Gooey Peach Bars

As the days grow longer and the temperature rises, there's a certain magic that summer brings, especially when it comes to desserts. Summer desserts are unique; they burst with the vibrant flavors of fresh fruits and offer a refreshing respite from the heat. Among these delightful treats, Peachy Paradise Bars stand out as an easy-to-make, scrumptious option that celebrates the season's bounty.

Dive into summer with these Peachy Paradise Bars that encapsulate the vibrant flavors of juicy fresh peaches and a buttery crumbly crust. Perfect for any gathering or simply a sweet treat, this easy-to-make recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the season. With layers of luscious peach filling and a golden topping, every bite offers a taste of nostalgia and joy. Get ready to impress family and friends with this scrumptious dessert that’s packed with flavor and fun!

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh peaches, diced (approximately 4-5 medium peaches)

1 cup granulated sugar, divided

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 large egg

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)

Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.

Prepare the Peach Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced fresh peaches with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently toss the mixture to coat the peaches thoroughly. Allow this to sit while you prepare the crust to enhance the flavor.

Create the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, creating a smooth mixture.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Incorporate Oats and Almond Flour: Gently fold in the rolled oats and almond flour into the mixture. Expect a thick and slightly crumbly consistency—it should hold together well.

Layer in the Baking Pan: Press approximately two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust. Distribute the peach filling over the crust in an even layer, then crumble the remaining oat mixture on top to create a rustic topping.

Bake to Perfection: Place the baking pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. For optimal texture, consider refrigerating the bars for at least one hour before cutting them into squares. Before serving, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance, if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

- Prep Time: 20 minutes

- Total Time: 1 hour

- Servings: 9 delicious squares

Enjoy your delightful Peachy Paradise Bars, perfect for a summer treat or a comforting dessert!