Classic Nectarine Bars feature a buttery crumb crust and topping with a sweet, juicy nectarine filling flavored with cinnamon, lemon, and vanilla.

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3 cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg, lightly whisked
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup white sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
½ cup white sugar, for filling
1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
¼ tsp ground cinnamon, for filling
3 tbsp cornflour or cornstarch
5 cups sliced nectarines, about 5–6 medium nectarines, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch pieces
1 tsp vanilla essence or vanilla extract

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1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray.

3. In a large food processor, combine flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pulse until well mixed.

4. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture forms crumbs.

5. Add the whisked egg and pulse until a dough begins to form. If needed, transfer to a bowl and finish mixing by hand.

6. Press slightly more than half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

7. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven.

8. While the crust bakes, gently mix nectarine slices, white sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl.

9. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.

10. Pour the cornstarch mixture over the nectarines and gently fold until evenly coated.

11. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the nectarines over the partially baked crust, leaving behind most of the juices.

12. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the nectarine layer.

13. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

14. Cool completely, then use the foil to lift the bars from the dish.

15. Cut into squares and serve.

Leave most of the nectarine juices behind when layering the filling to help prevent a soggy crust.

Cool completely before slicing for the cleanest bars.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.