Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever experienced the perfect harmony of sweet, juicy peaches and creamy cheesecake in one delightful bite? The Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of summer! With vibrant flavors and silky textures, these bars offer a refreshing treat that can brighten any occasion. Picture yourself savoring every layer, from the crumbly crust to the luscious peach topping, making it impossible to resist another slice.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering for summer picnics. We would often bring a selection of desserts, but nothing made my heart sing quite like the Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars. They remind me of sun-soaked afternoons filled with laughter and warmth. This recipe is perfect for barbecues, birthday parties, or any gathering where you want to impress your friends and family. As you prepare this delightful dish, anticipation builds for the incredible flavor experience that awaits you!
Key Ingredients For Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed graham crackers for a rich, buttery crust that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps bind the crust together while adding richness to the flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetens both the crust and filling, balancing out the tartness of the cream cheese.
- Cream Cheese: Soften it before mixing to ensure a smooth texture in your cheesecake filling.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess to the filling while contributing to its creamy consistency.
- Fresh Peaches: Choose ripe peaches for the best flavor; they should be fragrant and slightly soft when gently squeezed.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of your cheesecake bars.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a uniform mixture for a creamy filling.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with nonstick cooking spray.
Second Step : Make The Crust
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
Third Step : Prepare The Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Add in sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition.
Fourth Step : Add The Peaches
Fold in diced fresh peaches gently into the cream cheese mixture. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout without over-mixing.
Fifth Step : Bake The Cheesecake Bars
Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the baking pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
Sixth Step : Cool And Serve
Allow your cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours. Once chilled, lift them out using parchment paper and cut into squares. Enjoy your dessert chilled for maximum flavor!
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Choose Ripe Peaches: Opt for peaches that yield slightly when pressed; this indicates optimal ripeness and sweetness.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese and eggs to sit at room temperature before mixing; this will help create a smoother filling.
- Bake Until Just Set: Avoid overbaking; your cheesecake should remain slightly jiggly in the center when done for that perfect creamy texture.
Preparation Steps
To create delicious Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crust ingredients, which typically include graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish to form an even layer. Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
While the crust is baking, prepare the cheesecake filling. In another bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream for added richness. Finally, fold in fresh peaches that you’ve diced into small pieces. Pour this creamy mixture over the baked crust and spread it evenly.
Bake the Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set in the center. Allow them to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours. Once chilled, cut them into squares for serving.
Serving Suggestions
These Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are perfect for various occasions and can be served in delightful ways:
- With a dollop of whipped cream: This simple addition enhances the creaminess of the bars.
- Garnished with mint leaves: Fresh mint adds a burst of color and flavor.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm flavors of peach.
Storage Tips
To keep your Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to five days while maintaining their delicious flavor and texture. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing individual squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bars, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This method preserves their creamy texture without compromising taste.
Nutritional Information
Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars offer a delightful balance between sweetness and richness while providing some nutritional benefits as well. Each serving contains essential vitamins from fresh peaches, such as Vitamin C and A. The cream cheese contributes calcium, which is important for bone health.
However, it’s worth noting that these cheesecake bars also contain sugars and fats from ingredients like sugar and butter. Enjoying them as an occasional treat allows you to savor their flavors without excessive concern about calorie intake.
FAQs
What can I substitute for fresh peaches in Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars?
If fresh peaches are out of season or unavailable, you can use canned peaches packed in juice or syrup as a substitute in your Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars recipe. Be sure to drain them well before adding them to prevent excess moisture from affecting your cheesecake’s consistency. Alternatively, frozen peaches work well too; just thaw and chop them before incorporating them into your filling.
Can I make Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing your Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars ahead of time not only saves you stress on the day of serving but also allows flavors to meld beautifully as they chill in the refrigerator. You can prepare them up to two days in advance; just ensure they are stored properly in an airtight container once they have cooled completely.
How do I know when my cheesecake bars are done baking?
Determining if your Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are fully baked requires attention to texture rather than relying solely on time. Look for a firm outer edge with a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. Once they cool down completely, they will set further, achieving that perfect creamy consistency that everyone loves.
Can I add other fruits to my cheesecake bars?
Yes! While peaches provide a fantastic flavor base for these cheesecake bars, feel free to experiment with other fruits as well. Berries like strawberries or blueberries complement the peach flavor nicely or try mixing different fruits together for a unique twist on traditional Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars. Adjust sweetness accordingly based on fruit choices used!

Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of sweet peaches and creamy cheesecake with these Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing dessert, each bite showcases a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a silky cream cheese filling and fresh peach slices. Whether served chilled at a picnic or as a centerpiece for your dinner table, these bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups fresh peaches, diced (about 3 medium peaches)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- 2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar until combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- 3. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- 4. Gently fold in the diced peaches and pour over the baked crust.
- 5. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set around edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
- 6. Cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Choose ripe peaches that yield slightly when pressed for optimal sweetness. Allow all dairy ingredients to come to room temperature for a smoother filling. Feel free to substitute other fruits like berries or plums for a twist on flavor.
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