Cream Cheesecake Bars

Transport yourself to a sunny orchard with every bite of our Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars. Bursting with the flavors of ripe peaches and creamy cheesecake, these delectable bars are the epitome of summer sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving a dessert that celebrates the season, these bars are sure to impress. Join us as we dive into the recipe and discover the perfect harmony of fruit and cream in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Bars:

• 1 can of peach pie filling (21 oz)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup softened unsalted butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla essence

For the Cheesecake:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Bars:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla essence.
   • Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until well combined. The dough will be crumbly.
   • Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
3. Add the Peach Filling:
   • Spread the peach pie filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
4. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
   • In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla essence until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Bars:
   • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the peach filling in the baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Add the Crumb Topping:
   • Crumble the reserved dough mixture over the top of the cheesecake layer, creating a crumbly topping.
7. Bake and Cool:
   • Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Fresh Peaches: If you prefer to use fresh peaches, simply peel and slice them before arranging them over the crust. You can also toss the fresh peach slices with a sprinkle of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping before baking.
• Glaze: Drizzle the cooled bars with a simple powdered sugar glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an elegant finishing touch.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Indulge in the flavors of Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars while sticking to your keto or low-carb diet with these modifications:

Keto Version:

• Almond Flour: Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour in the crust to reduce the carb content of the bars.
• Sugar Substitute: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar in both the crust and cheesecake layers.

Low-Carb Version:

• Reduced Sugar: Decrease the amount of sugar used in the recipe or use a sugar-free sweetener to reduce the overall carb content while still achieving the desired sweetness.
• Greek Yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese in the cheesecake layer to lower the fat content and reduce the carb count.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned peach pie filling? Yes, you can use fresh peaches. Simply peel, pit, and slice them before arranging them over the crust.
2. How do I store Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars? Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, you can make the bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They can also be frozen and thawed before serving.
4. Can I omit the cheesecake layer? Yes, you can omit the cheesecake layer if desired, but it adds a creamy richness that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
5. Can I use different fruit fillings? Absolutely! Experiment with different fruit fillings such as cherry, blueberry, or apple for delicious flavor variations.

Elevate your dessert game with the irresistible combination of Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars. With a buttery crust, luscious peach filling, and creamy cheesecake layer, these bars are a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re enjoying them at a summer picnic, family gathering, or cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every delicious bite of these heavenly bars. Happy baking!