These Easy Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a treat! They have a creamy filling, sweet peach flavor, and a crunchy crust that makes everyone smile.
Each bite is like a slice of summer! š I love making these bars when peaches are in season. Theyāre simple to whip up and even easier to shareāeven if itās just with myself! š
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the base a rich flavor. If you prefer, you can use coconut oil or margarine as a substitute, but it may change the taste slightly.
Cream Cheese: This is key for that creamy texture. If you need a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt, though the texture will be different.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are fantastic when they’re in season. You can also use canned peachesājust make sure to drain them well. If peaches are hard to find, apricots or pears work too!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you want a lower-calorie option. Just check the conversion ratio on the package.
How Do I Make the Perfect Cheesecake Filling?
Making the cheesecake filling is super important for a great texture and flavor. Hereās a step-by-step guide:
- Start with softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Whip the cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth before adding any sugar. This creates a creamier texture.
- When adding eggs, mix gentlyāover-mixing can lead to cracks when baking.
- Finally, gently fold in the peaches to keep them whole. This helps them distribute evenly without breaking apart.
Easy Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh or canned peaches, chopped (drain if canned)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 40-50 minutes for baking, and youāll need to chill it for at least 2 hours before serving. In total, plan for a bit over 3 hours from start to finish, but most of that is waiting for it to cool down and set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish well, so your bars will come out easily once they’re baked.
2. Making the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and salt. Use a fork or your hands to mix it until you have a crumbly texture. Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form an even crust. This will be the base of your cheesecake bars!
3. Mixing the Cream Cheese Filling:
In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until itās smooth and creamy. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar, mixing well until combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time while continuing to beat well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract. This will create a rich filling for your bars!
4. Adding the Peaches:
Gently fold in the chopped peaches with a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture. Just be careful not to over-mix, so the peaches stay whole.
5. Assembling the Bars:
Pour the cream cheese and peach mixture evenly over the crust in the pan. Then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the filling. This will give your cheesecake bars a nice crumbly topping!
6. Baking Time:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes. You’ll want the top to be golden and the filling to be set but still slightly jiggly in the centerādonāt worry, it will firm up as it cools!
7. Cooling and Glazing:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This might take some time, so be patient! After itās cooled, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl until smooth.
8. Final Touches:
Drizzle the smooth glaze over your cooled cheesecake bars. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares and serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it wonderfully refreshing!
Enjoy these luscious, creamy, peach-filled cheesecake bars with friends and family! šā¤ļø
FAQ for Easy Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before chopping and adding them to the filling. This will help maintain the right texture in your cheesecake bars.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving again!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, you can use a plant-based cream cheese substitute and dairy-free butter. Check the labels to ensure they’re suitable for your dietary needs. Your cheesecake bars will still be delicious!
Can I Add Other Fruits?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of peaches or want to mix it up, you can substitute with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces and adjust the amount to your taste!
