peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic, a family get-together, or a simple dessert craving, these bars are a crowd-pleaser.
• Easy to Make: Despite their fancy appearance, these bars are simple to prepare with easy-to-find ingredients.
• Bursting with Flavor: The creamy cheesecake layer and sweet peaches create a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Versatile: Swap the peach filling for other fruit pie fillings to customize the bars to your liking.

Ingredients

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

For the Bars

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (21-ounce) can peach pie filling

For the Cheesecake Layer

• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the Batter:
   • In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Mix in eggs and vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
   • Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
   • In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
   • Spread the cheesecake mixture over the batter in the pan.
4. Add the Peaches:
   • Spoon the peach pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
   • Add dollops of the remaining batter on top of the peach layer.
5. Bake:
   • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
   • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
7. Serve:
   • Cut into squares or bars and enjoy this delightful treat.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 16 bars.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Fillings: Swap the peach pie filling for cherry, apple, or blueberry for a new twist.
• Nutty Crust: Add finely chopped pecans or almonds to the crust for extra crunch.
• Lemon Glaze: Replace the almond extract in the glaze with lemon juice for a citrusy touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Enjoy cold or at room temperature. To warm slightly, microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned pie filling?

Yes! Slice and cook fresh peaches with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until they thicken into a pie-filling consistency.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.

4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can, but the bars may be slightly less rich and creamy.

5. What can I substitute for almond extract in the glaze?

You can use vanilla extract or omit it entirely for a simple glaze.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

7. How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing, and avoid overbaking.

8. What’s the best way to slice the bars neatly?

Chill the bars in the refrigerator before slicing with a sharp knife for clean cuts.

9. Can I add spices to the batter?

Yes, cinnamon or nutmeg would pair wonderfully with the peaches.

10. How can I make these dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and milk substitutes.

Conclusion

Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion. With their beautiful layers and delicious taste, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Try them today and savor the flavors of summer in every bite!