Introduction
Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the sweet, juicy flavor of peaches with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake, all layered on a buttery, tender crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday gatherings, and they offer a delicious twist on traditional cheesecake with the added sweetness of peach pie filling and a light almond glaze.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe involves three main components: a buttery base layer, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a sweet peach topping. The bars are baked until golden brown and then finished with a simple almond glaze that adds an extra touch of sweetness. The result is a dessert that’s not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor in every bite.
With a preparation time of 20 minutes and a baking time of 30-35 minutes, these cheesecake bars are relatively easy to make, and they yield a generous 9×13 pan, perfect for sharing.
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 extract
- 1 egg
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 2 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat 1 block (8 oz) of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 egg, continuing to beat until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
4. Layer the Cheesecake and Peaches:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
- Spoon the peach pie filling over the cheesecake layer, distributing the peaches evenly across the surface.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the top of the peach filling. It’s okay if some of the peach filling peeks through.
5. Bake the Cheesecake Bars:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
6. Prepare the Almond Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Once the bars have cooled completely, drizzle the almond glaze over the top, allowing it to set for a few minutes before cutting.
7. Serve the Bars:
- Once the glaze has set, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. For a refreshing beverage pairing, consider serving these bars with iced tea, lemonade, or a light herbal tea that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
These bars are versatile and can be served as a dessert for a summer picnic, a potluck, or as a sweet ending to a family dinner. They also make a great treat for brunch or an afternoon snack.
Variations of the Recipe
1. Berry Cheesecake Bars:
Replace the peach pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry pie filling for a different fruity flavor.
2. Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars:
Use apple pie filling instead of peach, and add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the cheesecake layer for a warm, spiced version.
3. Nutty Cheesecake Bars:
Add chopped pecans or almonds to the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking for a crunchy texture.
4. Gluten-Free Cheesecake Bars:
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Health Benefits Notes
While these cheesecake bars are an indulgent treat, they do offer some benefits:
- Peaches: Peaches are a good source of vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, which can support overall health and well-being.
- Portion Control: Because these bars are cut into small squares, they make it easy to enjoy a sweet treat without overindulging.
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned peach pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh peaches. To do so, peel and slice about 4-5 ripe peaches, and toss them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch before layering them in the bars.
2. How do I store the cheesecake bars?
Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. After baking and cooling, cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. Add the glaze just before serving.
4. What can I use instead of almond extract in the glaze?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract or lemon extract for a different twist on the glaze.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan or in two 9×13-inch pans. Adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Conclusion
Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a deliciously rich and fruity dessert that combines the best of both worlds—sweet, juicy peaches and creamy cheesecake. These bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With their buttery crust, creamy filling, and sweet glaze, these cheesecake bars are a must-try for anyone who loves a good dessert. Enjoy them with your favorite beverage, or serve them at your next gathering for a dessert that everyone will love.