These Easy Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a sweet treat that everyone will love! With creamy cheesecake and juicy peach slices, they are like a sunny slice of summer in every bite.
Making these bars is a breeze! Just mix, bake, and chill. I like to enjoy them on a warm day with a scoop of ice cream. Trust me, they won’t last long on your plate! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Canned peaches are easy and always sweet! If you don’t have canned, you can use fresh ripe peaches. Just peel and chop them. You could also try other fruits like pears or blueberries for a twist!
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese gives that creamy texture needed for cheesecake. If you prefer a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese, but it may not be as rich. Avoid fat-free for this recipe to maintain creaminess.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness of the bars. If you’re out, you could substitute with margarine, coconut oil, or even vegetable oil, but the flavor may vary a little.
Granulated Sugar: This recipe uses a lot of white sugar. You can swap half of it for brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor. If you want a sugar-free version, use a sugar substitute like erythritol, keeping in mind it can change the texture.
How Do I Get a Perfect Cheesecake Layer?
To make a smooth cheesecake layer, it’s essential to beat the cream cheese until fluffy and without lumps. Here’s how to do it:
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. This avoids lumps!
- Beat it at medium speed with a mixer or whisk until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the remaining sugar gradually.
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring everything mixes evenly.
- Spread it gently over the crust without pressing down too hard, so it stays fluffy.
Easy Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) sliced peaches in syrup, drained and chopped
- 1 package (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let the bars cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. In total, you should allow around 3 hours for the entire process. But trust me, they’ll be worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing or lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper is essential—it keeps the bars from sticking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial for even distribution of the baking powder, so set the mixture aside for now.
3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until it’s fluffy and light—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything is well combined. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the creamy butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined to form a nice dough. We don’t want to overmix here!
5. Create the Crust:
Press about two-thirds of your dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will form a delicious crust for your cheesecake bars.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust you just created.
7. Add the Peaches:
Gently distribute the chopped peaches over the cream cheese layer, making sure every bite will have some fruity goodness!
8. Top with Remaining Dough:
Crumble the remaining dough over the peach layer. This topping will create a beautiful crust as it bakes!
9. Bake & Cool:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
10. Drizzle That Glaze:
For the finishing touch, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top!
11. Chill and Serve:
Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows them to set perfectly. Once ready, slice into squares, serve, and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness!
Enjoy your creamy, fruity Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars! 🍑✨
FAQ for Easy Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Can I Use Fresh Peaches Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh peaches, make sure they are ripe. Peel, chop, and toss them lightly with a little sugar to enhance the flavor. You can use about 3-4 medium peaches in place of the canned ones.
Can I Make These Bars in Advance?
Yes, these cheesecake bars can be made a day ahead! Just allow them to cool completely, glaze, and cover tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. They taste even better after chilling overnight!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
If you want a lighter option, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese; however, the texture may be slightly different. For a dairy-free option, consider using vegan cream cheese as an alternative.
