The moment you bite into one of these Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars, you’ll understand why they’re a beloved treat in our household! Juicy peaches nestled under a dreamy cheesecake layer, all sandwiched between buttery crumbs—this dessert is pure comfort and elegance in bar form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Peach-Cheesecake Harmony: Every bite is the ultimate marriage of lush peaches and creamy cheesecake encased in a soft, buttery crust.
- Easy to Make, Even Easier to Share: No fancy techniques or equipment needed—these bars are designed for bakers of all levels and are guaranteed to impress.
- Crowd-Pleasing for Any Occasion: Picnic, potluck, or celebration—Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars always steal the dessert table spotlight!
- Customizable Flavors: You can play with different fruit fillings and glazes to suit the season or your mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how basic pantry staples come together for such a uniquely flavorful treat! Each ingredient plays a special role—from rich butter in the crust to the tangy cream cheese layer and juicy peaches that give the bars their signature flair.
- Unsalted butter: The foundation for that melt-in-your-mouth buttery crust. Make sure it’s softened to cream easily.
- Sugar: Sweetens every layer and helps create a tender texture in both the base and the cheesecake filling.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to both the crust and cheesecake.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic notes into the base and the creamy middle.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the crust, keeping everything sturdy and bar-shaped.
- Salt: Just a pinch heightens every flavor, balancing sweetness.
- Canned peach pie filling: A shortcut to luscious, juicy peaches in every bite—no peeling or slicing needed!
- Cream cheese: The creamy star of the cheesecake layer for that unmistakable tang and smoothness.
- Powdered sugar: Ensures the glaze is silky and sweet.
- Milk: Loosens the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- Almond extract: Adds a delicate nutty note to the glaze, intensifying the overall flavor.
Variations
One of the best things about Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars is how easily you can put your own spin on them! Whether you’re adapting to what’s in your pantry or accommodating dietary preferences, there’s a delicious twist for everyone.
- Fresh Fruit Swap: Try swapping out canned peaches for fresh, sliced peaches or even a mixed berry filling for a summery twist.
- Gluten-Free Bars: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for the all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-free.
- Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a touch of grated nutmeg to the pie filling layer for extra warmth and depth.
- Lemon Glaze: Switch out the almond extract in the glaze for fresh lemon juice and zest for a zippy finish.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously greasing a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. This is the foundation of perfect, easy-release bars, so don’t forget this step!
Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping
Cream together the softened butter and sugar until you see a light, fluffy mix in your bowl. Add the eggs and vanilla, then slowly blend in your flour and salt; you want a thick and scoopable batter. Smooth half this mix evenly into your prepared pan and set the rest aside for later.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until no lumps remain. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing just until lovely and smooth. Carefully spread this dreamy cheesecake mixture right over your crust layer.
Step 4: Add the Peach Pie Filling
Scoop the peach pie filling over the creamy cheesecake layer, dotting the bars with bright, juicy fruit. Spread it gently for even coverage—don’t worry if it’s not perfect, those peaches just need a place to shine.
Step 5: Top with Batter and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining crust batter over the top of your peaches—no need for precision, as the batter will spread as it bakes. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden-brown and the aroma fills your kitchen.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan—trust me, this patience is well rewarded! Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bars before cutting into squares and serving your Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars.
Pro Tips for Making Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
- Room Temperature Magic: Always use room temperature cream cheese and butter for the smoothest, creamiest layers—no lumps and heavenly texture guaranteed!
- Even Layering: When spreading layers, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently coax each layer all the way to the corners for even bites every time.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Let bars cool completely before glazing and slicing—warm bars can cause your glaze to melt and seep in, making things messy (but still delicious!).
- Customized Glaze: Adjust the glaze thickness to your liking by adding more or less milk—thicker for a dramatic drizzle, thinner for an all-over glossy finish.
How to Serve Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
For that extra special touch, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or garnish each bar with a fresh peach slice. A scattering of slivered almonds or a dollop of whipped cream can make each piece look (and taste) bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For something lighter, serve them with fresh summer berries or a crisp fruit salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board for a cozy gathering or cut them into bite-sized squares for a sweet addition to a dessert platter. If you’re feeling fancy, serve each bar in a parchment paper wrap tied with twine—instant charm for picnics or party favors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to four days—if you can resist eating them all before then!
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars freeze like a dream. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and layer in a freezer-safe container; they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
These bars are at their best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly warm, a quick 10–20 seconds in the microwave does the trick—just be careful the glaze doesn’t melt away!
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned peach pie filling?
Absolutely! Simply peel and slice about 3 cups of fresh ripe peaches, toss them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch, and layer as you would with pie filling. The results will be wonderfully fresh and juicy.
-
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top crust should be light golden-brown and the cheesecake layer just set when you gently jiggle the pan. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into the doughy parts—a few moist crumbs are fine, but it shouldn’t come out wet.
-
Is it possible to make Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste even better after a night in the fridge, as the flavors meld and set. Just wait to add the glaze until you’re ready to serve for the prettiest presentation.
-
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely. Just use a larger sheet pan and keep a close eye on the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for parties and family gatherings!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a showstopping yet effortless dessert, you truly can’t go wrong with Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars. I hope you’ll bake a batch soon, share a few (or keep them all to yourself), and savor the sweet taste of homemade happiness. Happy baking!
PrintPeaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15m
- Cook Time: 35m
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 9-12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars recipe that combines a buttery base with a creamy cheesecake layer and sweet peach filling, topped with a delicate glaze.
Ingredients
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 oz) can peach pie filling
For the cheesecake layer:
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- For the bars: Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat well. Combine flour and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add to the wet mixture until just combined. Take half of the batter and spread it into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.
- For the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar together. Add vanilla and egg and beat until thoroughly combined. Spread evenly over the pie batter layer, then spread peach pie filling over the cheesecake layer. Drop remaining pie batter over the pie filling. (It will spread as it bakes so don’t worry if it doesn’t cover all the pie filling) Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top pie crust is light golden-brown. Cool completely.
- For the glaze: Once bars are cooled, mix together glaze ingredients and drizzle over the top. Cut into bars and serve!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg