Heavenly Summer Peach Bars (Print Version)

Juicy peaches nestled between buttery crust and cinnamon crumb topping, creating the perfect summer dessert for any gathering.

# Ingredients:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

→ Filling

05 - 3-4 large peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Crumb Topping

10 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
11 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
13 - 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
14 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

# Steps to Follow:

01 - 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.
02 - 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.
03 - In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss gently to coat the peaches evenly.
04 - 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.
05 - Spread the peach filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the peaches.
06 - 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.
07 - Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. Enjoy these bars on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If fresh peaches are out of season, you can substitute with frozen peaches, ensuring they are thawed and well-drained.
02 - Ensure the butter for the crust is cold to achieve a flaky and tender base.
03 - Store the peach bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
04 - These bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced by serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.