Description
These Peaches and Cream Pie Bars combine a buttery crumb crust with a smooth cream cheese filling and fresh juicy peaches, creating a delightful summer dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Filling
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups diced fresh or canned peaches (drained if using canned)
Topping
- 2 tbsp coarse sugar or turbinado sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bars later.
- Make the Crust and Topping Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 3/4 cup of this mixture to use later as the topping.
- Form the Crust: Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the base layer. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: While the crust is baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon flour in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the warm baked crust. Then distribute the diced peaches evenly on top of the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the peaches. If desired, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of coarse sugar or turbinado sugar on top for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake the Bars: Return the assembled pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set before slicing into 12 bars for serving.
Notes
- For additional flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the peach layer before baking.
- Bars can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
- Serve plain or topped with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
