Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a decadent dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, juicy flavor of peaches. This easy-to-make recipe creates soft, flavorful cheesecake bars that are perfect for any occasion. With a golden, slightly chewy base and a luscious creamy filling, these bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches, drained and chopped (or fresh peaches)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated after each addition.
- Add the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped peaches and sour cream until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the dish before cutting into squares.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious peaches and cream flavor!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 (depending on the size of the bars)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
Variations
- Add a Crust: Create a graham cracker or shortbread crust at the bottom of the bars for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Topping: Top the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a more indulgent treat.
- Berry Addition: Add fresh blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries along with the peaches for a mixed fruit flavor.
- Cinnamon Spice: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced twist that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
- Peach Glaze: Make a simple peach glaze by heating peach preserves and drizzling it over the cooled bars for extra peach flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They will stay fresh and maintain their texture.
- Reheating: These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, you can gently heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh? Yes, frozen peaches can be used, but be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter.
- Can I make these without cream cheese? While cream cheese gives these bars their rich, creamy texture, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Can I freeze the bars? Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Can I make these bars without eggs? You can substitute the eggs with egg replacements such as flax eggs or applesauce for a vegan version.
- Can I add more fruit to the bars? Yes, you can add additional fruits like blueberries or strawberries for a fruit medley effect.
- How can I make the bars more flavorful? Adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a little almond extract can enhance the flavor of the bars.
- Can I use canned peach pie filling instead of fresh peaches? Yes, canned peach pie filling can be used, but keep in mind that it may add extra sweetness and thickness to the bars.
- Can I use sour cream in the topping instead of the batter? Sour cream is an excellent addition to the batter, but it is not recommended as a topping. Instead, use whipped cream or a fruit glaze.
- How do I know when the bars are done baking? The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Conclusion
Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet and juicy flavor of peaches. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a treat, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this delicious dessert in no time!