Millcroft Inn & Spa’s Peach Bars

What’s better than a sweet, juicy peach on a hot summer day? How about taking that quintessential summer fruit and transforming it into these delicious Peach Bars?

Our delightful Peach Bars, capture the essence of peak-season peaches in a crave-worthy, and surprisingly easy-to-make bar. Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, serving them as a sweet ending to a family dinner, or just sneaking one (or two!) with your afternoon coffee, these peachy perfect squares are absolutely destined to be the star of your next summer gathering. Recipe developed by the talented Pastry Chef, Karen Souillet of Headwaters Restaurant. 

Peach Bars

Yields 4 x 5 oz ramekins

Ingredients for Crust & Topping:

1 cup All-purpose flour
½ cup Old fashioned whole rolled oats
1/3 cup Light brown sugar
½ tsp Ground cinnamon & 1/8 tsp nutmeg
10 tbsp Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup of your favorite Chopped nuts (I love this with pecans)

Ingredients for Peach Filling: 

1 Large egg
½ cup Granulated sugar
1 tbsp All-purpose flour
¼ tsp Salt
2 – 3 medium-sized Peaches, peeled and chopped (1 ½ cups)
1 tbsp Bourbon (optional)

Ingredients for Vanilla Topping:

½ cup Icing sugar, sifted
1 tbsp Cream
½ tsp Vanilla

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Line the bottom and sides of a 8” square baking pan with parchment paper including overhand on sides to lift out easily.
3. To prepare the crust and topping, in large bowl whisk the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon & nutmeg. Cut in butter with Pastry blender or two forks to coarse/pea sized crumbs. Remove ¾ of mixture and mix with nuts. Set aside.
4. Press remaining into bottom of baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. To prepare the filling, whisk together the egg and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add flour and salt and whisk until combined. Fold in peaches and bourbon.
6. Pour the filling onto the hot crust. Sprinkle with topping. Bake 30 minutes or until golden on top.
7. Cool on wire rack for 30 minutes minimum. Put in fridge and chill for one and a half hours.
8. Lift out of pan and cut into bars.
9. to prepare the topping, whisk together Icing sugar, cream, and vanilla.
10. Drizzle over the bars.

Tips:

1. You can omit the bourbon or add another Liqueur of choice (Peach Schnapps/Icewine for example). 
2. You can serve these bars with pecan or caramel ice cream or for a less sweet option, fresh whipped cream or simply serve with 1/3 cup of cream.