The sweet simplicity of Peach Pie Bars captures everything we love about summer fruit desserts. No rolling pins or pastry shells needed—just buttery shortbread-style crust layered with creamy, spiced peach filling and a golden crumb topping. It’s the rustic, fuss-free answer to peach pie.
Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just treating yourself, these bars are easy to make and even easier to devour. With juicy ripe peaches as the star, this dessert strikes the balance between indulgent and refreshing. Cut into squares, they’re ready to share—or savor solo with a cup of coffee or scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Full Recipe:
For the crust and crumb topping:
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1 3/4 cups (230g) all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cubed, plus more for the pan
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the peach filling:
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1 large egg
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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3 medium peaches (about 1 pound), pitted and sliced thinly
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square pan with butter and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
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In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add cold cubed butter and vanilla extract, then use your fingers to blend until it holds when squeezed.
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Reserve 3/4 cup of the mixture for the crumb topping. Press the remaining into the pan in an even layer.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, sugar, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Add the sliced peaches and gently combine.
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Spread the peach filling evenly over the crust.
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Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the filling. To get bigger crumb pieces, squeeze the mixture before sprinkling.
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Bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and feels crisp. Cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 217 kcal per serving | Servings: 16
The Charm of Peach Pie Bars
There’s something timeless and nostalgic about peach desserts. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed cold as an afternoon treat, peaches are one of those seasonal fruits that make desserts feel both homey and indulgent. Among all the options, Peach Pie Bars have carved out their niche as a delicious, simplified take on classic peach pie—with all the flavor and none of the fuss.
Instead of dealing with a traditional pie crust, which requires chilling, rolling, and blind-baking, peach pie bars use a shortbread-like dough that doubles as both the base and crumb topping. This saves time and effort, making the recipe approachable for bakers of all levels. The creamy peach filling layered between the crust and the golden crumble topping creates a harmony of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist.
Why Peach Pie Bars Are the Perfect Summer Dessert
Peach pie bars are designed with summer in mind. They make the most of peak-season peaches, which are juicy, sweet, and fragrant. Because they are sliced and baked into the bars, even slightly overripe peaches can shine in this recipe. It’s a great way to reduce food waste while still indulging in a sweet treat.
These bars also travel well and are easy to portion, making them ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, family picnics, and casual brunches. Unlike a traditional pie, which can be messy and requires slicing at the table, peach bars are cut ahead of time and neatly stackable. They don’t need refrigeration for short periods, and they stay delicious at room temperature, even on a warm summer day.
The Art of Choosing the Perfect Peaches
One of the most critical steps in baking peach desserts is selecting the right fruit. A good peach should be deeply fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and richly colored—typically golden yellow with a blush of red or orange. Freestone peaches are particularly convenient because the pit separates easily from the flesh, making slicing simpler and less wasteful.
Peach pie bars don’t require the peaches to be peeled, which is a relief for many home bakers. The thin skin softens during baking and becomes virtually unnoticeable, especially when mixed into the creamy filling. However, if you’re particular about texture, blanching the peaches and slipping off their skins is an easy extra step.
If fresh peaches are not in season or readily available, frozen peach slices are a reliable substitute. They can be added directly from the freezer without thawing, although you may need to extend the baking time slightly to account for the additional moisture and lower temperature of the frozen fruit.
Texture and Flavor Balance
The texture of peach pie bars is one of their standout qualities. The base is tender yet firm enough to support the juicy filling. It has a buttery richness that complements the sweetness of the fruit. The crumb topping provides a crunchy contrast, with golden, crisp morsels that lightly caramelize in the oven.
The filling is creamy and lightly spiced, typically with a hint of cinnamon. Sour cream adds tang and silkiness, which balances the sugar and enhances the flavor of the peaches. The result is a multi-dimensional bite—soft and luscious in the center, crunchy on top, and melt-in-your-mouth at the bottom.
Tips for Baking Success
For a perfectly baked batch of peach pie bars, there are a few essential baking techniques to keep in mind:
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Cold butter is key: Make sure your butter is cold when incorporating it into the crust mixture. This helps create the crumbly, shortbread texture.
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Don’t overmix: Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry ingredients. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and may result in a tough crust.
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Allow cooling time: While it’s tempting to dig in right after baking, these bars benefit from at least an hour of cooling. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing much easier.
Creative Variations and Flavor Additions
One of the best things about peach pie bars is their versatility. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it’s easy to get creative with flavors and mix-ins.
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Berry boost: Add a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the filling for a burst of color and a tart twist.
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Nut crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts over the crumb topping before baking for added crunch.
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Spice it up: Enhance the warm flavor profile by adding nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of ginger to the filling or topping.
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Citrus zest: Add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the filling to brighten the flavor and cut through the sweetness.
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Glaze it: For a bakery-style finish, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice over the cooled bars.
These customizations allow the base recipe to work year-round—just swap the fruit or spices to fit the season.
Storing and Freezing Peach Pie Bars
One of the lesser-discussed but highly appreciated features of peach pie bars is how well they store. Once cooled and sliced, they can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. This makes them a great make-ahead option for busy weeks or event prep.
They also freeze beautifully. To freeze, place the cut bars on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months and defrosted in the fridge or at room temperature. This ensures you always have a delicious, homemade dessert on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Peach pie bars are wonderful on their own, but they can also be elevated into a more decadent dessert. Try these ideas:
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-indulgent treat.
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Pair with coffee or cold brew for a delightful afternoon snack.
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Slice small squares for a dessert buffet or brunch spread.
Their charming appearance and golden crumb topping also make them visually appealing for party platters and gift boxes.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic with Timeless Appeal
Peach pie bars may be a contemporary twist on a traditional dessert, but they’ve quickly earned a spot in the hearts (and recipe boxes) of home bakers everywhere. They combine the soul-warming essence of homemade pie with the ease and efficiency of a bar cookie. The blend of textures, the burst of peach flavor, and the simple yet elegant presentation make them ideal for nearly any occasion.
In a world where time is often limited and convenience is key, peach pie bars strike a beautiful balance—they are fast and forgiving, yet look and taste like they took much more effort than they actually do. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, this recipe is a keeper. Every bite delivers the flavor of summer—and a reminder that sometimes, the simplest bakes are the most memorable.