When summer rolls around and juicy peaches are at their peak, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a pan of Heavenly Summer Peach Bars. These bars combine a soft, buttery shortbread crust with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced peach filling, topped with a delicate drizzle of tangy lemon glaze. Whether you serve them as a casual dessert, a coffee break snack, or even at brunch, they’re guaranteed to bring sunshine to your plate.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the ultimate peach bars—from selecting the right peaches and preparing your crust to tips on storing and serving. Get ready for your kitchen to smell amazing!
Why You’ll Love These Peach Bars
These summer peach bars are:
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Bursting with real peach flavor – Made with fresh peaches, no artificial flavorings.
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Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
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Perfectly balanced – Buttery crust, sweet filling, and tart glaze.
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Make-ahead friendly – Great for picnics, potlucks, and meal prep.
Ingredients
Let’s break down the three key components of these bars: the crust, the filling, and the glaze. All ingredients are given with U.S. measurements (cups, tablespoons, etc.) and can be easily found at your local grocery store.
For the Crust:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
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¼ teaspoon salt
For the Peach Filling:
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4 large peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 4 cups)
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½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
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¼ cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar
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2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2% recommended)
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1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
Tools You’ll Need
Before getting started, gather these tools:
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9×13-inch baking pan
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Parchment paper
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Mixing bowls (2–3 medium bowls)
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Whisk
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Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
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Knife or vegetable peeler (for peeling peaches)
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Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out after baking for cleaner cuts.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, butter, and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture becomes coarse and crumbly—like wet sand. You should still see small pieces of butter throughout.
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it down evenly.
Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes, just until it starts to turn slightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Peach Filling
In another bowl, combine the sliced peaches, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Gently toss until the peaches are evenly coated.
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. The peaches will release some juices, which will help form a thick, syrupy filling when baked.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the peach mixture evenly over the partially baked crust. Spread it out gently with a spatula.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the peaches are bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan. The bars will firm up as they cool.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
You can adjust the thickness by adding a few extra drops of milk if needed.
Step 6: Glaze, Slice, and Serve
Once the bars have cooled completely (this takes about 1 hour at room temperature), drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or piping bag.
Slice into 12 squares or rectangles, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 45 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
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Calories per serving: ~230 kcal
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Servings: 12 bars
Note: Nutrition may vary based on the exact size of your peaches and the brands of ingredients used.
Tips for Success
1. Use ripe but firm peaches.
Overripe peaches can become too mushy and release too much liquid, which might make the bars soggy.
2. Don’t skip pre-baking the crust.
This ensures it stays firm and doesn’t absorb too much moisture from the peach filling.
3. Cool completely before glazing.
Warm bars will cause the glaze to melt and become runny.
4. Customize with extras.
Add a handful of chopped almonds or walnuts to the crust for added crunch, or mix a few raspberries or blueberries into the filling for a fruitier twist.
5. Want thicker bars?
Make the recipe in an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan instead of 9×13. Just increase the bake time by 5–10 minutes.
Storing and Freezing
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator:
Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Instructions:
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and serve at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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Serve as a brunch dessert or alongside afternoon tea.
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Great with a hot cup of coffee or iced tea on a sunny day.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to adapt it:
Gluten-Free Option:
Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Vegan Option:
Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk). Make sure the sugar is vegan-certified.
Lower Sugar Option:
Reduce the brown sugar in the filling to ¼ cup and skip the glaze or use a sugar-free substitute.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Yes! If using canned, make sure to drain well. For frozen, thaw and pat dry before using.
Can I make these bars the night before?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavor deepens after sitting overnight.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges will be golden, the filling will bubble, and the center will look set.
Final Thoughts
These Heavenly Summer Peach Bars are a must-bake when peaches are in season. They strike the perfect balance of buttery, fruity, and sweet—with just enough tartness from the glaze to keep you coming back for more. Best of all, they’re easy enough for a beginner baker but impressive enough for guests.
So grab a few ripe peaches, roll up your sleeves, and make your summer a little sweeter—one bite at a time.