This time of year the peaches are ripe and fruitful. The Missouri peaches have been especially wonderful this year. My mother in-law, Denise introduced me to a secret ingredient that pairs so nicely with them (for the record, I think this was the family vacation #1 in Grand Marias, MN). Psssst – it’s called, almond extract. Since this discovery, I can not go without my almond extract and a spoonful of sugar – with those fresh peaches. It is such a divine combination. And, as it turns out, you can use that almond extract in anything with peach like pies, tart, and even bars!
The other day, my mom gave me a basket full of fresh peaches from her peach tree. They were beautiful in color, and so delicious in flavor. The kids enjoyed the peaches with just about every meal (and even those in between). I enjoyed them for breakfast on top of oatmeal or with yogurt. I thought I would try these bars as an enjoyable treat to make with them. I hope you do too!
- 2½ c. all-purpose flour
- ½ c. + 1½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- ⅓ c. butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 egg
- 1½ t. baking powder
- 1 t. grated lemon zest
- a pinch of salt
- For the filling:
- 2½ cups peaches, blanched, peeled and cut into small cubes
- 2 T lemon juice
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ t. almond extract
- Preheat the oven to 355 degrees F. Line a 9x9 inches baking pan with parchment paper, leaving the foil to extend up the sides. This will make it easier to remove the bars from the pan. Butter it to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Prepare the crust.
- Put all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the mixture is the texture of coarse sand.
- Put it in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
- In medium bowl, gently toss the diced peaches and lemon juice together. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, and sugar, pour it over the peaches and carefully combine.
- Pat half of dough into the prepared pan. Reserve half for topping.
- Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the peaches.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature then place them in the fridge to chill thoroughly.
- Cut the peach crumble bars into squares and serve. Add ice cream, if desired 🙂
