There’s something magical about peaches and cream pie bars. Maybe it’s the buttery crust. Maybe it’s the creamy cheesecake-like filling. Or maybe it’s those sweet, juicy peaches tucked in the middle like little golden treasures. Whatever it is, this recipe feels like summer in every bite no fork required.
These bars are easy to make, endlessly crowd-pleasing, and the perfect blend of rustic charm and luscious indulgence. Whether you’re heading to a potluck, baking with kids on the weekend, or just want a treat that pairs well with your 3 p.m. coffee, this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love These Peaches and Cream Pie Bars
- They’re soft, creamy, fruity, and a little crumbly in all the best ways
- The recipe uses pantry staples and fresh or canned peaches
- You can swap in other fruits or flavors think banana cream pie bars, apple pie cream cheese bars, or even pumpkin pie bars with cream cheese frosting
- A little bit like oatmeal cream pie bars, but with a summery twist
- Bars are easier to slice, share, and store than a traditional pie
Think of them as pie’s portable, less-fussy cousin (but still dressed to impress).
What You’ll Need
You’ll make a simple buttery shortbread crust, a cream cheese filling that’s smooth and tangy, and a topping of sliced peaches. Finish with a light crumble on top for texture.
No fancy ingredients here just flour, sugar, butter, cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, and peaches. You can absolutely use canned or frozen if fresh peaches aren’t in season.
See the recipe card at the end of this post for the full ingredient list and exact measurements.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. This makes removing and slicing the bars much easier later on.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve about 3/4 cup for the topping, and press the rest firmly into the bottom of your pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Whip the Cream Filling
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture over the partially baked crust and spread evenly.
Step 4: Add the Peaches
Arrange sliced peaches evenly over the cream cheese filling. Don’t worry about perfect patterns—just make sure every bite gets a little peach love.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Let the bars cool completely before slicing (this part’s the hardest!).
Craving Variations?
You can totally adapt this recipe based on the season or your cravings.
- Try it with bananas for banana cream pie bars vibes
- Use canned pumpkin and warming spices for pumpkin pie bars with cream cheese icing
- Add a bit of shredded coconut for a coconut cream pie bars recipe
- Swap in chopped apples and cinnamon for the coziest apple pie cream cheese bars ever
This base is dreamy enough to carry any filling, and sturdy enough to slice and serve without falling apart.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Bar)
- Calories: ~260
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
Time Breakdown
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 35 minutes
- Cooling time: at least 1 hour
- Total time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
Tips for Sweet Success
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing or they may fall apart
- For neater cuts, chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing
- Want them extra peachy? Add a thin layer of peach preserves under the cream cheese filling
- Don’t skip the parchment paper it’s a game-changer for clean removal
- Make it ahead these bars taste even better the next day!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars chilled or at room temp, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make a perfect ending to a backyard BBQ, a summer baby shower, or your average Tuesday night Netflix binge.
For a brunch twist, cut them smaller and serve alongside coffee or mimosas.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These bars will keep in the fridge for 4–5 days in an airtight container. They freeze well too just wrap individual bars in parchment and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Want to make them ahead for a gathering? Bake them the day before, chill overnight, and slice right before serving. You’ll save yourself the stress and still get all the compliments.
A Slice of My Story
I first made these for a neighborhood picnic, and I didn’t even get to try one before they vanished. Now I make a double batch one for sharing, one for “quality control.” It’s become my go-to for anything from birthdays to breakups (because peaches and cream really do make everything feel a little softer).
FAQs About Peaches and Cream Pie Bars
Can I use canned peaches?
Absolutely! Just drain them well and pat dry with a paper towel so the bars don’t get soggy.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but the texture will be slightly softer. Full-fat cream cheese gives the creamiest results.
What’s the best way to slice these bars?
Let them cool completely, refrigerate for 30 minutes, then use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts for clean edges.
Can I freeze peaches and cream pie bars?
Yes, once fully cooled. Wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Do these taste like oatmeal cream pie bars?
They’re sweeter and creamier, but you could add oats to the crust if you want a little oatmeal cream pie bars King Arthur flair.
What if I want more filling?
Double the cream cheese layer for an extra thick bar just bake 5–10 minutes longer.
Can I swap in other fruit?
Totally! These bars work with peaches, berries, apples, bananas you name it.
Final Thoughts
These Peaches and Cream Pie Bars are everything you love about pie, minus the stress. With their dreamy texture and nostalgic flavor, they stand up beautifully next to banana cream pie bars, oatmeal cream pie bars, and even those classic pumpkin pie bars with cream cheese frosting. No matter the season, these bars bring the sunshine.
Don’t forget to scroll down for the full printable recipe card with ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Peaches and Cream Pie Bars
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 can peach pie filling (21 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment.
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Mix in flour until crumbly. Reserve 1/2 cup for topping. Press the rest into the pan.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over cooled crust.
- Top with peach pie filling. Sprinkle with reserved crust mixture.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely, then chill 1 hour before slicing.