Peaches and Cream Bars: A Delicious Summer Dessert
Introduction
As the warm summer days approach, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing and fruity dessert. One of my all-time favorites is Peaches and Cream Bars. These delectable treats are bursting with the flavors of ripe peaches and creamy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to be a hit. In this recipe, I’ll share with you the step-by-step instructions for creating this mouthwatering dessert that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate small bowl, beat one egg and vanilla extract together. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir until well combined and crumbly.
4. Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish to form an even crust.
5. In another bowl, gently mix together the diced peaches, sour cream, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
6. Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
7. Take the reserved crumb mixture and sprinkle it over the peach layer, creating a crumbly topping.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
10. Serve these delightful Peaches and Cream Bars at room temperature or chilled, and enjoy!
Variations
While the classic Peaches and Cream Bars are undeniably delicious, feel free to get creative and try some variations:
– Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb mixture for an added crunch.
– For a tropical twist, substitute the peaches with diced mangoes and add a squeeze of lime juice.
– Drizzle a sweet glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?
A: While fresh peaches are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned peaches in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the recipe.
Q: How should I store the Peaches and Cream Bars?
A: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage, just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Q: Can I use a gluten-free flour substitute?
A: Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular all-purpose flour in this recipe.
Pro Tips
1. Make sure the butter is cold when incorporating it into the flour mixture. This will help create a flaky and crumbly crust.
2. Letting the bars cool completely before cutting them will ensure clean and neat slices.
3. Serve the bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Conclusion
Peaches and Cream Bars are the perfect summer dessert that combines the natural sweetness of peaches with a creamy and buttery crust. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed at a picnic or as an after-dinner dessert, these bars are sure to become a favorite. So, grab some fresh peaches and get baking!
