Peach Bars
Sweet and crumbly peach bars combine tender oat crust with a luscious peach preserves filling, perfect for a comforting dessert or afternoon treat with fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the oats and brown sugar.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Pat two-thirds of the mixture into an 11 x 7-inch pan.
- Spread the peach or apricot preserves evenly over the crust.
- Cover with the remaining crumb mixture and pat down gently.
- Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes or until it begins to turn golden brown.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, try using apricot preserves instead of peach for a different flavor profile. If you don't have quick oats, rolled oats can work, but you may need to pulse them in a blender for a finer texture. Ensure your butter is cold for a crumbly texture. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can elevate the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These peach bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or a dollop of whipped cream. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. For a fun twist, serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peach bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peach Bars contains roughly 295 calories, with 3g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 749mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh peaches instead of preserves?
Yes, you can use fresh peaches by slicing them and mixing with a bit of sugar to create a filling. However, this may alter the texture, so make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses for a similar flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar is a great option for a healthier twist.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these peach bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure the oats are labeled gluten-free as well, as traditional oats can be cross-contaminated.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).