Spicy Peach Bars

Peach desserts have long been cherished for their sweet, juicy flavor and delightful aroma, evoking memories of sun-drenched summer days. From classic peach cobblers to refreshing peach ice creams, these golden fruits are a focal point in many beloved recipes. However, if you’re looking to elevate your peach dessert game, look no further than the innovative Spicy Peach Bars. This unique twist combines the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with a surprising kick of heat, creating a treat that tantalizes the taste buds and ignites the senses.

Elevate your dessert game with Spicy Peach Bars, a delightful blend of sweet, juicy peaches and a surprising kick of spice. This recipe combines fresh ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors to create a treat that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Perfect for summer gatherings or an indulgent treat at home, these bars offer a unique twist on a classic. Discover how to make them and impress your friends and family with this flavorful dessert.

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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 (or 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

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

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

Prepare Peaches: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced fresh peaches with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, and cinnamon. Gently mix to ensure that all the peach pieces are well-coated. Allow this mixture to marinate for approximately 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined and free of lumps.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, the egg, and the vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous mixture.

Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently just until everything is combined, being careful not to over-mix. The mixture should form a sticky dough.

Assemble Bars: Take half of the dough mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Ensure that the layer is compact and covers the bottom completely.

Add Peach Filling: Spoon the marinated peach mixture evenly over the layer of dough, spreading the peaches out so they cover the surface well.

Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining half of the dough over the peach filling. Distribute it evenly, allowing some of the peach mixture to peek through for visual appeal.

Bake: Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool & Slice: Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, slice into squares or rectangles as desired.

Serve: These bars can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Indulge in the delightful mix of sweet and spicy flavors that make these treats irresistible!

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

Optional Presentation Tip: Dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and serve on a decorative plate. Add a slice of fresh peach on the side for an appealing touch!