These Dessert Bars Are Peachy Keen: Celebrate Peach Season with a New OCW Recipe Collection Favorite

Summer brings an abundance of fresh fruits, and few are as beloved as the sweet, juicy peach. Whether you pick them up at a local farmers market, roadside stand, orchard, or grocery store, fresh peaches are one of the season's signature flavors. From homemade cobblers and pies to ice cream and preserves, they're a versatile ingredient that has been a family favorite for generations.

At Oklahoma's Choice Weekly, we're excited to introduce a brand-new feature in our publication, the OCW Recipe Collection. Each edition, we'll highlight recipes that celebrate the seasons, family traditions, and delicious home cooking. We hope you'll save them, share them, and maybe even discover a new family favorite along the way.

Our first featured recipe is Fresh Peach Crumble Bars, a delightful dessert that combines a buttery crumb crust, cinnamon-spiced peaches, and a sweet almond icing drizzle. They're perfect for summer gatherings, church dinners, family reunions, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee on the porch.

This recipe is shared courtesy of Saving Room for Dessert and adapted from a recipe originally published by AllRecipes.com, one of the most trusted and popular online recipe resources. We're grateful to highlight recipes from respected culinary sources while bringing them to readers of Oklahoma's Choice Weekly.

One of the best things about peach season is that it doesn't last forever. Fresh peaches are only at their peak for a short time each year, making now the perfect opportunity to bake something special. If you have extra peaches on hand, consider freezing them for later or trying them in jams, smoothies, crisps, or other homemade desserts.

The OCW Recipe Collection is just getting started. In the coming months, you'll find everything from seasonal desserts and hearty comfort foods to holiday favorites, slow-cooker meals, and recipes inspired by the people and communities we serve throughout Oklahoma.

Be sure to watch every new edition of Oklahoma's Choice Weekly for the next installment of the OCW Recipe Collection. We're looking forward to sharing recipes that bring families together, celebrate the changing seasons, and add a little extra flavor to every issue.

Happy baking!

Fresh Peach Crumble Bars

Yield 20

Crust/Crumb topping:

1 cup granulated sugar

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into cubes

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Peach layer:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

5 large peaches, peeled and diced

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1 tablespoon milk (more or less for desired consistency)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F if using a glass pan or dark metal pan, or 375 F for a light metal pan. Lightly grease or spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan and set aside.

 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, 3 cups of flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter, blend in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Add the lightly beaten egg and mix until the dough starts to hold together, but is still crumbly. Gently press a little more than half the dough into the prepared pan. (Optional: Use a food processor to process these ingredients.)

 3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Add the diced peaches and toss to combine. Drizzle the lemon juice over the peaches and toss to coat. Pour the peach mixture over the crust and spread evenly. 

 4. Using your hands, press together handfuls of the remaining crumb topping to create clumps. Scatter the clumps and remaining crumbled topping over the fruit layer, leaving some peaches showing through. 

 5. If using a glass pan, bake at 350 F for 50 to 55 minutes or until lightly browned. If using a metal pan, bake at 375 F for 40 to 45 minutes. Cool completely, then chill before cutting and icing. 

 6. Whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract and milk. Drizzle on the bars just before serving.