There’s nothing quite like the scent of fresh peaches baking in the oven. It’s one of those smells that takes me straight back to barefoot summers and kitchen counters dusted with flour. These Heavenly Summer Peach Bars bring all those cozy, sun-soaked memories to life.

They’re buttery, crumbly, sweet with just the right bit of tart—and so simple to make. Whether you’re new to baking or just want something that doesn’t take all afternoon, this recipe is your peachy summer lifesaver.

Why You’ll Love These Summer Peach Bars

These peach bars are a crowd-pleaser.
They’re easy, flexible, and packed with real peach flavor. Plus, they look just as beautiful on a dessert table as they taste.

• Great way to use up ripe peaches
• Can be made ahead and stored
• No fancy tools or techniques required
• Sweet, tart, buttery, and golden every time

I first made these bars for a last-minute neighborhood barbecue, and people wouldn’t stop asking for the recipe. Now, they’re on repeat every summer.

Ingredients for Heavenly Summer Peach Bars

You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already. That’s part of what makes this such a go-to recipe.

For the crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

For the peach filling:

• 3–4 large peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

The crumb topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

How to Make Summer Peach Bars from Scratch

Here’s how to bring these peach bars together, step by step. They come together in less than 90 minutes, cooling time included.

1. Preheat and prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges for easy removal.

2. Make the crust

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Press evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden.
Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Prep the filling Peach Bars

In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced peaches with sugar, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Make sure every slice is coated. Let it sit while you prep the topping.

4. Mix the crumb topping

In another bowl, stir together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Add the melted butter and stir until a crumbly texture forms.

5. Assemble

Spoon the peach mixture over the cooled crust, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the peaches.

6. Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes.
The top should be golden brown and the filling bubbly.

7. Cool and serve Peach Bars

Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, lift them from the pan and cut into squares.
Dust with powdered sugar or serve as-is.
These are divine warm or chilled, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Helpful Tips for Peach Bar Perfection

• Use ripe peaches: The riper, the sweeter. If your peaches aren’t quite there, let them ripen on the counter a bit longer.
• Keep the butter cold: Cold butter = flakier, tender crust. Don’t skip this.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice: It brightens the flavor and helps balance the sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions & Easy Variations

This recipe welcomes creativity. Here are some ways to make it your own:

• No fresh peaches? Use frozen (thawed and drained) or canned (well-drained) peaches.
• Add berries: Toss in blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Extra crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.
• Warm spice: Try adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the topping.

How to Store Your Peach Bars

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• To freeze, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned peaches?

Yes! Just make sure to drain them well. And if they’re packed in syrup, you might want to reduce the sugar in the filling.

What if I don’t have a 9×9 pan?

Use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars, but you might need to bake a few extra minutes.
For thinner bars, use a 9×13 and reduce the bake time slightly.

Do I have to peel the peaches?

I recommend peeling for a smoother filling, but it’s not mandatory. If you leave the skins on, wash the peaches thoroughly.

How do I know when they’re done?

Look for a golden top and bubbling edges. The filling should be soft and the crust firm.

Can I make these ahead?

Absolutely. These bars are even better the next day after the flavors settle.

Related Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more peach-perfect treats? Try these favorites from Dana Recipes:

• Peach Cobbler – Classic southern comfort with bubbly peaches and a golden, biscuit-style topping
• Peach Cobbler With Cake Mix – Shortcut bake that layers juicy peaches under a fluffy, buttery cake-mix crust
• Peach Surprise Pie – Flaky pie shell hiding spiced peaches and a silky cream layer for a sweet surprise
• Peach-Glazed Raspberry Cream Cheese Pie – Luscious cream-cheese filling crowned with fresh raspberries and a shiny peach glaze
• Summer Peach Blueberry Kale Salad – Bright salad of sweet peaches, blueberries, and crunchy kale tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette
• Southern Peach Cobbler – Deep-dish cobbler packed with extra-juicy peaches and a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust
• Mini No-Bake Peach Cheesecakes – Fresh, Creamy & Perfectly Sweet!
  

Why These Peach Bars Belong in Your Summer Rotation

These Heavenly Summer Peach Bars are everything I love in a dessert: easy, family-friendly, make-ahead, and full of bright, sunny flavor.
They’re nostalgic without being old-fashioned. Flexible without being fussy.

And honestly, they’re just plain delicious.

Whether you’re packing them up for a picnic or enjoying a quiet moment with coffee on the porch, these bars bring a little piece of summer to every bite.

Pin It for Later!

Loved this recipe? Save it to your Pinterest board so you can whip it up anytime summer cravings hit. And if you make it, leave a comment or tag me—I’d love to see your version!

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