Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the luscious flavor of ripe peaches with the creamy richness of cheesecake. Perfect for summer gatherings or an indulgent treat at home, these bars are easy to make and even easier to love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the freshness of peaches with the creamy decadence of cheesecake.
- Easy to make, yet impressive enough for entertaining.
- Perfect for any season, especially summer when peaches are at their peak.
- Bars are easy to slice, serve, and share.
- Can be customized with different fruits or toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham crackers
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Cream cheese
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh peaches
- Heavy cream
Directions
- Prepare the crust: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a lined baking pan to form an even layer.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until combined.
- Layer the peaches: Thinly slice fresh peaches and arrange them over the crust. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the peaches.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the bars for about 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set. Let cool completely.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours or overnight to set.
- Serve: Cut into squares and garnish with additional peach slices or whipped cream if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 12 bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Chill Time: 3 hours
Variations
- Fruit swaps: Substitute peaches with nectarines, mangoes, or berries for a different flavor.
- Crust options: Use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or almond flour crust for a unique twist.
- Dairy-free version: Replace cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Toppings: Add a crumble topping or drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These bars are best served chilled and do not require reheating.
FAQs
How do I keep the crust from crumbling?
Ensure you press the crust mixture firmly into the pan, and chill it before adding the filling for better stability.
Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, canned peaches can be used if fresh peaches are unavailable. Drain them well before layering.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a damp cloth between cuts for neat slices.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these bars up to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
How do I know when the cheesecake is set?
The edges should be firm, and the center should have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
Can I use a springform pan instead of a baking dish?
A springform pan works well, especially if you want a taller cheesecake bar.
What’s the ideal peach ripeness for this recipe?
Choose peaches that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch for the best balance of sweetness and texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Adjust the baking time as needed.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese?
Leave it at room temperature for 30-60 minutes or microwave in short bursts until soft but not melted.
Conclusion
Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a perfect blend of fruity and creamy, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them chilled on a hot summer day or as a comforting treat year-round, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Give them a try and savor the delightful combination of peaches and cream!
PrintPeaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, and sweet peach filling, all topped with a light almond glaze. Here’s how to
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (21 oz) can peach pie filling
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and egg, and continue beating until fully combined.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
- Add Peach Filling:
- Evenly distribute the peach pie filling over the cheesecake layer.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the peach layer. It’s okay if the batter doesn’t completely cover the peaches; it will spread as it bakes.
- Bake:Â Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
- Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Serve:Â Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- For a different flavor, you can substitute the peach pie filling with other fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth cheesecake layer.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.