Peaches and Cream Pie Bars are the ultimate summer dessert—sweet, creamy, fruity, and easy to slice and share. Whether you’re planning a picnic, potluck, or family gathering, these peach-infused treats will steal the spotlight. With a buttery crust, velvety cream cheese filling, juicy peaches, and a light vanilla glaze, every bite is a taste of sunshine. This simple yet impressive recipe turns pantry staples into something spectacular. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dessert but special enough for celebrations. Let’s dive into the layers of deliciousness that make these pie bars unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
There’s so much to love about this nostalgic dessert. First, it’s incredibly versatile—use fresh, canned, or pie filling peaches based on what you have on hand. The creamy layer adds a luscious texture, while the golden crust delivers a satisfying bite. These bars cut cleanly and hold their shape, making them ideal for gatherings, party trays, or packing into lunchboxes. With a prep process that’s beginner-friendly and ingredients that are easy to find, these bars will quickly become a go-to in your dessert rotation. Best of all? The sweet peach flavor shines in every single square.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (29 oz) can of peaches, well-drained and finely chopped, or 1 can peach pie filling
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (for a bright white glaze)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Peaches and Cream Pie Bars
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13″x18″ rimmed half-sheet pan with non-stick spray.
- Prepare the crust:
- In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs individually, mixing well after each one. Blend in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Reserve about 1 heaping cup of dough. Spread the remaining dough evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
- Make the filling:
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Layer the chopped peaches or peach pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
- Sprinkle small pieces of the reserved dough over the peach layer.
- Bake the bars:
- Place in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- It’s normal for the center to be a bit wobbly; it will set as it cools.
- Cool and glaze:
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Mix the icing ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
- Drizzle over the cooled bars, then cut into squares and serve.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Drain fruit thoroughly to keep the crust from becoming soggy.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to avoid any overflow.
- Chill bars before slicing for the cleanest presentation.
- For a cozy, spiced flavor, sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Substitutions And Variations
- Fruit Swap: Use blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries instead of peaches.
- Crust Twist: Try a shortbread or graham cracker crust for a different texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute with plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour replacement for a celiac-friendly version.
- Add Crunch: Top with chopped pecans or sliced almonds before baking for added texture.
Storage Instructions
Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, let the bars cool completely without the glaze. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then drizzle with icing before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each bar (based on 24 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 316 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 61 mg
- Sodium: 231 mg
- Potassium: 48 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 31 g
- Vitamin A: 436 IU
- Calcium: 31 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or iced tea. For a brunch twist, cut them into mini squares and add them to a dessert platter with fresh fruit and muffins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peaches and Cream Pie Bars
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned? Absolutely! Peel and dice about 4 cups of fresh peaches. Cook them down slightly if they’re too juicy to prevent sogginess.
How do I keep the crust from becoming soggy? Drain canned peaches thoroughly or pat fresh peaches dry before layering.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, these bars taste great even the next day. Just store them in the fridge and glaze right before serving.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. The texture will remain tender.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese? You can, though full-fat yields the creamiest results. Avoid fat-free versions as they may be too watery.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in making these dreamy Peaches and Cream Pie Bars—a dessert that truly captures the sweetness of summer in every bite. This recipe is close to my heart, not only for its creamy, fruity flavor but also for how simple it is to bring together. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for fun, these bars are sure to be a hit. I hope they bring joy to your kitchen and become a favorite in your recipe box. Happy baking, and thank you for being part of this delicious community!
Peaches and Cream Pie Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 bars 1x
Description
Peaches and Cream Pie Bars are layered with a soft crust, smooth cream cheese filling, sweet peaches, and a vanilla glaze. They’re easy to bake, slice beautifully, and are perfect for parties or a cozy family dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (29 oz) can peaches, drained and chopped or 1 can peach pie filling
For the Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp clear vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13″x18″ rimmed half-sheet pan with non-stick spray.
- Prepare the crust:
- In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs individually, mixing well after each one. Blend in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Reserve about 1 heaping cup of dough. Spread the remaining dough evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
- Make the filling:
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Layer the chopped peaches or peach pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
- Sprinkle small pieces of the reserved dough over the peach layer.
- Bake the bars:
- Place in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- It’s normal for the center to be a bit wobbly; it will set as it cools.
- Cool and glaze:
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Mix the icing ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
- Drizzle over the cooled bars, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Substitute peaches with raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries.
For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
Chill before slicing for cleaner bars.
Use gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 316 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Protein: 4 g