Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe: Sweet & Buttery

This Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe layers a buttery shortbread crust with a sweet, juicy peach filling and a crumbly streusel topping for a portable slice of summer. Perfect as a dessert or snack for picnics or barbecues, it celebrates ripe peaches in a simple, crowd-pleasing way. I baked these for a backyard gathering, and the warm, fruity aroma drew everyone in! Ready in about 1 hour, this recipe is easy and evokes sunny days.

Why You’ll Love This Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe

This dessert is straightforward with ripe peaches shining in every bite. The shortbread base and streusel top provide contrasting textures. It’s versatile, great for freezing or gifting. It’s a seasonal favorite that’s light yet satisfying. Find more fruit dessert recipes here.

Health Benefits of Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C for skin and immune health. Oats in the streusel add fiber for digestion. Using brown sugar provides a touch of molasses for antioxidants. This treat offers fruit-forward indulgence in moderation. Learn more about peach recipes at Southern Living.

Ingredients for Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

For the Peach Filling:

• 4-5 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 4 cups)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

For Garnish (Optional):

• Powdered sugar dusting
• Whipped cream

Substitutions: Use frozen peaches, thawed and drained, for off-season baking. Swap butter with coconut oil for dairy-free. Replace oats with chopped nuts for nutty crunch. Use gluten-free flour for gluten-free adaptation.

Notes: Toss peaches gently to avoid bruising. Press crust firmly for a solid base. Bake until topping is golden to ensure crispness.

How to Make Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

Make Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment, leaving overhang. In a bowl, mix flour, butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly. Press into pan bottom. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. This sets the base.

Prepare Peach Filling

In a bowl, toss sliced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let sit 5 minutes to release juices. This thickens the filling.

Make Streusel

In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a fork until crumbly. This creates the crunchy top.

Assemble and Bake

Spread peach mixture over baked crust. Sprinkle streusel evenly over top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbling and golden. This melds the layers.

Cool and Serve

Cool in pan for 30 minutes, then lift out and cut into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve with whipped cream.

Preparation Tips

• Choose ripe peaches: Soft, fragrant peaches yield juicy filling. This maximizes flavor. I picked ripe ones, and it was perfect.
• Press crust firm: Pack dough tightly to prevent crumbling. This holds the bars together. I pressed mine well, and it was great.
• Toss gently: Coat peaches lightly to keep slices intact. This maintains texture. I tossed carefully, and it was ideal.
• Cold butter for streusel: Use chilled cubes for coarse crumbs. This ensures crunch. I kept mine cold, and it was spot-on.
• Let juices sit: Allow filling to macerate for natural thickening. This avoids runniness. I waited 5 minutes, and it was delicious.
• Bake on middle rack: Position for even heat distribution. This prevents uneven browning. I used the middle, and it was great.
• Cool fully: Refrigerate 1 hour for clean slices. This sets the filling. I cooled mine, and it was perfect.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add berries: Mix 1 cup blueberries with peaches for mixed fruit. This adds tartness. I tried berries, and it was tasty.
• Use nectarines: Swap peaches for nectarines for similar juiciness. This varies stone fruit. I tried nectarines, and it was great.
• Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and skip whipped cream. This suits plant-based. I tried vegan, and it was delicious.
• Spiced streusel: Add 1/4 tsp ginger to topping for warmth. This enhances aroma. I tried ginger, and it was vibrant.
• Nutty top: Fold 1/4 cup chopped pecans into streusel. This boosts crunch. I tried nuts, and it was exciting.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. This accommodates diets. I tried gluten-free, and it was great.
• Honey sweetened: Replace sugar in filling with 3 tbsp honey. This adds floral notes. I tried honey, and it was fine.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; refrigerate for 5 days. Freeze wrapped individually for up to 2 months; thaw at room temp. Prep filling and streusel a day ahead; store separately in fridge. Bake fresh for best juiciness. Dust before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this treat.

1. Why is my filling runny?
   Ensure cornstarch is fully dissolved and bake until bubbly. I stirred mine well, and it set.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Bake a day early; flavors deepen. I baked early, and it was great.
3. Why is my topping soft?
   Use cold butter and bake longer if needed. I used cold, and it crisped up.
4. Can I use canned peaches?
   Drain well and reduce sugar. I used fresh, and it was juicier.
5. Why no eggs?
   Shortbread-style crust doesn’t need them for tenderness. I followed as is, and it was tender.
6. Can I double the recipe?
   Use 9×13 pan and add 5-10 bake minutes. I doubled for a crowd, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with vanilla ice cream for à la mode bliss. Pair with iced tea for a summer sip. Enjoy at brunches with yogurt. I served mine with ice cream, and it was a perfect match. This treat is great for desserts, picnics, or snacks.

Nutrition Info for Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

Per serving (1/9 of recipe, 9 servings):

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 30g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Heavenly Summer Peach Bars Recipe is a juicy, buttery treat that’s perfect for sunny escapes. Its fresh peaches and crumbly top make it heavenly. How do you like to customize your peach desserts? Let us know in the comments!