Name: Peach Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (89 grams) rolled oats; 1 cup (198 grams) sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (226 grams) cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 5 cups (850 grams) chopped peaches (about 6 peaches); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (198 grams) sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 cup (113 grams) confectioners’ sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing all the cozy nostalgia of a homemade pie in an easy-to-eat treat, these Peach Pie Bars are the answer. They take everything glorious about summer peaches and marry them with a buttery oat crumble and sweet vanilla glaze, all in a format that’s as perfect for picnics as it is for afternoon coffee breaks. Warm, gooey peaches melt into a crumbly, cinnamon-scented crust that you can eat with your hands — and trust me, after one bite, you’ll find every excuse to bake them all season long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Peach Pie Bars are simple staples you probably already keep in your kitchen, and each one brings something special to the table. With the right combination of buttery crust, juicy peaches, and sweet glaze, these bars strike the perfect balance between rustic and irresistible.

All-purpose flour: Gives structure to both the crust and the filling, ensuring every bar holds together but stays tender.
Rolled oats: Add that signature chewy, cozy bite to the base and the topping — plus a hint of rustic charm.
Sugar: Used in both the base and the peach filling, it sweetens and caramelizes as the bars bake.
Cinnamon: Weaves a gentle warmth throughout the crust and the filling, coaxing out the best in those fresh peaches.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the sweet flavors and keeps the bars from tasting flat.
Cold butter: Cut into cubes, it’s crucial for a crumbly, golden crust and a dreamy brown-sugar flavor.
Chopped peaches (about 6 peaches): The juicy, ripe centerpiece of the bars — the riper, the better!
Lemon juice: Gives just a touch of brightness, which makes the peach flavor really pop.
Ground ginger: Brings a gentle zing and depth of flavor to the peach filling.
Confectioners’ sugar: Dissolves into a silky glaze for the finishing touch.
Heavy cream: Makes the glaze rich and pourable, just the way you want it.

How to Make Peach Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan

First things first: set yourself up for baking success by preheating the oven to 350 °F and greasing a 9×9-inch square baking dish. I like to use a light-colored metal pan to prevent over-browning. Make sure to cover every inch, especially the corners—this means the bars will lift out easily and slice beautifully later.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble

Whip out your stand mixer (or a big bowl and a pastry blender, if you prefer the old-fashioned way). Mix together the flour, rolled oats, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then beat in those gorgeous cold cubes of butter until the mixture looks like coarse sand. The key is to keep the butter cold, which creates little steam pockets and gives you that irresistible crumble.

Step 3: Form the Base

Scoop out 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture and set it aside for the topping. Press the remainder firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, forming an even, compact layer. Pop this into the oven and bake it for about 15 minutes, until it’s lightly golden and set.

Step 4: Prepare the Peach Filling

While your crust is baking, toss the chopped peaches with lemon juice, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. The little bit of flour thickens the filling, so the bars slice neatly instead of becoming soupy. Stir until the peaches are thoroughly coated and everything looks lusciously juicy.

Step 5: Assemble and Top the Bars

When the base comes out of the oven, evenly spread the peach mixture over it. Crumble the reserved dough topping right over the peaches, letting some gaps peek through for a pretty, rustic finish. This double-layered approach means every bite is full of both flaky crust and golden topping.

Step 6: Bake to Jammy Perfection

Pop the pan back into your oven for about 45 minutes. You’re watching for a bubbling, aromatic filling and a top that’s just turning toasty brown. This is when your kitchen will start to smell absolutely heavenly — the hardest part is resisting the urge to dive in before it’s cool!

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

After letting the bars cool completely (trust me, it’s worth the wait for neat slices), whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream for a silky glaze. Drizzle it generously over the bars and let it set before cutting into squares. Each piece will have that perfect rippled sweetness on top.

How to Serve Peach Pie Bars

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with Peach Pie Bars. Try a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving, or a few paper-thin fresh peach slices arranged on top for a burst of color. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprig of mint or a scattering of toasted sliced almonds adds a lovely finishing touch and a bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

These bars are gorgeous as a stand-alone sweet, but you can absolutely pair them up. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer treat, or alongside a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re going for a brunch vibe, try them with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, cut your Peach Pie Bars into small diamond shapes and stack them on a cake stand, or line them up in cupcake liners for grab-and-go goodness. They also shine on a board of mixed fruit desserts, or wrapped up as adorable lunchbox surprises. For a picnic, wrap slices in parchment with a bit of twine—instant rustic charm!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Peach Pie Bars keep beautifully for up to three days at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. If your kitchen is warm or humid, it’s best to store them in the fridge to keep the glaze set and the fruit fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze Peach Pie Bars with great results! Once fully cooled and glazed, slice them and layer between sheets of parchment in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before serving. The glaze might look a little frosty after thawing, but it’ll still taste fab.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy Peach Pie Bars warm (and who could blame you?), a quick zap in the microwave does the trick. A few seconds is all you need to revive the soft filling without melting the glaze off entirely. For crisp edges, you can reheat them in the oven at 300 °F for five to ten minutes.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes! Canned or thawed frozen peaches work well, especially when fresh peaches aren’t in season. Just be sure to drain canned peaches thoroughly, and if using frozen, pat them dry after thawing to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make Peach Pie Bars gluten free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend and use certified gluten-free oats. The bars hold together beautifully, and no one will guess they’re gluten free.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely before slicing, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For extra precision, chill the bars for 30 minutes before slicing — you’ll get perfect, bakery-worthy edges!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Of course! Double everything and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the topping and filling. It’s the easiest way to make sure there’s enough Peach Pie Bars for everyone to enjoy.

Do I have to glaze the bars, or can I serve them plain?

The glaze absolutely elevates the bars with extra sweetness, but you can skip it if you’re keeping things simple. Alternatively, try a dusting of powdered sugar or even a thin smear of cream cheese frosting for a twist!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as homey or crowd-pleasing as a batch of Peach Pie Bars, with their soft, sunny fruit and buttery oat layers. If you’re dreaming of summer flavors any time of year, this is one treat you’ll find yourself making again and again—so go ahead, grab some peaches and share these irresistible bars with someone you love!

Peach Pie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Peach Pie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional peach pie, with a buttery oat crust and a sweet peach filling, topped with a creamy glaze. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch light-colored metal square baking dish.
Make the crust: In a mixer, combine flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and mix until crumbly. Press most of the mixture into the pan and bake for 15 minutes.
Prepare the filling: Mix peaches with lemon juice, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Spread over the baked crust. Crumble the remaining crust over the top.
Bake: Bake for 45 minutes until golden and bubbling. Cool completely.
Make the glaze: Whisk confectioners’ sugar and cream. Drizzle over the bars once cooled.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American