There is something irresistibly delightful about biting into dessert that perfectly balances fruity freshness with creamy decadence, which is exactly why the Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family. This recipe brings together a buttery crust, luscious cream cheese filling, and fresh peaches in a way that feels both comforting and refreshingly light. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet impressive treat for a weekend gathering or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these bars deliver every time with their tender texture and mouthwatering flavor combination.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make these peaches and cream pie bars is a breeze with a handful of common ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the buttery crust to the creamy filling and bright juicy peaches, these simple staples come together beautifully.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a sweet, tender base that forms a sturdy yet soft crust for the bars.
- Butter, melted: Brings richness and helps bind the crust together perfectly.
- Peach slices, drained and chopped: Offers fresh, natural sweetness and a burst of juicy fruitiness throughout.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy tanginess to balance the sweetness and create a smooth filling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture gently without graininess.
- Sour cream: Contributes moisture and a slight tang that lightens up the texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps the filling set nicely when baked.
- Large eggs: Bind the filling ingredients together while adding structure.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with melted butter, stirring until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together when pressed. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form your crust base, then bake it for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until it turns a lovely golden color. Set the crust aside to cool slightly before adding the filling.
Step 2: Make the creamy filling
While the crust cools, it’s time to work on the creamy, dreamy filling. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream until smooth and luscious. Next, add in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, continuing to blend until everything is fully combined and velvety soft. This mixture is the heart of your bars, blending tangy and sweet in perfect harmony.
Step 3: Fold in the peaches
Gently fold the chopped peach slices into your cream cheese filling to evenly distribute those juicy pops of fruit without breaking up the mixture. This step adds bursts of natural sweetness and a bit of texture, elevating the flavor profile of your bars beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
Pour the peach-infused cream cheese filling over the slightly cooled crust, smoothing the top for an even layer. Pop the entire pan back into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center looks set and the edges gain a gentle golden hue. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into generous squares for serving.
How to Serve Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the appeal of your peaches and cream pie bars by dusting a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey on top. Fresh peach slices or a few mint leaves can add an extra splash of color and freshness, making your bars look as gorgeous as they taste.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, creating an indulgent contrast of temperatures and textures. For a lighter option, a side of fresh berries or a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette can complement the dessert’s sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or special occasions, consider serving these pie bars on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper, or stack them in small bundles tied with rustic twine for a charming rustic look. You can also cut the bars into smaller bite-sized portions and serve them with small forks or toothpicks for an easy-to-enjoy finger dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, these peaches and cream pie bars store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes them a convenient choice when you want to prepare dessert ahead of time without losing that fresh, creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, freeze them in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When frozen properly, they can last up to 2 months while maintaining their flavor and texture. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
For best results, enjoy the bars chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, heat individual servings briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This helps soften the cream cheese filling slightly without losing the delightful balance of flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches can be a wonderful option, especially when they are in season. Make sure to peel, pit, and chop them finely, then drain any excess juice to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
Is it possible to make the crust gluten-free?
While this recipe calls for a yellow cake mix, you can substitute with a gluten-free cake mix or prepare a gluten-free crust using almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend with butter for similar results.
Can I make these bars vegan?
With some ingredient swaps—such as vegan cream cheese, plant-based butter, and egg replacers—you can adapt this Peach and Cream Pie Bars Recipe for a vegan diet. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
How should I cut the bars to prevent cracking?
Make sure the bars are completely cooled before cutting. Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe it between cuts to ensure smooth edges and to minimize cracking or crumbling.
Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?
Definitely! While peaches are the star here, feel free to experiment with similar stone fruits like nectarines or plums, or even berries for a different but equally tasty twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug wrapped in sweet, creamy, and fruity goodness, the Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet special enough to impress guests. Once you make these bars, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed dessert without them. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every delicious bite of this classic comfort dessert.
Print
Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these luscious Peaches and Cream Pie Bars, featuring a golden yellow cake mix crust topped with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and fresh peaches. Perfectly balanced with sweetness and a creamy texture, these bars make a fantastic dessert or snack for gatherings and family treats.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Filling
- 1 can (15 oz) peach slices, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make crust dough: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with melted butter until a crumbly dough forms, ensuring all the dry ingredients are moistened evenly.
- Press crust into pan: Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a firm, uniform crust layer.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes until it turns golden brown, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Prepare filling base: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream until smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Add remaining filling ingredients: Beat in granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and silky.
- Incorporate peaches: Gently fold the chopped, drained peach slices into the cream cheese mixture to evenly distribute the fruit without breaking it down.
- Assemble bars: Pour the peach and cream cheese filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust layer in the baking pan.
- Bake final bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until the filling is set in the center and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before slicing into squares for serving to ensure clean cuts and optimal texture.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Draining the peach slices well prevents excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the bars.
- You can substitute fresh peaches when in season; just chop and gently fold as directed.
- These bars keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- For a firmer crust, chill the dough in the pan for 15 minutes before baking.
