Spicy Peach Bars

As the summer sun bathes the orchards in golden light, the air fills with the sweet aroma of ripe peaches, inviting home bakers to create delectable desserts. Among the myriad of peach-inspired recipes, Spicy Peach Bars stand out as a delightful combination of sweetness and heat. This innovative dessert marries the juicy, fragrant essence of fresh peaches with a surprising kick from spices, making it an exciting option for those seeking to tantalize their taste buds. Whether served at summer picnics or as a comforting treat on cooler evenings, these bars are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Discover the irresistible blend of sweet and spicy with these Spicy Peach Bars, a perfect summer treat! Made with fresh peaches and a unique mix of spices, these bars offer a delightful twist on classic desserts. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings, they feature a chewy crust and luscious peach filling. Impress your family and friends with this innovative recipe that celebrates seasonal flavors and elevates your baking game!

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced

1 cup granulated sugar, divided

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Prepare peach filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced peaches with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon. Gently mix until the peaches are well coated. Set aside to marinate for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure the dry ingredients are uniformly blended to avoid any clumps.

Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Integrate mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a sticky dough should start to form.

Assemble the bars: Take half of the dough and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Make sure to cover the entire bottom surface.

Add peach filling: Spoon the marinated peach mixture onto the dough layer. Spread it out evenly, so every bite will be filled with delicious peach flavor.

Top with remaining dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the peaches. Aim to cover as much of the peach filling as possible, creating a rustic look.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The top should turn a lovely golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Cool and slice: Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, use a sharp knife to slice them into squares or rectangles.

Serve: These bars are delightful when served chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy the unique blend of spicy peach flavors, perfect for sharing or as a sweet treat to indulge in!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 12 servings

Presentation Tips: For a beautiful serving presentation, dust the top of the peach bars with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves.