Peach Crumb Bars

Ingredients

Crust and topping:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 3 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, optional

Filling:

• 5 cups sliced and peeled peaches, about 6-7 peaches, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 tsp. cornstarch
• juice of 1 small lemon

Instructions

Crust and topping:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13 pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. 
2. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, combine sugar, baking powder, flour and salt. Add butter, egg, vanilla and almond extract. Beat on low speed until butter is evenly distributed and mixture is crumbly.
3. Dump a little more than half of the mixure into the bottom of the prepared pan. Evenly press the dough into the pan. Stir sliced almonds into the reserved mixture (for topping)

Filling:

1. Gently stir together all ingredients until combined.
2. Spread the peaches evenly over the crust, then crumble the reserved dough over the top of the peaches.
3. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, until the top is light golden brown and the peach juices are bubbling. Let cool before cutting into squares. Can be stored in refrigerator.

 Recipe & Photo adapted from celebratingsweets.com