This Peach Bars recipe deviates from the traditional by using shortening (Crisco) instead of butter. If you like a sleek, sweet taste, this recipe might be for you.
You’ll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Dash of ground cinnamon
- 1 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 9 medium peaches, peeled and chopped
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 9×13 baking pan with butter and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Cut in shortening until crumbly (I find hands work better than a pastry cutter).
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and vanilla until blended. Add to flour mixture, stirring with a fork until crumbly.
4. Reserve 2 1/2 cups of this crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the pan.
5. In a large bowl, toss peaches with almond extract (here, I used a mixture of yellow peaches and white peaches for a variety in texture and flavor).
6. In a separate bowl, mix together cornstarch and remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Add to peaches and toss to coat.
7. Spread peach mixture over crust. Sprinkle with the reserved topping.
8. Bake until lightly browned and the filling is bubbly, about 40 – 45 minutes. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
Source: Taste of Home
