Peaches and Cream Pie Bars are a dessert that captures summer’s easygoing joy in every bite—juicy peaches, a fluffy cream cheese layer, and buttery shortbread-like crust, all wrapped up in a treat you can eat with your hands. If you’ve ever had that moment where you find perfect peaches at the market and just want to show them off in a way that feels special but not fussy, this recipe checks every box. It’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to bring to every picnic and potluck, and it’s bound to win over every creamy, fruit-filled dessert fan in your life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Peaches and Cream Pie Bars is that every single ingredient has a purpose, whether it’s to create that rich bite, tender crumb, or creamy swirl. Keep things simple and fresh—let the natural flavors shine and don’t skip the quality on the stars of the show!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Delivers that irresistibly buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust and topping.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup, plus 1/3 cup for cream layer): Sweetens both the crust and creamy filling just enough to highlight the natural peachy goodness.
- Eggs (2 large, divided): Adds richness and helps bind both the dough and the cream cheese layer.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons, divided): Fragrances the bars from both the crust and cream with warm, aromatic sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The backbone of that melt-away base and crumbly topping.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the crust a gentle lift for delicate texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances everything out and heightens every flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The heart of that silky-smooth, slightly tangy cream filling.
- Diced peaches (2 cups, fresh or well-drained canned): Gems of juicy, sunny flavor—you can’t have Peaches and Cream Pie Bars without them!
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the peach juices so your bars are perfectly set, not soggy.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the fruit, making the peach flavor really pop.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Pie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Gather Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step means your Peaches and Cream Pie Bars lift out perfectly for clean, bakery-style cuts. As your oven warms, make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened for effortless blending—this will help create that dreamy, smooth texture in every layer.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is your foundation and sets the tone for the whole dessert. Beat in one large egg and a splash of vanilla extract, mixing until silky-smooth. Separately, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt, then slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press about two-thirds of this dough into your pan to create an even, compact crust.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Layer
Into another bowl goes the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until wonderfully creamy and glossy; there should be no lumps, just pure, spreadable goodness. Smooth the cream cheese mixture gently over the prepared crust, using a spatula for an even layer—this is the signature swirl that makes Peaches and Cream Pie Bars so irresistible.
Step 4: Prepare and Scatter the Peaches
Toss your fresh or canned diced peaches with cornstarch and lemon juice, coating each piece so the fruit juice thickens during baking instead of making the bars soggy. Spoon the peaches evenly over the cream layer, making sure every bite gets some sweet, summery fruit.
Step 5: Add the Crumble Top and Bake
Take the remaining dough and crumble it over the peaches—think little nuggets that will turn golden and crisp as they bake. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is looking deliciously golden and the center feels set to the touch. Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours so everything slices beautifully.
How to Serve Peaches and Cream Pie Bars
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way to make your Peaches and Cream Pie Bars party-ready. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a hint of sweetness, or add a few thin slices of fresh peach for a bright, natural topping. A sprig of mint turns each bar into something from a fancy bakery.
Side Dishes
Peaches and Cream Pie Bars pair deliciously with a scoop of vanilla or honey ice cream. Or keep it light and breezy with a simple summer fruit salad on the side—think blueberries, raspberries, and a bit of citrus, which cut through the richness for ultimate balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into small squares for a sweet bite at brunch, or slice larger bars for decadent dessert plates. For extra flair, serve them slightly chilled on rustic wooden boards, or layer them with scoops of ice cream in mason jars for a tempting trifle-style presentation that shows off every dreamy layer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Peaches and Cream Pie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors meld even more as they chill, and the bars hold their shape perfectly for easy snacking straight from the fridge.
Freezing
These bars freeze surprisingly well. Wrap individual bars in plastic or layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge for a taste of summer any time.
Reheating
If you like your Peaches and Cream Pie Bars a little warm, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They soften gently, and the peach layer gets a lovely juiciness, making them absolutely irresistible with a scoop of ice cream.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh or canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw frozen peaches completely and drain off any excess moisture before dicing and tossing with cornstarch and lemon juice. This ensures your bars stay perfectly set and not watery.
Can I make Peaches and Cream Pie Bars gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Double-check your baking powder and cornstarch are certified gluten-free if needed, and follow the recipe as written—no one will be able to tell the difference.
What’s the best way to cut them to get clean squares?
For super tidy squares, let the bars chill in the pan for at least 2 hours in the fridge. Remove them using the parchment sling, use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade between each cut for perfect bakery-style bars every time.
Can I swap peaches for another fruit?
Definitely! Nectarines, apricots, or even a mix of summer berries would be delicious in this recipe. Just keep the quantities and preparation the same for reliable results—and feel free to get creative with your favorite seasonal fruit.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top will be lightly golden and the center will no longer look jiggly. If you gently press the top with your finger, it should spring back slightly. Ovens can vary, so start checking at 40 minutes and add a few extra if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that crowd-pleasing, sunshiney dessert that brings everyone to the kitchen, Peaches and Cream Pie Bars are it. There’s something truly special about the combination of sweet peaches, luscious cream, and buttery crumble—all in an easy-to-share format. Give them a try and see if they don’t become a new favorite at your table, too!
Print
Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet peaches, creamy filling, and buttery crust with these irresistible Peaches and Cream Pie Bars. Perfect for a summer dessert or any time you crave a fruity treat!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the cream filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the peach layer:
- 2 cups diced fresh or canned peaches (drained if using canned)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: Cream together the butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients separately, combine gradually into wet ingredients to form dough. Press 2/3 of dough into pan for crust.
- Make the cream layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over crust.
- Add peaches: Toss peaches with cornstarch and lemon juice, spread over cream layer. Crumble remaining dough on top.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and set. Cool, refrigerate for 2 hours, then slice into bars.
Notes
- For a flavor variation, try adding cinnamon to the peaches or using nectarines.
- Bars can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
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