Peaches and Cream Bars

0 Shares

The Peaches and Cream Bars are the epitome of summer indulgence; every bite combines the richness of cream cheese with the refreshing burst of juicy peaches nestled between a buttery golden crust and a crumbly topping. It’s the kind of dessert that looks elegant on a platter yet feels like a cozy homemade treat.

These dessert bars are a celebration of seasonal fruit and simple baking techniques. Whether you’re using canned peaches or fresh from the orchard, the result is always mouthwatering. Serve chilled on a hot day, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or wrap up for a picnic-ready treat that delights everyone. They’re easy to make and even easier to love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 cups canned or fresh peaches, diced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons sugar (for peach layer)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
Press 2/3 of the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 12 minutes.
While crust bakes, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, combine diced peaches, cornstarch, sugar, and cinnamon (if using).
Remove crust from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust evenly.
Layer the peach mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Crumble the remaining dough on top of the peaches.
Return to oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
Cool completely before cutting into bars. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best results.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 312 kcal | Servings: 12 bars

Peaches and Cream Bars: A Summertime Favorite You’ll Crave All Year Long

Peaches and Cream Bars are one of those nostalgic, comforting desserts that never go out of style. They’re soft, creamy, fruity, and deliciously sweet, just the way a dessert bar should be. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also delivers a bakery-style treat right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a summer cookout, a picnic, a casual brunch, or just a lazy Sunday treat, these bars are guaranteed to become a crowd favorite.

If you’re someone who loves the delightful pairing of tart fruit and rich, creamy filling, this dessert was made for you. The base is a buttery, golden crust that provides the perfect structure. On top of that, there’s a velvety cream cheese layer that melts into a sweet peach topping. And just when you think it can’t get any better, it’s all crowned with a soft crumble topping that bakes to golden perfection.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes these bars special, from their origins and variations to expert tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this guide will give you the confidence to bake a batch that turns heads and satisfies sweet cravings.

The Charm of Peaches in Baking

Peaches have long been a staple in summer desserts. Their soft, juicy texture and natural sweetness make them perfect for baking. Whether fresh, frozen, or canned, peaches provide a burst of flavor that complements a variety of ingredients, from creamy elements like custard and cream cheese to buttery crusts and cakes.

In this recipe, peaches add a bright, tangy-sweet contrast to the rich cream cheese filling. The fruit breaks down slightly during baking, creating a soft, luscious layer that blends seamlessly with the creamy and crumbly textures around it. If you’re using canned peaches, this recipe becomes incredibly simple and accessible year-round. If you’re using fresh peaches, the flavor is even more vibrant, making this recipe a seasonal showstopper.

Why These Bars Work So Well

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavors and textures. Here’s why Peaches and Cream Bars are always a hit:

Buttery Crust: The base of the bars is made from a simple butter, sugar, and flour mixture that creates a tender and flavorful crust. It holds up well under the weight of the cream and fruit layers while adding a rich, shortbread-like crunch.
Cream Cheese Layer: This is the creamy center that gives the bars their signature “cream” element. It’s lightly sweetened and flavored with vanilla for depth. The egg in the filling helps it set perfectly during baking.
Peach Topping: Whether you dice fresh peaches or use canned for convenience, the peach layer adds moisture, sweetness, and that iconic summer flavor.
Crumble Topping: A portion of the base dough is reserved and sprinkled on top for a crumbly, golden-brown finish that adds texture and visual appeal.

Each bite is an explosion of flavor, sweet, creamy, fruity, and rich, all in perfect harmony. And because the ingredients are pantry-friendly and easy to find, you’ll find yourself making this recipe over and over again.

Tips for the Best Peaches and Cream Bars

Want to ensure your bars come out perfect every single time? Here are a few expert baking tips:

Use Cold Butter for the Crust: Cold butter helps form a crumbly, tender base. If your butter is too soft, your crust might come out greasy or overly dense.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the flour, butter, and sugar, mix just until crumbly. Overmixing will cause the dough to become tough and chewy.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it blends smoothly with the sugar, vanilla, and egg. Cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy filling.
Fresh vs. Canned Peaches: Fresh peaches give a more natural, vibrant flavor, while canned peaches offer convenience and consistency. If using canned, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Chill Before Slicing: After baking, let the bars cool completely, then refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps the layers set and makes slicing much cleaner.

Variations You Can Try

While the classic recipe is a winner, there are several fun ways to change it up based on what’s in your pantry or to suit dietary needs:

Add a Streusel Topping: For more crunch, add rolled oats, brown sugar, or chopped nuts to the crumble mixture.
Switch the Fruit: Try using nectarines, apricots, or even berries like raspberries or blueberries.
Add Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the peach layer can add warmth and complexity.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and crumble to create a dessert that’s safe for those with gluten intolerance.
Make It a Cheesecake Bar: Double the cream cheese layer and serve it chilled with a fork like a rich cheesecake square.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Peaches and Cream Bars are more than just a summer dessert. Thanks to the availability of canned peaches and shelf-stable ingredients, they’re a fantastic option all year long. Their ease of preparation and impressive results make them perfect for:

Family gatherings
Bake sales
Brunch menus
Potlucks
Afternoon coffee treats
Holiday dessert trays

Because they transport well and slice cleanly, these bars are also a great gift option for friends, neighbors, or coworkers.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These bars are excellent for make-ahead desserts. You can bake them a day in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. The flavors actually improve as they chill, making them taste even better the next day.

If you’re planning to freeze them, slice the bars and separate them with parchment paper in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion: Sweet Simplicity at Its Best

Peaches and Cream Bars are one of those timeless desserts that bring joy with every bite. They manage to feel both indulgent and light, thanks to the perfect balance of buttery, creamy, and fruity layers. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is approachable, reliable, and incredibly satisfying to make.

Beyond their melt-in-your-mouth flavor, these bars represent the kind of homemade treat that warms hearts and brings people together. From backyard barbecues to cozy kitchen moments, Peaches and Cream Bars remind us that, simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly special.

So go ahead, preheat your oven, grab those peaches, and treat yourself to a batch of sunshine in dessert form. Once you try these bars, they’ll earn a permanent place in your recipe box, and probably in your heart too.