Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peach Pie Bars combine the best of two worlds: the delicious taste of homemade peach pie with the convenience of a bar! These bars are a perfect summer treat, offering a sweet, fruity filling paired with a buttery, flaky crust. With the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, they are an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, need a picnic treat, or just want a little something sweet, these Peach Pie Bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re simple to make and perfect for those who love peach desserts.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough forms.
Press about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
In a separate bowl, combine the sliced peaches, remaining sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss gently to coat the peaches evenly.
Pour the peach mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
Crumble the remaining dough over the peach filling, covering it as much as possible.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. For best results, refrigerate for an hour before serving to allow the filling to set.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields about 12-16 bars, depending on the size you cut them.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Other Fruits: If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even berries.
Vegan: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg or another egg substitute for a vegan-friendly option.
Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for extra warmth and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the Peach Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These bars freeze well. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: To enjoy the bars warm, pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or heat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh peaches?

Fresh peaches work best for this recipe, but you can substitute with canned peaches. Just be sure to drain them well before using.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars a day ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator, and they’ll be perfect for serving the next day.

Can I use frozen peaches?

Yes, frozen peaches can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Ensure that the peach filling is not too watery. If you’re using very juicy peaches, you can sprinkle a little extra cornstarch to help thicken the filling.

Can I add more cinnamon to the recipe?

Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon to suit your taste. A little extra can give the bars a warm, spiced flavor.

Do I have to peel the peaches?

While peeling is not mandatory, it is recommended for a smoother texture. If you prefer, you can leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients.

How long do Peach Pie Bars last?

Stored properly, these bars will stay fresh for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before using it in the recipe.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries to the peach filling for added flavor and variety.

Conclusion

Peach Pie Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the delicious flavors of peach pie in a bar form. With a buttery crust and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced peach filling, these bars are a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, these Peach Pie Bars will surely satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, or store them for later – they are sure to be a hit!

Peach Pie Bars

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These Peach Pie Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a buttery, flaky crust and a juicy peach filling. Ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or a tasty dessert, these easy-to-make bars are a delightful treat that everyone will love!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12-16 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and mix until combined. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a smooth base. Bake for 10 minutes or until slightly golden.
Make the peach filling: While the crust bakes, prepare the peach filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the peaches are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the bars: Once the crust has baked, remove it from the oven. Pour the peach filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the peach filling.
Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Notes

For an added twist, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of the bars after they’ve cooled.
You can substitute frozen peaches if fresh ones are unavailable—just thaw and drain them before use.
These bars are best enjoyed when completely cooled, but they can also be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert option.