Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
There is something truly irresistible about the sweet, velvety combination of luscious peaches paired with a rich cream cheese filling—all wrapped up in a tender cake crust. This Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe is a delightful twist on classic desserts that instantly feels like a slice of sunshine on your plate. Whether it’s a family gathering or a simple afternoon treat, these bars bring together the best of fruity freshness and creamy indulgence in each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make these bars is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet essential for achieving that perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating a sturdy crust or producing the creamy filling that makes these bars unforgettable.
- Yellow cake mix: Acts as the base and crust, providing a tender, slightly crumbly texture with a hint of buttery sweetness.
- Butter, melted: Combines with the cake mix to create the crust’s rich and golden foundation.
- Peach slices (15 oz can), drained and chopped: Brings juicy, fragrant fruitiness with a natural burst of flavor in every bite.
- Cream cheese, softened: The silky smooth heart of the filling that delivers creamy richness.
- Powdered sugar: Adds gentle sweetness while helping the cream cheese mixture stay luxuriously smooth.
- Sour cream: Enhances the creaminess with a slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the filling’s flavor profile, lifting the whole dessert.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer and helps set the filling perfectly during baking.
- Large eggs: Bind the filling together, making it firm yet tender when baked.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This sets the stage for your crust and will ensure the bars don’t stick, making cleanup a snap later on.
Step 2: Create the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix the yellow cake mix with melted butter. The mixture will seem crumbly at first, but that’s exactly what you want—it’s the perfect texture for pressing into the pan to form a sturdy yet tender crust.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake it for 12 to 15 minutes until you see a beautiful golden color. That warm hint of cornmeal and butter scent filling your kitchen is a fantastic sign you’re on the right track! Let it cool just a bit before moving on.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Filling
While the crust cools, take a separate bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream until the mixture is silky smooth. This is where the magic really starts, as the filling’s creamy texture will contrast delightfully with that slightly textured crust.
Step 5: Mix Sweetness and Flavor
Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to your cream cheese mixture, beating everything until well combined. This mix not only sweetens the filling but gives it the structure needed to bake up beautifully—soft, rich, and just a little indulgent.
Step 6: Fold in the Peaches
Gently fold in the chopped peaches to the creamy filling. This step is crucial because you want to preserve the juicy chunks without breaking them down, ensuring you get vibrant bursts of peach flavor in every bar.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour your luscious peach and cream filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake the entire dish for 30 to 35 minutes or until the filling is set and takes on a light golden hue—your kitchen will soon be filled with an irresistible aroma!
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. This cooling time lets the filling firm up just right, allowing each piece to hold together perfectly and showcase the layers of crust and creamy peach filling.
How to Serve Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bars, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey over the top. Fresh peach slices or a dollop of whipped cream can add a festive flair and enhance the dessert’s natural fruitiness without overpowering it.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chilled glass of sweet iced tea for a refreshing contrast. If you’re serving during brunch, fresh berries or a simple green salad with a hint of citrus vinaigrette complement the creamy, fruity richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering, or place them in pretty paper liners for an elegant touch at a party. You can even layer them with slices of fresh peaches and mint leaves on individual dessert plates to add visual appeal and brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, making them perfect to enjoy as a quick snack or dessert anytime you crave a little sweetness.
Freezing
If you want to keep the bars longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge to preserve their creamy texture and delightful flavors.
Reheating
For a warm treat, you can reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the creamy filling from becoming too soft or runny.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches can add a bright, juicy flavor to these bars. Just be sure to peel and chop them finely, and you might want to lightly sauté or macerate them with a bit of sugar to release their natural juices before folding into the filling.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix option that works for baking. Just follow the package directions for the best results and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I prepare the crust ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake the crust a day in advance, then keep it covered at room temperature until you’re ready to add the filling and bake the bars. This can save a bit of time on serving day.
How do I know when the pie bars are done baking?
The filling should look set and only slightly jiggle in the middle when you gently shake the pan. It will have a light golden tint on top, indicating it’s perfectly baked without being dry.
Can these bars be made vegan or dairy-free?
With some ingredient swaps like vegan cream cheese, a dairy-free sour cream alternative, and plant-based butter, you can customize this recipe to suit dietary needs. Keep in mind, the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
Making this Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe is like gifting yourself a little slice of homemade happiness. The way the peaches shine through the creamy filling atop a buttery crust is one of those simple pleasures that keep you coming back for more. If you’re looking for a dessert that creates smiles and warm memories, these bars are a fantastic choice—so grab your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch to share!
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Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delightfully sweet and creamy, these Peaches and Cream Pie Bars combine a buttery cake crust with a luscious cream cheese and peach filling. Perfect for a summer dessert or a special treat, these bars offer a fruity and smooth bite that’s easy to make and sure to please.
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 the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and melted butter. Mix until you achieve a crumbly dough consistency which will act as your crust.
- Form the Crust: Press the crumbly dough evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 12 to 15 minutes until it turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly to prepare for the filling.
- Prepare the Filling Base: In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat well until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate Peaches: Gently fold the chopped, drained peach slices into the cream cheese mixture to distribute fruit evenly without breaking it down too much.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the creamy peach filling evenly over the cooled crust in the baking pan, spreading it out smoothly.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This ensures clean cuts and allows the filling to set perfectly.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Drain the peaches thoroughly to avoid adding extra moisture that could make the bars soggy.
- You can garnish the bars with whipped cream or additional peach slices before serving for extra presentation appeal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
