If you’re craving a dessert that tastes like summer wrapped up in a tender, creamy treat, you are going to adore this Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe. These bars offer the perfect harmony of buttery crust, luscious cream cheese filling, and juicy peaches all baked into a decadent comfort dessert. Whether you’re bringing something sweet to a gathering or simply indulging at home, these bars are a delightful way to celebrate the sweetness of peaches combined with the creamy texture you can’t resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to making these bars truly shine. Each item plays a vital role, from the crumbly cake mix crust to the velvety cream cheese layer and the bursts of juicy peach flavor that make this dish unforgettable.
- Yellow cake mix: This forms a buttery, golden crust that’s easy to prepare and wonderfully textured.
- Butter: Melted butter binds the crust together, adding richness and a crisp finish.
- Peach slices: Drained and chopped, these deliver natural sweetness and a burst of juicy fruitiness in every bite.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese creates the smooth, creamy base of the filling.
- Powdered sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and helps achieve a silky filling texture.
- Sour cream: Provides tang to balance the sweetness and enhances creaminess.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, elevating the overall flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps with structure.
- Large eggs: Bind the filling ingredients and create that perfect set texture.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan for an easy release later. Combine the yellow cake mix with melted butter in a medium bowl until it forms a crumbly dough. Then, press this mixture evenly into your prepared pan to make the crust — this simple step lays the flavorful foundation for your bars.
Step 2: Bake the crust
Place the pan in the oven and bake the crust for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden color. This pre-baking helps the crust hold up once the luscious filling is added, ensuring every bar has that perfect balance of crispness and softness.
Step 3: Mix the cream cheese filling
While the crust cools slightly, whip up the filling. Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream together until the mixture is smooth and silky. This creates the creamy heart of the pie bars that makes them so irresistible.
Step 4: Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla
Beat in granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the filling is well combined and glossy. These ingredients help set the texture and impart a sweet, comforting aroma that’s simply mouthwatering.
Step 5: Fold in the peaches
Carefully fold in the chopped peaches to distribute their juicy goodness evenly. This step adds that fresh fruit burst that makes this recipe a standout.
Step 6: Bake the assembled bars
Pour the creamy peach filling over the crust, smoothing it gently with a spatula. Bake again for 30 to 35 minutes until the center is set and just starts to turn lightly golden. When it’s done, allow the bars to cool completely to develop their luscious texture.
Step 7: Slice and enjoy!
Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and prepare to impress with this classic, creamy, fruity dessert.
How to Serve Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little something extra on top can elevate your bars to dessert stardom. Fresh peach slices, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream complement the creamy filling beautifully and add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chilled glass of iced tea for a relaxing afternoon treat. They also pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a light fruit salad to bring brightness and balance to your dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present these bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh peach wedges and mint leaves scattered around. You might even drizzle a warm honey glaze or caramel sauce on top to create an eye-catching dessert centerpiece that everyone will be eager to dig into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This helps maintain the creamy texture and freshness of the peaches without drying out the bars.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to enjoy that perfect peaches and cream flavor.
Reheating
To warm up leftover bars, place them in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 to 15 minutes. This gently revives the creamy filling and crust without sacrificing texture or flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches work wonderfully in this recipe. Just peel, pit, and chop them before folding into the filling. They will add a natural, vibrant flavor and beautiful texture.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, if you swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free alternative, you can create a gluten-free version. Just ensure the mix doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the bars and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, or bake them in advance and store in the fridge. This makes it perfect for entertaining.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a lightly golden edge and a set center that doesn’t jiggle too much when you gently shake the pan. The filling should appear firm but creamy.
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will give a similar tang and consistency without altering the flavor drastically.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Peaches and Cream Pie Bars Recipe that captures the heart of summer’s sweetness and autumn’s cozy comfort in one bite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—it’s straightforward, satisfying, and guaranteed to become one of your favorite go-to desserts for any occasion. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
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Description
These Peaches and Cream Pie Bars combine a buttery cake mix crust with a luscious cream cheese and sour cream filling studded with juicy peach slices. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are easy to make and deliver a delicious balance of creamy and fruity flavors in every bite.
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the melted butter until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press dough into pan: Firmly press the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming the crust layer.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Remove and allow to cool slightly to prepare for filling.
- Prepare filling base: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add remaining filling ingredients: Beat in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Fold in peaches: Gently fold the chopped, drained peach slices into the cream cheese filling to evenly distribute the fruit without breaking it up too much.
- Assemble bars: Pour the creamy peach filling over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly.
- Bake filling and crust: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling has set and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares for serving. This helps the filling set fully for cleaner slices.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Draining and chopping the peaches well prevents excess moisture which can make the filling runny.
- Use parchment paper to line the pan for easier removal of bars, if desired.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered tightly.
- For a dairy-free alternative, try using vegan cream cheese and sour cream substitutes.
