Plum Bars are a delightful treat you’ll want to share with everyone you know. With a buttery, crumbly base and a vibrant, juicy layer of plums, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart. They’re not just a pretty dessert; they’re a slice of summertime, packed with flavor, and a lovely reminder of the joys of baking.
I first discovered these delicious bars during a family gathering in late summer when plums were at their peak. The moment I took a bite, I was hooked. The flavor combination of the tender plum filling nestled within a crumbly crust was an instant favorite that had everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, they are surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip up these bars in about an hour from start to finish, making them a perfect last-minute dessert.
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweetness of the plums melds perfectly with the buttery crust, creating a deliciously balanced treat.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The beautiful golden crust paired with juicy plum filling makes these bars a showstopper at any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast with your morning coffee.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust the sugar content or swap in gluten-free flour for a delightful variation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our crust. Choose a high-quality flour for the best results; you can substitute it with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
- â…” cup sugar: Used to sweeten the base dough. For a healthier alternative, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.
- ½ tsp baking powder: This gives the bars a light texture. Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- ¼ tsp salt: A small amount enhances the flavors; do not skip it!
- ½ cup butter, cold: The key to a flaky crust. Cut it into small pieces and keep it in the fridge until ready to use.
- 1 egg, whisked: This binds the ingredients together. You can replace it with a flax egg for a vegan option.
- 2 tbsp milk: Helps bring the dough together. Dairy-free milk works just as well.
- 4 plums, diced small: The star of our show! Choose ripe, sweet plums for maximum flavor.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the plum filling. Adjust according to your taste preference.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the plum filling and prevents it from getting too runny.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the bars; feel free to use almond extract for a different twist.
How to Make Plum Bars
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal later.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ⅔ cup sugar, ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Grate the cold butter into the mixture using a cheese grater, incorporating it with your hands until it resembles small pebbles.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the whisked egg and 2 tbsp milk to the flour mixture and stir until everything is just combined.
- Prepare the Plum Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the diced plums, ¼ cup sugar, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, and ½ tsp vanilla extract. Mix gently to coat the plums evenly.
- Assemble the Bars: Press about â…” of the crust mixture into the lined baking pan. Evenly spread the plum mixture on top, ensuring it covers the crust. Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the plums, distributing it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-32 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the plum filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once done, let the bars cool at room temperature. Then, slice them into squares and enjoy your delectable plum bars!
Storing & Reheating
To store your delicious plum bars, keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with foil or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, ensuring you use a suitable container. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months—just cut them into squares, wrap each piece individually, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm. Note that freezing may alter the texture slightly, but refreshing them in the oven can revive their lovely flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the crust to keep it light and flaky.
- Feel free to swap out the plums for other fruits like peaches or cherries based on what’s in season or your personal preference.
- Make sure your butter is cold; this is crucial for achieving that perfect buttery texture!
- If the filling looks runny, it may benefit from baking an extra couple of minutes.
- You can prepare the crust ahead of time; just keep it chilled until you’re ready to bake.
Plum Bars are not just a sweet treat; they allow you to experiment with flavors and textures that evoke nostalgia. Each slice bursts with juicy plum flavor alongside the buttery crust, reminding you of warm summer days. So, why not take some time to get your hands floury and create something special? Enjoy every single bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen plums instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen plums can be used for this recipe! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing them into the filling.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and the plum filling will be bubbling. A slight jiggle in the center is fine, as it will set as it cools.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use plant-based milk and butter.
What can I serve with Plum Bars?
These bars pair beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch!
Print
Plum Bars
These Plum Bars are a scrumptious treat made with fresh plums and a buttery crust. Perfect for dessert lovers, they offer irresistible flavor and simple prep for a delightful homemade dessert.
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cup all purpose flour
- â…” cup sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, cold
- 1 egg, whisked
- 2 tbsp milk
- 4 plums, diced small
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° F and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Grate the cold butter into the bowl using a cheese grater.
- Combine the mixture with your hands until it resembles small pebbles. Add the whisked egg and milk, stirring to combine.
- In a separate bowl, combine the diced plums, ¼ cup sugar, 2 tbsp flour, and vanilla extract, stirring to mix well.
- Press â…” of the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the plum mixture evenly over the crust in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture on top.
- Bake in the oven for 30-32 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Let the bars cool at room temperature before slicing.
Notes
Make sure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky texture
You can substitute other fruits like peaches or cherries for a different flavor
Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
