Southern-Style Peach Pie Bars with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

The Story & Intro

There’s something magical about Southern summers that always brings peaches to mind. I remember standing barefoot on my grandmother’s porch in Georgia, the sweet smell of peaches wafting from her tiny kitchen oven. Her desserts were legendary—no measurements, just love and instinct. That memory sparked this recipe for Southern-Style Peach Pie Bars with Cinnamon Glaze. They’re comforting, rustic, and perfect whether it’s peach season or the middle of winter.

Southern Charm in Every Bite

When I set out to recreate those peach-filled summer days, I focused on flavor, simplicity, and the kind of nostalgic warmth you only get from a Southern kitchen. These peach pie bars are everything I loved about my grandmother’s baking—sweet, slightly spiced, and buttery without being too heavy. They’ve become a regular in my home, especially when I need something that’s as satisfying to bake as it is to eat.

If you love this style, you’ll enjoy the 5-minute no-bake peach cheesecake bites—another sweet treat perfect for warm days.

Why Peach Pie Bars Are a Year-Round Favorite

What I love most about these bars is how flexible they are. You can use fresh peaches in the summer, frozen when you’re craving something sweet mid-winter, or even canned if you’re in a pinch. The cinnamon glaze gives them a cozy twist that makes them just right for holiday gatherings too.

They’re ideal for events, travel well, and can even be frozen. If you’re into fruit desserts with real Southern flair, try this fresh peach crisp or the 3-ingredient peach jam for even more peachy goodness.

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How to Make the Best Peach Pie Bars

Southern-Style Peach Pie Bars Step-by-Step

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• ¼ tsp salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 3 cups sliced peaches (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Cinnamon Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Start by mixing the crust ingredients until crumbly. Press half into a parchment-lined pan and pre-bake. Meanwhile, simmer the filling ingredients until thickened. Pour the peach mixture over the crust and top with the remaining crumb. Bake again until golden, then cool and glaze.

Ingredients That Make These Bars So Special

The brown sugar in the filling adds richness while the lemon juice balances the sweetness with a pop of brightness. The cornstarch thickens the peach layer, and cinnamon infuses everything with warmth. The glaze is simple yet powerful—powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla—but it transforms the entire dessert.

You can also adapt it by adding nutmeg, a splash of bourbon, or substituting nectarines. Like our moist cinnamon applesauce bread, the flavor comes from basic ingredients treated right.

The Cinnamon Glaze & Baking Tips

Cinnamon Glaze: The Signature Touch

Glaze is where the magic happens. Mix powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla to a pourable consistency. Drizzle over the cooled bars or, for a rustic finish, while they’re slightly warm so it melts into the crumble. You want that glossy, sticky look that invites a second (or third) piece.

For a similar aesthetic, check out the charming presentation of our Great Gatsby lemon cakes—they’re a Southern dream too.

Baking Tips from Jake’s Family Kitchen

• Use parchment paper for easy lifting and clean slicing.
• Cool bars completely before slicing for tidy squares.
• Double the glaze if you want extra sweetness and shine.
• Add a touch more cornstarch if your peaches are very juicy.

If you’re craving another comforting, spiced dessert, our cinnamon roll cheesecake is another crowd-pleaser.

FAQs Before You Bake

These bars pair beautifully with deep-fried corn ribs or a refreshing lemon garlic vinaigrette salad for a balanced Southern meal.