If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that hits the perfect balance between fruity freshness and creamy indulgence, then you’ve got to try this Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe. I absolutely love how these bars turn out—soft, buttery crust meeting a luscious cream cheese filling and juicy peaches, all finished off with a dreamy sweet glaze. Honestly, these are my go-to treat whenever we want a pie-like dessert without the fuss of slicing and serving every slice. Grab your apron—let’s dive into making these bars that my family goes crazy for!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Perfect Blend of Textures: Soft cookie crust, creamy filling, and juicy peaches make every bite delightful.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: No fancy pantry items needed—just everyday basics coming together brilliantly.
- Great for Sharing: Easy to cut into bars and serve at parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep in advance and keep it fresh for days, perfect for busy schedules.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’ve found that these ingredients just hit the right notes together—the butter and cream cheese lend that irresistible creaminess, while the peaches brighten it up beautifully. When shopping, opt for ripe peaches if using fresh, or a quality canned peach pie filling to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Butter: Using room temperature butter helps you get a smooth dough that’s easy to work with.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the crust and filling without overpowering the peach flavor.
- Eggs: These give structure to both the crust and creamy filling portions.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla always elevates the flavor, making it warm and inviting.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect base for a tender but sturdy crust.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Baking Powder: Helps give the crust just a little lift, so it’s not too dense.
- Cream Cheese: This is the star of the creamy filling—make sure it’s softened for smooth mixing.
- Peaches (canned or fresh): Fresh peaches bring brightness, but canned peach pie filling is a great shortcut without losing flavor.
- Powdered Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Heavy Cream: These create the luscious sweet glaze on top—don’t skip it!
Variations
One of the things I adore about this Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe is how effortlessly you can make it your own. Whether you want it dairy-free, a little lighter, or packed with extra fruit, there’s room to experiment.
- Fresh vs. Canned Peaches: I usually switch to fresh peaches in summer for a vibrant taste; just peel and dice them finely. Canned peach pie filling works wonderfully when you’re in a rush.
- Dairy-Free Swap: Try using a plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter to make these bars friendly for dairy-sensitive friends—I’ve had great results!
- Add a Crunchy Topping: I sometimes sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking for a little textural contrast.
- Reduced Sugar: If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to cut down a bit on the sugar; the peaches add natural sweetness that holds up well.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 13×18-inch rimmed half sheet baking pan with non-stick spray. I like to line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to help lift the bars out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Crust and Base
In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 minutes with a mixer. Beat in 3 eggs and the vanilla extract until well combined. Then, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder separately before gradually adding it to the wet ingredients. Mixing gently until just combined prevents the crust from getting tough. This soft cookie-like dough will form the base for your bars.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This filling adds that dreamy “cream” element to these bars you won’t want to miss.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to create the crust. Next, spread the cream cheese filling gently over the crust. Then spoon the drained and mashed peaches or your peach pie filling evenly on top of the cream layer. Finally, crumble the remaining dough over the top—this creates that delightful crumbly texture you’re craving.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
Bake the bars for approximately 30 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set. While the bars bake, mix together the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and heavy cream to make a smooth glaze. Once the bars are cool, drizzle this on top for that signature sweet finish. I discovered this trick after a few attempts—without the glaze, it’s good, but with it? Total showstopper!
Pro Tips for Making Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
- Soft Butter is Key: Let your butter come to room temperature but don’t let it get greasy—this helps the crust stay tender and not oily.
- Drain Those Peaches Well: Too much liquid can make the bars soggy—mash them lightly but be sure to drain excess juice.
- Let Bars Cool Completely: You’ll want them fully cooled before glazing to keep that drizzle beautifully smooth and intact.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Depending on your oven hot spots, check a few minutes early to avoid overbaking and drying out!
How to Serve Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh peach slices for a rustic touch. Sometimes fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note that plays wonderfully with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. If you’re serving at brunch, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or iced tea complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I like arranging the bars on a wooden board with scattered edible flowers and fresh peach slices. You could also drizzle a little caramel sauce on top for a fancy upgrade that guests always rave about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days, though in my house, they rarely last that long! If you’re prepping ahead, the bars taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these bars successfully by cutting them into portions, wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap, and placing them in a freezer container. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and optionally warm for 10 minutes in a low oven to freshen them back up.
Reheating
Reheat bars by warming them in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes. This helps restore the soft texture without drying them out. Just be sure to add the glaze after reheating if stored separately to maintain its creamy shine.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned in the Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches add a wonderful natural sweetness and texture. Just be sure to peel, pit, and dice them finely, then lightly mash and drain any excess juice to prevent soggy bars.
-
What if I don’t have cream cheese? Can I substitute it?
You can try using mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different twist, or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you’re avoiding dairy. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
-
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a lightly golden top and a set cream cheese filling. You can gently press the center to check—it should feel firm but not dry. If it jiggles a bit, pop it back in for a few more minutes.
-
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help hold the bars together.
Final Thoughts
This Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe has been one of my favorite ways to bring summer flavors indoors any time of year. I still remember the first time I made it for a family barbecue—everyone went back for seconds and asked for the recipe. It’s simple, comforting, and so reliably delicious. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Trust me, once you have one bite, these bars might just become one of your signature desserts too.
Print
Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peaches and Cream Pie Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a soft cookie-pie crust layered with creamy cheesecake filling and sweet mashed peaches, all topped with a smooth, vanilla-infused cream glaze. Perfect for gatherings, these bars combine classic Southern flavors in an easy-to-make sheet pan treat.
Ingredients
Crust and Base
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 29 oz. can peaches, drained and mashed to small bits, or peach pie filling
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (use clear vanilla for a white glaze)
- 2 to 3 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 13″x18″ rimmed half sheet baking pan with non-stick spray to ensure the bars don’t stick.
- Make the crust: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of room temperature butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 3 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to form the soft crust dough.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In another bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 egg, ½ cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fully incorporated. Stir in the drained and mashed peaches or peach pie filling until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the layers: Press half of the crust dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base layer. Spread the cream cheese and peach filling evenly over the crust. Crumble the remaining crust dough evenly over the top to finish the layering.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is set.
- Prepare the glaze: While the bars are baking, mix together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tbsp melted butter, ½ tsp vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 tbsp heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Adjust the cream amount to achieve desired drizzle consistency.
- Glaze and cool: After removing the bars from the oven, allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle the cream glaze evenly over the top. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing to let the glaze set and flavors meld.
- Serve: Cut into 24 bars and serve. These bars are delicious chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use clear vanilla extract in the glaze for a whiter finish.
- Ensure peaches are well-drained to prevent soggy bars.
- For a smoother glaze, sift powdered sugar before mixing.
- Bars keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Can substitute fresh peaches cooked down if preferred over canned.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximate, based on 24 bars)
- Calories: 316 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 231 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 61 mg


