Creamy Peach Pie Bars Are Simply Irresistible

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If you can imagine what a cheesecake combined with a peach cobbler would taste like, you'll know what to expect with these creamy peach pie bars. A smooth, rich cream cheese filling is paired with juicy pieces of peaches that are soaked in bourbon and have a warm cinnamon flavor, all reminiscent of a classic peach pie. The crust has a soft crumble and tastes like a shortbread with toasty pecans and a great crunch. Resting and chilling these pie bars is key to a great texture. You don't want to cut into the dessert too soon, or it might fall apart. Patience is key—and will be well rewarded.

Southern Living Creamy Peach Pie Bars sliced and ready to serve
Photo:

Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Active Time:
30 mins
Chill Time:
4 hrs
Total Time:
6 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
8

Ingredients

Crust:

  • Cooking spray

  • 1 cup (about 4 1/4 oz.) all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup (4 oz.) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Filling:

  • 2 large (5 oz. each) ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (about 2 cups) or 2 cups frozen sliced peaches, thawed and drained

  • 3 Tbsp. peach preserves (from 1 [13-oz.] jar)

  • 1 Tbsp. bourbon

  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

  • 12 oz. cream cheese, softened

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Directions

  1. Gather ingredients:

    Southern Living Creamy Peach Pie Bars ingredients

    Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

  2. Prepare baking pan:

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Line bottom and sides of pan with parchment paper, letting parchment overhand 2 to 3 inches on 2 opposite sides.

    Southern Living Creamy Peach Pie Bars lining the pan with parchment paper

    Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

  3. Prepare the Crust:

    Place flour, butter, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until coarse crumbs form, 6 to 7 pulses. Firmly press mixture into bottom of prepared pan.

    Southern Living Creamy Peach Pie Bars pressing the crust mixture in the pan

    Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

  4. Bake Crust:

    Bake in preheated oven until light golden brown, about 20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.

    Southern Living Creamy Peach Pie Bars crust after baking

    Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

  5. Meanwhile, prepare the peaches:

    Stir together peaches, peach preserves, bourbon, and cinnamon in a large bowl until well combined.

    Southern Living Creamy Peach Pie Bars stirring together the peach filling

    Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

  6. Make cream cheese mixture:

    Whisk cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Whisk in sour cream and eggs.

    Southern Living Creamy Peach Pie Bars whisking together the cream cheese filling

    Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

    Evenly spread cream cheese mixture over cooled crust.

    Southern Living Creamy Peach Pie Bars adding the cream cheese mixture to the pan

    Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

  7. Add peach mixture to cream cheese mixture:

    Spoon peach mixture in an even layer over cream cheese mixture, drizzling with any liquid remaining in the bowl. Sprinkle with pecans.

    Southern Living Creamy Peach Pie Bars adding the peaches and nuts to the filling

    Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

  8. Bake bars:

    Bake at 350°F until filling is almost set but jiggles slightly in center, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and cool completely, about 1 hour. Refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours. Using parchment paper overhang, lift out of pan. Cut into bars and serve.

    Southern Living Creamy Peach Pie Bars sliced and ready to serve

    Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

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