1️⃣ Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Proper preparation ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

2️⃣ Prepare the Crust and Topping

• In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your mixer’s paddle attachment. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. Be patient—this step is essential for a tender, flaky crust.
• Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the prepared pan, forming an even layer.

3️⃣ Bake the Crust

• Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. This initial bake ensures the crust doesn’t become soggy when you add the filling.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps maintain the crust’s integrity when layering the filling.

4️⃣ Make the Creamy Filling

• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth.
• Gradually stir in the sour cream, flour, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
• Gently fold in the thinly sliced peaches, taking care not to crush them. The slices should remain intact for a beautiful presentation and texture.

5️⃣ Assemble the Bars

• Pour the peach mixture evenly over the baked crust. Spread it out to ensure an even distribution of peaches and cream.
• Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the filling, ensuring every corner is covered.

6️⃣ Bake to Perfection

• Return the pan to the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set. You’ll know it’s ready when the center jiggles slightly but is mostly firm.
• Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour. For cleaner slices, refrigerate them for a couple of hours before cutting.

7️⃣ Slice and Serve

• Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve them chilled, room temperature, or slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.