Making Heavenly Summer Peach Bars is a rewarding process! Follow these steps to create your delightful dessert:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and eggs. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Combine Mixtures: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until a dough forms. It will be thick.
5. Press Dough: Press about two-thirds of the dough mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer on the bottom.
6. Prepare Peaches: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced peaches with lemon juice and cinnamon (if using). Spread the peach mixture evenly over the pressed dough.
7. Add Crumble Topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the peach layer, covering it as much as possible.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
9. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the dish for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, cut into bars and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

By following these easy steps, you’ll create desserts that showcase the delightful flavors of summer!