Buttery Peach Bars

If you are looking for the perfect weekend baking project, these Buttery Peach Bars are exactly what you need. There is something incredibly magical about how the juicy sweetness of the fruit pairs with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth crust. Every single bite of these Buttery Peach Bars delivers the perfect balance of a crispy, golden-brown streusel topping and a vibrant, jammy center.

Whether you are bringing them to a backyard barbecue or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, these Buttery Peach Bars are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Prep time: 20 minutes | Bake time: 45 minutes | Yields: 16 bars

Ingredients

For the Crust & Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

For the Vibrant Peach Filling:

• 5 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 5-6 medium peaches)

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the bars out later.

2. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and the egg. Using a pastry cutter, a fork, or even your hands, blend everything together until the mixture resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs.

3. Press the Crust

Take about half of your crumb mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the base.

4. Mix the Fruit Filling

In a separate bowl, gently toss the diced peaches with the lemon juice, 1/2 cup of sugar, and cornstarch. Make sure the cornstarch is completely dissolved so your filling thickens up beautifully in the oven.

5. Assemble and Bake

Spoon the peach mixture evenly over the unbaked crust. Then, take the remaining crumb mixture and scatter it loosely over the peaches, letting some of that bright orange fruit peek through.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling at the edges.

6. Cool and Slice

Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. For the cleanest squares, pop the cooled pan into the fridge for about an hour before cutting into them.

Baker's Tip: If you want to elevate these Buttery Peach Bars even further, try drizzling a simple vanilla glaze over the top just before serving, or enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!