and flour create a nice base. The sugars add sweetness, while butter brings richness. Flavorings like vanilla, cinnamon, and lemon zest brighten every bite. The lemon juice helps keep the peaches fresh and adds a zing. Using these ingredients makes my Heavenly Peach Bars truly special. For more details, refer to the Full Recipe. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grab an 8-inch square baking pan. Lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. Now, take your fresh peaches. Dice them into small pieces. In a medium bowl, add the diced peaches to some lemon juice. Toss gently until the peaches are well coated. Let them marinate for a few minutes. This brings out their sweet flavor. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to blend everything well. Add in the lemon zest for a bright kick. Melt some unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stove. Pour the melted butter and pure vanilla extract into your dry mix. Stir until you get a crumbly texture. Set aside about 1 cup of this mix for the topping later. Take the remaining mixture and press it into the bottom of your baking pan. This forms a nice, firm crust. Next, layer the marinated peach pieces evenly over the crust. Make sure every slice gets some peach goodness. Crumble the reserved topping over the peaches to add texture and flavor. Put your baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The topping should turn a lovely golden brown, and the peach filling will bubble up. Once done, let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This cooling helps them hold their shape when you slice them. To make the best Heavenly Peach Bars, choose ripe, sweet peaches. Varieties like Freestone peaches are ideal. They are easy to slice and have great flavor. Look for peaches with a firm feel and a sweet scent. If you can, buy them at local markets. This way, you get fresher fruit. Their flavor shines in your bars. Getting that perfect crumbly topping is key. Use cold butter when you mix. This creates a nice, flaky texture. You want to mix the butter until it's in small pieces. Don't overmix; it should look like coarse crumbs. This will give you a great crunch on top of the peach filling. Serve your Heavenly Peach Bars warm or at room temp. They taste great either way! For a fun touch, dust them with powdered sugar. Add fresh mint leaves on top for color and flavor. These little details make a big difference. Your friends and family will love this summer treat! {{image_4}} You can switch up the flavor of Heavenly Peach Bars by adding other fruits or nuts. For example, try using ripe berries like blueberries or raspberries. These berries mix well with peaches and add a nice tartness. If you like nuts, chopped walnuts or pecans can give a great crunch. They add depth to the texture and flavor. If you need a gluten-free crust, you can use alternative flours. Almond flour or coconut flour works well in this recipe. Both flours add unique flavors and keep the bars moist. Just remember, using different flours may change the texture. So, adjust the liquid in the recipe if needed. To make these bars vegan, you can swap out some key ingredients. Use coconut oil instead of butter. For the eggs, try using flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. This will help bind the bars without using eggs. You can also choose plant-based sugars to keep it vegan-friendly. These variations keep your Heavenly Peach Bars fun and exciting while meeting different dietary needs. To keep your Heavenly Peach Bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the bars in an airtight container. This helps them stay soft and tasty. They will last up to five days in the fridge. If you have a lot left, cut them into individual portions. This makes it easy to grab one for a snack. Freezing is a great way to save your bars for later. First, let the bars cool completely. Next, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label the bag with the date. They can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat your Heavenly Peach Bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the bars stay soft and warm. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they may become tough. Yes, you can use canned peaches. Drain them well to remove excess juice. This helps keep the bars from getting too soggy. Canned peaches are a great option if fresh ones are not available. Choose peaches packed in juice or water for the best flavor. Look for a golden-brown topping. The edges should pull away from the pan slightly. You can also check the center; it should look set and not jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the bars should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Yes, you can double the recipe! Use a larger baking pan, like a 9x13-inch one. Just watch the baking time, as it may take longer. Check for doneness by looking for that golden color and checking the center. For the complete details on how to make these delicious Heavenly Peach Bars, check out the Full Recipe. In this article, I covered how to make delicious Heavenly Peach Bars. We went through the key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips to ensure your bars taste great. Remember to choose the best peaches for flavor and try out fun variations. You can even customize for vegan or gluten-free diets. Follow proper storage to enjoy them later. Now, you have all you need to bake these tasty bars. Enjoy every bite!$

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these Heavenly Peach Bars that are bursting with fresh peach flavor! Discover how simple ingredients come together to create a delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. With a crunchy topping and a soft, fruity filling, these bars are sure to impress. Don't wait to indulge in this delightful recipe—click through to explore the full steps and make your own Heavenly Peach Bars today!

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Zest of 1 fresh lemon

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for effortless removal once baked.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced peaches with the lemon juice. Gently toss to coat the peaches, allowing them to marinate for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, sea salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Stir in the lemon zest for an invigorating citrus note.

Pour the melted butter and pure vanilla extract into the dry mixture, stirring until it forms a crumbly texture, reminiscent of coarse crumbs. Set aside approximately 1 cup of this mixture to use as the topping later.

Evenly distribute the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly to form a solid crust layer.

Next, layer the marinated diced peaches uniformly over the crust, ensuring an even spread to maximize the peach flavor in every bite.

Crumble the reserved topping mixture generously over the peaches, aiming for an even coverage to create a delightful texture once baked.

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly and fragrant.

Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares to ensure they hold their shape when served.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 9 bars

- Presentation Tips: Serve the Heavenly Peach Bars warm or at room temperature. For a touch of sophistication, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving. Enjoy your delightful creation!