Description
These Peach Bars combine a buttery, tender crust with a sweet and spiced fresh peach filling, topped with a delicate almond glaze for a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for summer gatherings or a delightful dessert any time of year, they offer a cobbler-like texture in convenient bar form.
Ingredients
Bar Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (at room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
Peach Filling
- 5 cups peeled and thinly sliced fresh ripe & juicy peaches (about 4 to 5 large peaches)
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch cardamom
Almond Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cream
- ½ teaspoon pure almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 13" x 18" rimmed sheet pan with nonstick baking spray and set aside to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This creates a light texture for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then add the pure vanilla and almond extracts, mixing just until combined to keep the dough tender.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the all-purpose flour and Morton kosher salt to the wet ingredients. Mix just until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough which could make it tough.
- Spread Dough in Pan: Spread three-quarters of the bar dough evenly into the prepared sheet pan to form the base layer for the bars.
- Prepare Peach Filling: In a medium bowl, gently fold together the peeled and thinly sliced peaches, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of cardamom. This mixture forms the flavorful filling layer.
- Assemble Peach Layer: Spread the peach filling evenly over the base dough in the sheet pan, ensuring a uniform layer of juicy fruit.
- Add Remaining Dough: Using a teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of the remaining quarter of the bar dough over the peach filling. This creates a rustic cobbler-like appearance with bits of dough peeking through the fruit.
- Bake Bars: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the edges of the bars turn golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly.
- Prepare Almond Glaze: While the bars are baking or just after removing them from the oven, stir together the powdered sugar, cream, and almond extract until the mixture is completely smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or a bit of water to thin, if needed.
- Glaze and Cool Bars: Drizzle the almond glaze over the bars while they are still slightly warm to allow the glaze to set beautifully. Allow the bars and glaze to cool completely in the pan to ensure clean cuts.
- Serve: Once cooled, cut the bars into 24 squares and serve as a sweet, fruity treat perfect for dessert or snacking.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe, juicy peaches to maximize flavor and moisture in the filling.
- You can substitute almond extract with additional vanilla extract if almond flavor is not preferred.
- If peaches are not in season, frozen sliced peaches (thawed and drained) can be used as a substitute.
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better dough texture.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
- Make sure to lightly spray the sheet pan to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
