Satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in a delightful treat with our Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars recipe. These heavenly bars combine the luscious flavor of ripe peaches with rich cream cheese and a buttery crust, creating a dessert that’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a decadent dessert, these bars are sure to impress. Join us as we explore the steps to create this delectable dessert that will leave your taste buds singing.
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:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until well combined.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
2. Add Peach Filling:
- Spread the peach pie filling evenly over the crust layer in the baking pan.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In another mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth and creamy.
- Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture over the peach filling layer in the baking pan.
4. Bake and Cool:
- Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the cheesecake layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
5. Glaze the Bars:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
6. Slice and Serve:
- Once the glaze has set, slice the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Fresh Peach Option: If fresh peaches are in season, you can substitute them for the canned peach pie filling. Simply peel and slice 4-5 fresh peaches and toss them with a tablespoon of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice before layering them over the crust.
- Nutty Crunch: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the cheesecake layer before baking.
- Citrus Zest: Add a pop of citrus flavor by stirring in some lemon or orange zest into the cheesecake mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese for the cheesecake layer? A: Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if preferred. However, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and richness of the cheesecake layer.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I freeze these bars? A: Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For Keto Version:
- Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content.
- Use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia in place of sugar in both the crust and cheesecake layers.
For Low-Carb Version:
- Use a sugar-free peach pie filling or fresh sliced peaches sweetened with a low-carb sweetener.
- Replace the powdered sugar in the glaze with a powdered sugar substitute made from erythritol or monk fruit.
In conclusion, our Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a heavenly dessert that combines the sweet, juicy flavor of peaches with creamy cheesecake and a buttery crust. Whether enjoyed as a special treat for yourself or shared with loved ones, these bars are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible bars in no time. So, why wait? Treat yourself to a slice of sweet bliss today!
