The Ultimate Peaches and Cream Bars Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Summer’s sweet peaches and cream bars offer a delightful twist on classic dessert favorites.

Juicy fruits nestled between creamy layers promise pure indulgence for anyone seeking a refreshing treat.

Soft, luscious textures meld together in a harmonious blend of flavor and comfort.

Each bite whispers memories of lazy afternoons and backyard gatherings.

Rich cream cheese smooths out the natural brightness of ripe peaches, creating a perfect balance.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, making this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

The combination will leave you eager to slice into these irresistible bars and savor every decadent moment.

Peachy Keen: What Makes These Bars So Good

• These bars require minimal baking skills, making them perfect for novice bakers who want to impress family and friends without stress.
• With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delectable peaches and cream bars in under an hour, ideal for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Suitable for summer gatherings, potlucks, picnics, or as a delightful after-dinner dessert that appeals to both kids and adults with its creamy texture and fruity flavor.
• The recipe blends classic pantry staples like cream cheese, flour, and fresh peaches, creating a harmonious dessert that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Stocking Your Pantry for Peaches & Cream Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A fine white powder that helps create a sturdy and crumbly crust for the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp texture in the base layer.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps bind the crust ingredients together.

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and tangy dairy product that creates a rich and creamy layer for the bars.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky smooth texture in the cream filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and aromatic essence.

• Fresh Peaches: Sweet and juicy fruit that adds a bright and natural flavor to the dessert.
• Granulated Sugar (Optional): Provides extra sweetness to complement the natural peach flavor.

Peaches & Cream Bars – The Method, Simplified

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Grab your 8×8 inch baking pan and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour

Mix everything until it looks like sandy crumbs.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer that will become your delicious base.

Step 3: Bake the Foundation

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes.

You’re looking for a light golden color that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Once done, pull it out and let it cool down for a few minutes.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Layer

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they’re silky smooth and free of any lumps.

Carefully spread this dreamy mixture over the slightly cooled crust.

Step 5: Add the Fruity Topping

Arrange fresh peach slices in a beautiful pattern across the cream cheese layer.

For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a light dusting of sugar over the top if you’re feeling indulgent.

Step 6: Final Bake and Cool

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You want the filling to set and become slightly firm.

Once done, remove and let the bars cool completely.

This patience will help them slice cleanly and hold their shape.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares and serve.

These bars are perfect for summer gatherings, afternoon treats, or whenever you need a little sweet pick-me-up.

Pro Moves for Peaches & Cream Bars

• Pat peach slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and firm bottom layer.
• Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg over peaches to enhance their natural sweetness and depth.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother mixing and a silkier texture throughout the filling.
• Refrigerate bars for up to 3 days in an airtight container, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.
• Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version of these delightful bars.

How to Store Your Peaches & Cream Bars

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without compromising texture or flavor.
• Remove frozen bars from freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain cream layer's consistency.
• Warm briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, or let bars sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften cream cheese layer.

Top Pairings for Peaches & Cream Bars

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Peach Wine Pairing
• Select a chilled Riesling with crisp acidity that complements the sweet peach notes, cutting through the creamy richness of the bars.
• Craft a Dessert Companion Beverage
• Brew a light lavender tea that echoes the delicate peach flavors, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich cream cheese base.
• Enhance Textural Contrast Plate
• Serve alongside toasted almond slivers or candied pecans to introduce a delightful crunch that balances the smooth bar's soft texture.
• Introduce Complementary Fresh Element
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a small scoop of vanilla bean gelato to brighten the dessert's overall sweetness and provide a clean palate finish.

Switch-Ups for Peaches & Cream Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix to create a celiac-friendly dessert that maintains the same delicious texture and flavor.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and replace fresh peaches with canned organic peaches for a plant-based friendly bar.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use reduced-fat cream cheese to create a lighter, diabetes-friendly dessert.
• Seasonal Fruit Swap: Replace peaches with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced nectarines during different harvest seasons for variety and exciting flavor combinations.

FAQs

• Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use canned peaches. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat dry to prevent excess moisture in the bars.

• How do I know when the cream cheese layer is properly set?

The cream cheese layer should look firm and not jiggle when you gently shake the pan. It typically takes about 25-30 minutes of baking to achieve the right consistency.

• Is it necessary to use a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, you can easily mix the ingredients using a hand mixer or even a whisk. The key is to ensure the cream cheese is smooth and free of lumps.

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These peaches and cream bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. They actually taste great when chilled and the flavors have time to meld together.

Peaches and Cream Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Peaches and Cream Bars bring summer’s sweetest memories to life with a crumbly graham crust and luscious peach filling. Creamy layers and fresh fruit create a dessert so irresistible you’ll want to savor each heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 ripe peaches, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and flour in a mixing bowl, working the ingredients until they form a coarse, crumbly texture.
3. Gently press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base layer.
4. Slide the crust into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown; remove and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
5. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky and uniform in consistency.
6. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the slightly cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Artfully arrange fresh peach slices across the cream layer, overlapping them slightly for visual appeal.
8. Optional: Dust the peach slices with a light sprinkle of additional granulated sugar for extra sweetness.
9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching until the cream layer sets and appears slightly firm.
10. Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1-2 hours before cutting into squares.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending and even texture in the cream cheese layer.
• Drain peaches thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy and compromising the crust’s crispness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture, which will complement the sweet peaches and create a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg