Classic Peaches and Cream Bars – Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer. With these Classic Peaches and Cream Bars. This recipe combines a buttery crust, juicy peach filling, and a sweet vanilla icing drizzle. Made with fresh peaches, oats, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla. These bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, soft and crunchy. They’re great for picnics and desserts. Or just a sweet snack at home.
The first time I made these Classic Peaches and Cream Bars. I was looking for a dessert. That would capture the essence of summer. Peaches are my husband’s favorite fruit. And I wanted to surprise him with a treat. That would remind us both of our childhood summers. Spent at the peach orchards. My child helped by peeling the peaches. And sneaking a few bites, of course. When I pulled the bars out of the oven. The kitchen was filled. With a heavenly aroma. As we sat down to enjoy them. My husband and child. Both gave me a thumbs-up. And I knew I had found a new family favorite. Now, these bars are a staple in our household. Especially during peach season.
What makes this Classic Peaches and Cream Bars truly stand out?
These Classic Peaches and Cream Bars stand out. Because of their unique combination of textures. And flavors. The crust is both soft and crumbly. Providing a perfect base. For the rich and juicy peach filling. The addition of oats. Adds a wholesome touch. While the pecans in the topping. Give a delightful crunch. The vanilla icing drizzle ties everything together. With its sweet, creamy finish. These bars are versatile enough for any occasion. From casual family gatherings. To elegant afternoon teas. They’re easy to make. Yet impressive enough to earn rave reviews. From anyone who tries them.
What You Need To Make This Classic Peaches and Cream Bars Recipe?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base. For both the crust and filling. Make sure to spoon. And level your flour. To avoid overpacking the cup. Which could result in a dense crust.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: You can use either old-fashioned or quick oats. Rolled oats give a nice texture. While quick oats make for a softer crust.
Brown Sugar: This sweetener adds a rich, caramel-like flavor. That complements the peaches beautifully. You can use light or dark brown sugar. Depending on your preference.
Unsalted Butter: Use cold, cubed butter. To create a flaky crust. The butter must be cold. To achieve the right crumbly texture in the crust.
Pecans (Optional): Pecans add a crunchy element to the topping. But you can omit them or substitute them with walnuts. Or almonds if you prefer.
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches give the best flavor. And texture. Make sure they are ripe and juicy. For maximum sweetness. If fresh peaches are unavailable. Canned or frozen peaches. Can be substituted.
Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla goes a long way. In enhancing the overall flavor of these bars. Use pure vanilla extract. For the best taste.
Steps To Make Classic Peaches and Cream Bars:
Preheat the Oven:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan. With aluminum foil or parchment paper. Leaving some overhang on the sides. To help you lift the bars out later. Grease with butter or nonstick spray.
Make the Crust and Topping:
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Until well combined. Add the cold, cubed butter. And cut it into the mixture. Using a pastry blender or two forks. Until you have a coarse, pea-sized crumb consistency.
Step 3: Set aside 3/4 c of the mixture. And mix with pecans for the topping.
Prepare the Base:
Step 4: Evenly press the remaining oat mixture. Into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes to set the crust. While you prepare the filling.
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Make the Peach Filling:
Step 5: In another bowl, whisk together the egg and sugar. Until smooth and creamy. Add in the flour and salt. And whisk until fully combined. Gently fold in the chopped peaches.
Step 6: After the crust has baked for 15 minutes. Pour the peach filling evenly over the hot crust. Sprinkle the reserved oat. And pecan mixture on top.
Bake the Bars:
Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-32 minutes. Or until the top is golden brown. And the filling is set. Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Cut and Serve:
Step 8: Once the bars are thoroughly chilled. Use the overhang from the parchment or foil. To lift the entire block out of the pan. Cut into squares with a sharp knife. Wiping the knife clean between cuts. For neat slices.
Make the Vanilla Icing:
Step 9: In a small bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the icing over each square. Just before serving.
Step 10: Enjoy your delicious Classic Peaches and Cream Bars! Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator. For up to 5 days.
Tip:
For the best flavor and texture. Try using perfectly ripe, juicy peaches. In your Classic Peaches and Cream Bars. You can peel them if you like. But keeping the skin on. Adds a rustic touch. And extra nutrients. Make sure your butter is cold. When making the crust and topping. This will help create. That perfect crumbly texture. When drizzling the vanilla icing. Allow the bars to cool completely. Ensuring it sets beautifully. Without melting away. For an extra twist. Consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg. Or a splash of almond extract to the filling. To enhance the peach flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?
Yes. You can use canned peaches. If fresh peaches are not available. Just make sure to drain them well. And pat them dry with a paper towel. To remove excess moisture. Before using them in the filling. This will help prevent the bars from becoming soggy.
Can I substitute the pecans with another type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well. As a substitute for pecans in this recipe. If you’re allergic to nuts. Or prefer a nut-free version. You can simply omit the pecans altogether.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Instead of regular flour. And ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. You can find gluten-free flour blends. At most grocery stores. And they usually work well as a 1:1 substitute for regular flour.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Classic Peaches and Cream Bars
Ingredients
Crust & Topping:
- 1 c 125 grams all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1/2 c 43 grams old-fashioned whole rolled oats (or quick oats)
- 1/3 c 67 grams packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 10 tbsp 142 grams unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Optional: 1/2 c 70 grams chopped pecans
Peach Filling:
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 c 100 grams granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp 8 grams all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 medium peaches peeled and chopped (about 1.5 c)
Vanilla Icing:
- 1/2 c 60 grams confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tbsp 15 ml milk
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). And line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Leaving a bit of overhang on the sides. For easy removal later. Grease the paper lightly.
Make the Crust and Topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well. Add the cold, cubed butter. And use a pastry cutter. Or your fingers. To mix until you have a crumbly texture. Reserve 3/4 c of this mixture for the topping. And mix in the pecans if using.
Prepare the Base:
- Press the remaining mixture firmly. Into the prepared pan. To form an even crust. Bake for about 15 minutes. Until lightly golden. This will help set the crust. Before adding the filling.
Prepare the Peach Filling:
- While the crust is baking. Whisk the egg and granulated sugar together. Until smooth in a separate bowl. Stir in the flour and salt. Then gently fold in the chopped peaches. Ensuring they are evenly coated.
Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the peach mixture evenly over the hot crust. Then sprinkle the reserved oat topping over the peaches.
Bake the Bars:
- Return the pan to the oven. And bake for another 30-32 minutes. Until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is set. The aroma will be irresistible!
Cool and Drizzle:
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan. For about 30 minutes. Before transferring them to the refrigerator. To chill for at least 2 hours. Once chilled. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. And cut them into squares.
Prepare the Vanilla Icing:
- Mix confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. In a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the icing over each bar just before serving. For a sweet finish.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
