If you’re hunting for a summertime dessert that feels both nostalgic and a little luxurious, look no further than these Peaches and Cream Pie Bars. With pillowy layers of buttery dough, a luscious cream cheese middle, and a bright, fruity burst of peach in every bite, it’s like all your favorite summer flavors bundled into an irresistible handheld treat. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard gathering or sneaking a piece with your morning coffee, this recipe is pure sunshine and comfort on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are delightfully straightforward, but each one punches well above its weight to give these bars their distinct taste and melt-in-your-mouth feel. Don’t underestimate the power of good basics coming together in perfect harmony!
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, melt-in-your-mouth foundation for the bars’ tender crust.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the dough and cream cheese layers, giving just the right amount of sweetness.
- Large eggs: Bring everything together, adding moisture and structure for a perfectly chewy result.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic undertone to both the dough and cream cheese filling.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the bulk of the base and topping, making these bars sturdy yet soft.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift for a tender crumb in every bite.
- Peach pie filling (canned or homemade): Delivers juicy peach goodness with minimal fuss.
- Cream cheese, softened: The heart of the creamy layer, adding tang and a dreamy texture.
- Extra granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cream cheese to perfection.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Pie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is fully heated by the time your dish is ready to bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously—this will help your bars lift out cleanly and keep all those precious golden edges intact.
Step 2: Mix the Buttery Dough
Using a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is gloriously light and fluffy, almost like a soft cloud. Beat in the eggs one at a time, letting each fully blend before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that irresistible hint of sweetness. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder, then gradually mix these dry ingredients into the butter mixture. You’ll end up with a soft, slightly sticky dough that smells heavenly already.
Step 3: Build the First Layer
Take about two-thirds of your dough and carefully spread it in an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Don’t worry if it seems a bit sticky—just keep a light touch and nudge it into all the corners for thorough coverage.
Step 4: Prepare the Dreamy Cream Cheese Filling
In a clean bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until silky smooth. This layer is where the “cream” in Peaches and Cream Pie Bars gets to shine. Spread this mixture gently over your dough layer, creating an even blanket of creamy goodness.
Step 5: Layer on the Peach Magic
Spoon the peach pie filling evenly across the cream cheese layer, making sure to distribute those juicy pieces so every bar gets a taste of summer. Don’t worry if the filling doesn’t completely cover every inch—the slightly rustic look is part of the charm!
Step 6: Add the Dough Topping
Take the remaining dough and drop it by spoonfuls over the top of your bars. There’s no need for perfection here—a patchwork topping looks lovely, and the dough will spread out a bit as it bakes, creating those signature golden-brown peaks.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). Let the Peaches and Cream Pie Bars cool completely before cutting; this ensures the layers set beautifully and every bar holds together perfectly.
How to Serve Peaches and Cream Pie Bars
Garnishes
For that extra wow factor, dust the cooled bars lightly with powdered sugar just before serving, or scatter a handful of sliced almonds across the top for a delightful crunch. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes every bite even more divine.
Side Dishes
Peaches and Cream Pie Bars pair wonderfully with a simple fruit salad drizzled with honey or a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade. If you’re serving these as part of a brunch spread, try them with creamy Greek yogurt or alongside a savory egg dish to balance all that sweet, fruity goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
When you want to impress, cut the bars into bite-size cubes and stack them high on a tiered dessert tray. Or try gently warming a bar before plating and adding a scoop of peach sorbet on the side. For special occasions, add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a drizzle of honey over the top for a fresh twist on tradition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once they’ve cooled and been cut into bars, store Peaches and Cream Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh, moist, and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them an ideal treat to enjoy all week long.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a batch ahead of time, these bars freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer or place parchment between layers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep their texture and taste for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your Peaches and Cream Pie Bars a little warm (who could blame you?), pop a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or warm several bars together in a 300°F oven for about 7 minutes. This little trick revives their just-baked aroma and makes the cream cheese filling extra luscious!
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! If you have juicy, ripe peaches on hand, you can make your own quick filling—just peel and slice 3 to 4 peaches, toss with sugar and a bit of cornstarch or flour, and use in place of the canned filling. The bars will taste even more vibrant and summery.
What’s the best way to get clean cuts when slicing the bars?
Letting the bars cool completely is essential! For the sharpest lines, use a large chef’s knife (wiped clean between cuts) and consider chilling the bars for 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and prevents any cream cheese oozing.
Can I add nuts or other fruits to the recipe?
Yes! Sliced almonds or chopped pecans sprinkled over the top before baking add crunch and contrast. Feel free to try a mix of peaches and other fruits like raspberries for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend—make sure it contains xanthan gum for best results. Keep an eye on the texture, but most blends work beautifully for Peaches and Cream Pie Bars.
Do Peaches and Cream Pie Bars need to be refrigerated?
Because of the cream cheese component, it’s best to refrigerate these bars after they’ve cooled. This keeps the filling fresh and the flavors bright, especially when storing for more than a few hours.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Peaches and Cream Pie Bars—it’s one of those recipes that checks every box for homey comfort, crowd-pleasing flavor, and sheer joy in every bite. Whether you’re a lifelong peach dessert lover or just looking for a new favorite, I truly hope you enjoy every swirl of creamy peach perfection!
Print
Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with these luscious Peaches and Cream Pie Bars. A buttery crust cradles layers of creamy cheesecake and sweet peach filling, creating a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
For the Filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) peach pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Crust: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients and mix into a soft dough. Press two-thirds of the dough into the baking dish.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over crust. Top with peach pie filling. Drop remaining dough over the filling.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden. Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- You can substitute homemade peach filling if preferred.
- For added texture, sprinkle with sliced almonds or a light crumb topping before baking.
- Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
