These Peaches and Cream Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds: a buttery shortbread crust, a rich and creamy peach filling, and a sweet, crumbly topping. This twist on traditional peach pie is the perfect summer treat, bringing the sweet, juicy flavors of peaches together with a smooth, comforting creaminess. These bars are perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peaches and Cream Bars are an irresistible treat, featuring layers of buttery crust, smooth filling, and a crunchy topping that comes together beautifully. The fresh peaches add a burst of sweetness and texture, while the creamy filling gives the bars a luxurious mouthfeel. Whether you’re serving them at a summer barbecue, packing them in a lunchbox, or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these bars are sure to be a crowd favorite. They’re easy to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to please everyone with their delightful combination of flavors. Peaches and Cream Bars

Ingredients

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

For the Crust and Topping:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, chilled

For the Filling:

4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
2 pounds peaches, pitted and thinly sliced

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray and set aside.
Make the Crust: In a mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Mix with the paddle attachment until combined. Cut the butter into small pieces and add gradually, mixing until crumbly. You can also use a pastry cutter or fork to do this by hand.
Bake the Crust: Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the crumbly mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar. Add sour cream, flour, and salt, mixing well. Gently fold in the sliced peaches. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust.
Add the Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the peach filling.
Bake the Bars: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the filling is set.
Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares. For the best results, refrigerate the bars for a couple of hours before slicing.
Store: Store the bars in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 bars
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Peaches and Cream Bars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned peaches, but be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture. Fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture, but canned peaches will work as a substitute.

Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt, though sour cream gives the bars a creamier texture. Greek yogurt can be used as well for a slightly thicker consistency.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. In fact, they taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.

Can I add a different fruit to the bars?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like nectarines, apricots, or even mixed berries. Just be sure to adjust the amount of fruit so it doesn’t overwhelm the filling.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is lightly golden brown and the filling is set. You can gently shake the pan to check if the center is firm and no longer jiggly. If needed, bake for a few more minutes until the filling is fully set.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well! Once they’ve completely cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, simply thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Can I use a gluten-free flour blend?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just ensure that your blend includes xanthan gum, which will help with the texture of the crust and filling.

Can I make the crust and topping separately?

If you prefer, you can prepare the crust and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling the bars.

How can I make the bars more flavorful?

For added depth of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling or a pinch of cinnamon to the crust mixture. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the baked bars can also add a sweet touch.

What should I serve these bars with?

These bars are delicious on their own, but for an extra treat, you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Conclusion

These Peaches and Cream Bars are the perfect dessert for any peach lover. With a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy peach filling, and a sweet crumble topping, they’re an irresistible twist on traditional peach pie. Whether you’re baking for a summer gathering, preparing a family dessert, or just looking for a delicious treat to enjoy, these bars will surely be a hit. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re the perfect way to celebrate peach season or just indulge in a sweet, fruity dessert!