Thursday, August 9, 2012

Peach Crumb Bars


Peaches are one of those fruits that just scream summer. The smell alone is something rather intoxicating, reminiscent of picnics, playgrounds and ocean side daytrips. This recipe captures the magic of the peach and combines it with nutmeg and cinnamon, creating a spicy peach pie-like filling. The buttery crust is more on the crumbly side, which makes it a delightful substitute for coffee cake and, let’s face it, a really good excuse to eat dessert for breakfast (although not having an excuse has never actually stopped me from eating dessert for breakfast.) These bars are also perfect for potlucks or picnics, so feel free to spread the summery goodness with your friends and family.





Peach Crumb Bars (from Brown Eyed Baker)
(makes 24 bars)
What you need…
For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold
1 egg, lightly beaten
For the Filling:
5 cups diced or sliced peaches (about 7 peaches, peeled)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
What to do…
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. For the Dough: In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Use a pastry blender to cut in the butter, and then the egg. The dough will be crumbly. Pat half of the dough into the prepared pan. Place the pan and the remainder of the dough in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
3. For the Filling: Place the diced (or sliced) peaches in a large bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice. Mix gently. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour over the peaches and mix gently.
4. Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the peach layer.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is slightly brown. Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Peaches peeled and ready to go 

The filling is absolutely delicious

First crust layer and filling down

Ready for the oven

Portable peach pie!

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