If you are craving a dessert that perfectly captures the sweet, sun-kissed flavor of fresh peaches in a portable, scrumptious treat, this Peach Pie Bars Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine buttery crust layered with fluffy cream cheese filling and topped with luscious peaches nestled under delicate dollops of crumbly dough. These bars are designed to satisfy your dessert cravings in a way that feels like comfort wrapped in a slice. They bring together simplicity and incredible flavor, making them a wonderful addition to any occasion, from casual afternoon snacks to festive gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peach Pie Bars Recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that combine beautifully to create incredible flavor and texture. Each component brings something special to the table—from the buttery crust to the creamy filling and juicy peach topping—making the final bars irresistibly delicious and satisfying.
- Butter (16 tablespoons, softened): Provides a rich, tender base for the crust and topping layers.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the crust and peach filling, balancing flavors perfectly.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and overall depth of flavor.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the crust ingredients together, giving it structure and richness.
- Lemon extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle brightness that complements the peaches.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon plus ¼ teaspoon): Gives warmth and enhances sweetness in both crust and filling.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation of the crust and topping, providing the perfect crumb texture.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates the smooth and tangy layer that contrasts beautifully with the fruit.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling effortlessly for a silky smooth texture.
- Sliced peaches (4 cups fresh, canned, or frozen): The star ingredient offering juicy sweetness and classic peach flavor.
- Peach juice (4 tablespoons): Intensifies the peach flavor and helps thicken the filling.
- Corn starch (2 tablespoons): Thickens the peach topping so it holds well when baked and sliced.
How to Make Peach Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil, making sure to leave about 4 inches hanging over the short sides. Spray this foil with non-stick cooking spray. This easy trick will help you lift the peach pie bars out smoothly when they’re done baking and ready to cool.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Using a mixer, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender crust that melts in your mouth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing lightly after each addition to keep the batter airy. Stir in lemon and vanilla extracts, which will give your crust a subtle but delicious depth. Finally, add the flour and mix until everything is just combined—the base dough is ready!
Step 3: Create the Bottom Crust
Reserve about 3 cups of the dough and spread it evenly into your prepared pan, carefully pushing it to cover every corner and edge. Keep the thickness even so that each bar bakes uniformly. Pop this into the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the crust to set and develop a slight golden tint.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
While the crust bakes, blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and the remaining vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this will add a velvety, tangy contrast to your sweet peaches and buttery crust. Once the crust has pre-baked, spread this delicious layer evenly on top.
Step 5: Assemble the Peach Topping
In a bowl, mix together corn starch and granulated sugar. Stir in the peach juice until it’s fully combined, then fold in your peaches gently so they stay juicy but don’t break down. Spread this beautiful fruit mixture carefully over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Step 6: Add the Remaining Dough
Drop spoonfuls of the leftover dough batter across the peach layer. These little pockets of dough will bake up into delightfully crumbly pieces that add texture and visual appeal to your bars.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan on the oven’s center rack and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns golden brown and the peach topping is bubbly and set. After baking, let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to keep them from falling apart.
How to Serve Peach Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a nice touch of elegance and sweetness. For warmth and color, sprinkle freshly chopped mint or basil leaves on top, which complement the peach flavor brilliantly. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will elevate these bars to an absolutely irresistible treat.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving these bars at a party or dinner, consider pairing them with a simple green salad or a refreshing fruit salad. The bars’ rich cream cheese layer and buttery crust pair wonderfully with crisp, tangy flavors that keep the palate balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve these peach pie bars straight from the pan for casual gatherings or carefully lifted out using the foil sling and arranged on a pretty platter for a more polished look. For an elegant twist, cut them into smaller bite-sized squares and serve on a dessert tray with cocktail toothpicks for easy snacking. These bars also make a lovely layered dessert when paired with fresh berries or drizzled with caramel sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover peach pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy their delicious flavor whenever the craving strikes. Bringing them to room temperature before eating helps restore their delicate texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these bars well in advance, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and refresh their softness by letting them sit out a bit before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the freshly baked warmth again, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them into a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, or the cream cheese layer may melt too much. This way, your Peach Pie Bars Recipe tastes just like they came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for this Peach Pie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work great as long as you thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the sugar and cornstarch. This helps keep the bars from getting too soggy.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it’s measured correctly and contains xanthan gum for best results.
Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?
Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. You can swap peaches for other stone fruits like nectarines or plums, or even berries. Adjust the sugar and cornstarch slightly depending on the juiciness of the fruit.
How long do these bars keep well at room temperature?
Because of the cream cheese layer, it’s best to keep the bars refrigerated if not eaten within a couple of hours. Room temperature for up to 2-3 hours is generally fine during cooler days.
Why do I need to prebake the crust?
Prebaking the crust helps it set and prevents it from becoming soggy once the cream cheese and peach layers are added. It ensures a crisp, flavorful base that holds up perfectly when sliced.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Peach Pie Bars Recipe is like discovering a little slice of summer wrapped in buttery, creamy, and fruity layers. It’s a perfect dessert that brings joy with every bite and is easy enough to whip up any day of the week. Trust me, once you make these bars, they’ll become a beloved classic in your recipe collection, ready to impress friends, family, or simply satisfy your own sweet tooth. So grab those peaches and dive into baking this unforgettable treat—you won’t regret it!
Print
Peach Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these luscious Peach Pie Bars featuring a buttery crust layered with creamy sweetened cream cheese and topped with a fresh peach filling. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, these bars combine the tangy sweetness of peaches with a rich, tender base that’s baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Crust and Dough
- 16 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Peach Layer
- 4 cups sliced fresh or canned/frozen peaches
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons peach juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the peach pie bars.
- Prepare the pan: Line a 15x10x1 inch baking pan with foil, allowing about 4 inches to hang over the short sides. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to facilitate easy removal of the pie bars once baked.
- Mix dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating lightly after each addition. Stir in lemon extract, vanilla extract, and then the flour until just combined.
- Form crust: Spread 3 cups of the dough mixture evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it to the edges to form a uniform layer for the crust.
- Prebake crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, then remove it to cool slightly.
- Prepare cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Spread this mixture evenly over the prebaked crust.
- Prepare peach topping: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and granulated sugar. Stir in peach juice to dissolve. Gently fold in the sliced peaches, coating them evenly with the mixture. Spread the peach mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Add remaining dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough mixture across the surface of the peaches to create a crumbly topping.
- Bake final assembly: Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the topping is set.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before lifting them out of the pan using the foil overhang. Cut into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh peaches when in season for the best flavor, or frozen/canned peaches can be substituted.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to achieve a smooth layer without lumps.
- Allow the bars to cool completely to ensure clean cuts and proper setting of layers.
- Use non-stick spray on foil to prevent sticking and help with easy removal.
- Peach juice can be reserved from canned peaches or freshly juiced from fresh peaches for best results.
