There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy, sun-ripened peach in the middle of summer. That sweet, tangy flavor instantly transports me to warm, carefree afternoons.
So, when peaches are in season, I can’t resist baking up a batch of my favorite Summer Peach Bars. These bars are everything I love in a dessert: buttery, crumbly, and bursting with fresh peach goodness.
What makes these Summer Peach Bars so special? They’re ridiculously easy to make, and they work for any occasion. Whether you’re taking them to a backyard barbecue or just treating yourself to a quiet moment with coffee, these bars are the perfect pick-me-up.
Plus, they’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into the recipe, you’re going to love it!
What’s Inside This Recipe?
Ingredients for Summer Peach Bars
To make these Summer Peach Bars, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. I love how straightforward this recipe is no fancy tools or hard-to-find items required!
For the Crust & Crumble:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats (for a delicious, hearty texture)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Peach Filling:
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 4–5 medium peaches)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to help thicken the filling)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to brighten the peach flavor)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for a subtle nutty hint
Optional tools: A 9×9-inch baking pan, parchment paper for easy cleanup, and a pastry cutter or fork for mixing.
Got everything ready? Great! Let’s get baking.
How to Make Summer Peach Bars
This step-by-step guide will walk you through making these Summer Peach Bars. It’s simple, fun, and totally beginner-friendly.
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This will make it super easy to lift the bars out later.
Step 2: Make the crust and crumble
In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture looks like damp sand and holds together when pressed.
Take about two-thirds of the mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use your fingers or the back of a measuring cup to get an even layer. Reserve the remaining mixture for the crumble topping.
Step 3: Prepare the peach filling
In another bowl, toss the diced peaches with cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). This step thickens the filling and keeps it from getting too runny when baked.
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust in the pan, making sure the peaches are distributed all the way to the edges.
Step 4: Add the crumb topping
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the peaches. I like to leave some larger clumps for extra texture, it bakes up beautifully golden and crispy.
Step 5: Bake until golden
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbling slightly around the edges. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
Step 6: Cool and slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan, this helps them set up and makes slicing a breeze. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out, then cut them into squares or rectangles.
Recipe Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the best things about thses Summer Peach Bars is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun ways to make these peach bars your own:
- Oatmeal Peach Bars: Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour or add extra oats for a heartier texture. This twist keeps things wholesome and perfect for breakfast or snacking.
- Gluten-Free Peach Bars: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. The results are just as delicious and perfect for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Peach and Cream Bars: Add a layer of cream cheese filling for a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet peaches. Just mix 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and spread it over the crust before adding the peaches.
- Vegan-friendly: Use plant-based butter and replace the egg with a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce to create a delicious vegan version.
- Berry twist: Mix in fresh raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries along with the peaches for a colorful, summery fruit blend.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom to the crumb topping for warm, cozy notes that complement the sweet peaches.
- Lemon lover’s version: Add fresh lemon zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Make it nutty: Sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds into the crumble topping for extra crunch and texture.
- Serving tip: These bars are amazing served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled straight from the fridge for a refreshing summer treat.
- Make-ahead tip: The bars can be baked and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for longer storage, perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet snack anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Peach Bars
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! If using canned peaches, drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels. For frozen peaches, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid. Fresh peaches are best for flavor, but these substitutes work in a pinch.
Do I have to peel the peaches?
Peeling the peaches is optional. If you don’t mind the texture of the skin, you can leave it on to save time. Personally, I love the smooth texture you get when they’re peeled, but it’s entirely up to you.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just bake the bars in a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by about 5–10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure the topping doesn’t overbrown.
How should I store leftover peach bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned above.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with plant-based butter and use a flax egg or applesauce instead of the regular egg. The result is still rich, crumbly, and full of peachy goodness.
What can I serve with peach bars?
These Summer Peach Bars are wonderful on their own, but for an extra treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm peach filling paired with the cold creaminess is heavenly!
Let’s Get Baking!
I hope you’re as excited to make these Summer Peach Bars as I am to share them with you. They’re simple, sweet, and packed with all the best flavors of summer.
Whether you’re whipping these up for a potluck or savoring one with your morning coffee, they’re sure to brighten your day.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share your photos on social media. Don’t forget to tag me,I love seeing your creations!
Looking for more sweet summertime treats? You’ll love my Fresh Peach Cheesecake or Easy Nectarine Cake.
Happy baking, friends!
Wanda
Summer Peach Bars Recipe
Equipment
- A 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Pastry cutter or fork for mixing
Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumble:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats for a delicious, hearty texture
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
For the Peach Filling:
- 3 cups fresh peaches peeled and diced (about 4–5 medium peaches)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch to help thicken the filling
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice to brighten the peach flavor
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for a subtle nutty hint
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This will make it super easy to lift the bars out later.
Step 2: Make the crust and crumble
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture looks like damp sand and holds together when pressed.
- Take about two-thirds of the mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use your fingers or the back of a measuring cup to get an even layer. Reserve the remaining mixture for the crumble topping.
Step 3: Prepare the peach filling
- In another bowl, toss the diced peaches with cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). This step thickens the filling and keeps it from getting too runny when baked.
- Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust in the pan, making sure the peaches are distributed all the way to the edges.
Step 4: Add the crumb topping
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the peaches. I like to leave some larger clumps for extra texture, it bakes up beautifully golden and crispy.
Step 5: Bake until golden
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbling slightly around the edges. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
Step 6: Cool and slice
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan, this helps them set up and makes slicing a breeze. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out, then cut them into squares or rectangles.
