If you’re looking for a treat that wraps up all the cozy flavors of homemade peach pie into a delightfully easy, shareable format, Peach Pie Bars are your answer. Each bite brings together buttery cookie-like crust, juicy peaches, and a sweet drizzly glaze, making these bars perfect for a summer picnic, afternoon snack, or dessert table centerpiece. Whether you use fresh, sun-ripened peaches or the convenience of canned, these bars invite you to celebrate that classic pie flavor with a much easier path from pantry to plate. Sweet, simple, and brimming with nostalgic fruit flavor, Peach Pie Bars instantly elevate any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Peach Pie Bars is how each ingredient plays a starring role, working together to create tender layers, juicy fruit, and the kind of comforting sweetness that can brighten any occasion. Nothing fancy here—just honest ingredients coming together in delicious harmony.
- Butter: Softened unsalted butter adds rich flavor and creates that irresistibly tender, crumbly crust.
- Granulated Sugar: A must for sweetness and to help the dough bake up golden and light.
- Brown Sugar: This brings a touch of warmth and depth, giving the crust and crumble a lovely color and hint of caramel.
- Eggs: Large eggs bind the dough together and promise a soft, chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the whole bar with classic, diner-pie aroma and flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour acts as the foundation, forming the soft, pie-like base and topping.
- Baking Powder: Just enough to give a gentle lift—helping the bars stay tender, not dense.
- Salt: A pinch wakes up and balances all the sweet, buttery goodness.
- Peaches: Fresh or canned, diced peaches provide juicy bursts of fruit flavor in every bite.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with peaches, it prevents excess juices from making the bars soggy—think perfectly set pie filling.
- Granulated Sugar (for peaches): Enhances the natural fruitiness and helps the filling bubble up golden.
- Cinnamon: Gives a little warmth and a classic “pie” feeling that feels just right.
- Powdered Sugar: The key to a silky, quick-mix glaze for that bakery-style finish.
- Milk (for glaze): Just enough to whisk with powdered sugar for the perfect drizzle.
How to Make Peach Pie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and get your 9×13-inch baking pan ready by either greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your bars lift out easily—essential for neat squares and stress-free cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together that gloriously softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix for several minutes until it’s light and fluffy (a stand mixer or sturdy hand mixer is your friend here!). Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant, sweet base.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to your wet dough, mixing only until combined. You’re looking for a soft, slightly crumbly dough—don’t overmix.
Step 4: Form the Bottom Crust
Take two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into your prepared baking pan. Spread right to the edges for a sturdy base that’ll stand up to the juicy peach filling.
Step 5: Make the Peach Filling
In a new bowl, toss your diced peaches (well-drained if canned!) with cornstarch, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir so every juicy piece gets that warm, sweet coating—this guarantees the filling sets up beautifully.
Step 6: Assemble and Add Crumble
Spoon the peach mixture evenly over the crust, spreading it out so you’ll get fruit in every bite. Crumble the remaining dough over the peaches, letting some peach peek through for those signature golden pockets.
Step 7: Bake
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The bars are done when the top is lightly golden and you see the peach filling bubbling up in spots. That’s pie magic! Let the bars cool completely in the pan; this sets the layers and ensures clean slices.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Whisk together the powdered sugar and just enough milk for a smooth, thick glaze—you want it drizzly but not runny. Once the bars are cooled, drizzle the glaze over top, then cut into squares. Time to enjoy!
How to Serve Peach Pie Bars
Garnishes
For a bakery-ready finish, I love to scatter a bit of coarse sugar or a fine dusting of extra cinnamon on top, right after glazing. If you’re feeling decadent, add a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to really highlight the peachy goodness of your Peach Pie Bars.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a pitcher of iced tea or a fruity white sangria for a summery vibe. On brunch tables, Peach Pie Bars play beautifully beside fresh berries, yogurt, and crunchy granola, adding a sweet note to savory spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your Peach Pie Bars on a vintage cake stand or tuck parchment squares between slices in a picnic basket for easy grabbing. Cut smaller squares for a dessert sampler platter, or stack them with parchment for a rustic, on-the-go treat that everyone will love. These also make adorable gifts—just nestle a few into a box with a ribbon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Peach Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, pop them in the fridge to keep the glaze set and the fruit fresh.
Freezing
These bars freeze fabulously—just wrap squares individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. For best texture, glaze after thawing rather than before freezing.
Reheating
If you like your Peach Pie Bars warm (especially with ice cream!), microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds—just enough to take off the chill and release those peachy aromas. Reheat from frozen by thawing overnight, then warming briefly as above.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for Peach Pie Bars?
Absolutely! Thaw the peaches first and drain any excess liquid before dicing and mixing with the other filling ingredients. This helps prevent soggy bars and keeps your filling just the right thickness.
Why is my crust crumbly?
A slightly crumbly texture is normal, but if it’s falling apart, double-check your measurement of butter and flour. Too little moisture or too much dry ingredient can keep the dough from binding—next time, try leveling your flour or letting your butter soften a bit more.
Can I make Peach Pie Bars dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite plant-based butter for the unsalted butter, and a non-dairy milk for the glaze. Just make sure your butter substitute is meant for baking and isn’t too soft, so your bars don’t get greasy.
What’s the best way to cut clean squares?
Letting the bars cool completely in the pan is key. For super clean cuts, use a sharp knife rinsed under hot water and wiped dry between each slice—this neatens up both the crust and the fruity filling.
How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?
The cornstarch in the filling is your secret weapon! It thickens the peach juices as they bake, keeping the crust from absorbing too much moisture. Starting with a fully preheated oven also helps the bottom set quickly for a crisp bite.
Final Thoughts
If you love a dessert that’s equal parts effortless and impressive, don’t let Peach Pie Bars pass you by. They bring all the heart of a homemade pie into something easy, sliceable, and perfect for sharing with your favorite people. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making them all peach season long!
Print
Peach Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with these Peach Pie Bars. A buttery crust, juicy peach filling, and sweet glaze make these bars a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Peach Filling:
- 3 cups fresh or canned peaches, diced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for peaches)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare Crust: Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients to form dough. Press two-thirds into the pan.
- Make Peach Filling: Toss peaches with cornstarch, sugar, and cinnamon. Spread over crust and crumble remaining dough on top.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk, drizzle over bars. Cut and serve.
Notes
- If using canned peaches, drain well and pat dry.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
