Fresh Peach Crumb Bars

 

Ingredients:

For the crust:
1 cup of sugar
3 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 cup of unsalted cold butter (cut into cubes)
1 egg (slightly beaten)

For the peach layer:
1/2 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
5 large peaches (diced and peeled)
1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice

For the icing:
1 cup of confectioners sugar
1/4  teaspoon of almond extract
1 tablespoon of milk (add more for desired consistency)

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2.  Lightly grease a 13 x 9 baking pan.

For the crust:

1.  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder salt and cinnamon.  
2.  Using a pastry cutter, blend in butter until the mixture resembles corse sand.  
3.  Add the lightly beaten egg and mix until the dough begins to hold together.
4.  Gently press 1/2 the dough into the bottom of the pan.  

For the peach mixture:

1.  In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and the cinnamon.  
2.  Add the diced peaches and toss together.  
3.  Drizzle the lemon juice over the peach mixture and toss to coat.  
4.  Pour the peach mixture over the crust and spread evenly.  
5.  Using your hands, press together handfuls of the remaining crumb topping and sprinkle over the top of the peach mixture.  
6.  Bake at 375 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.  
7.  Cool completely, then chill, before cutting or icing.  

For the icing:

1.  Whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract and the milk.  
2.  Drizzle on the bars just before serving.  
 
ENJOY!