Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh for Summer Peach Bars?

Yes, you can use canned peaches as a substitute for fresh peaches in Summer Peach Bars, but make sure they are unsweetened to avoid altering the sweetness. Drain the canned peaches well to prevent excess moisture, then proceed by adding sugar as directed by the recipe. This helps maintain the right texture and flavor balance in the bars.

How should I store Summer Peach Bars to keep them fresh?

Store Summer Peach Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to one week. You can also freeze the bars by placing them in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw frozen bars at room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze Summer Peach Bars without losing texture or flavor?

Yes, Summer Peach Bars freeze well. To preserve their texture and flavor, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. The lemon juice in the recipe helps prevent the peaches from discoloring during freezing. When ready to eat, thaw the bars at room temperature for best results.

Why did my Summer Peach Bars turn out too sweet?

If your Summer Peach Bars are too sweet despite reducing sugar, it may be due to using especially ripe or sweet peaches. Fruit sugar levels can vary with ripeness and variety. For a less sweet outcome, consider using slightly tart peaches or reducing added sugar further, keeping texture in mind.

Can I substitute the crumb crust with puff pastry in this recipe?

Puff pastry has not been tested as a substitute for the crumb crust in Summer Peach Bars, so the results may differ. The original recipe uses the same crumb mixture for both crust and topping to achieve the intended texture. If you want to experiment, consider the difference in flakiness and moisture when using puff pastry.

Summer Peach Bars Recipe With Easy Homemade Crumb Topping

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup granulated sugar for the crust

3 cups all-purpose flour for the crust

1 teaspoon baking powder for the crust

½ teaspoon salt for the crust

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon for the crust

1 cup unsalted cold butter, cut into cubes for the crust

1 large egg, lightly beaten for the crust

½ cup granulated sugar for the peach filling

1 tablespoon cornstarch for the peach filling

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon for the peach filling

5 large peaches, peeled and diced for the peach filling

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice for the peach filling

1 cup powdered sugar for the optional icing

¼ teaspoon almond extract for the optional icing

1 tablespoon milk for the optional icing

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Instructions

1-Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F for glass or dark metal pans, or 375°F for light metal pans. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.

2-In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 cups flour, baking powder, salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter to blend in 1 cup cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Add 1 beaten egg and mix until dough holds together but stays crumbly. Press slightly more than half into the pan for the crust.

3-In a large bowl, whisk ½ cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Add 5 diced peaches and toss to combine. Drizzle 1 teaspoon lemon juice over peaches and toss again. Pour the mixture evenly over the crust.

4-Press the remaining dough into clumps and scatter over the peach layer, leaving some fruit visible.

5-Bake at 350°F for glass pans for 50-55 minutes or at 375°F for metal pans for 40-45 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool completely, then chill before cutting and icing.

6-For icing, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon almond extract, and 1 tablespoon milk, adjusting for consistency. Drizzle over bars before serving. Total prep time is 20 minutes, baking takes 45-55 minutes, for about 1 hour 5 minutes overall.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍑 Choose firm, fragrant peaches with slight softness; avoid bruised fruit for best flavor.
🍓 Bars can be made with other fruits like plums, apricots, apples, or berries; adding lemon zest brightens flavors.
❄️ These bars freeze well; store leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for several days.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-55 minutes
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 254
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 33mg