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Irresistible Peaches and Cream Bars: Your Ultimate Summer Dessert
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with these utterly irresistible Peaches and Cream Bars! When ripe, juicy peaches are at their peak, there’s no better way to celebrate than by transforming them into a show-stopping dessert. This recipe creates a symphony of textures and tastes: a golden, buttery shortbread crust, a luscious and tangy cream cheese filling, sweet sliced peaches gently spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar, all topped with delightful shortbread crumbles. The result is a dessert that’s crunchy, creamy, bursting with fresh fruit flavor, and the perfect cool treat for any warm day.
These peach bars are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re also a visually appealing dessert that will impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply craving something sweet and refreshing, these homemade peach bars are an ideal choice. Their layered structure ensures every bite is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors, making them a standout among summer desserts. Forget complicated baking; this straightforward recipe delivers gourmet results with minimal fuss.
How to Craft Your Perfect Peaches and Cream Bars
Creating these delightful peach bars is a straightforward process, broken down into simple, manageable steps. Each layer contributes to the overall incredible flavor and texture, ensuring a truly memorable summer dessert experience. Follow these detailed instructions to bake your way to perfection.
Prepare the Buttery Shortbread Crust & Crumble Topping
The foundation and finishing touch of these bars both originate from the same versatile shortbread dough. Begin by combining your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, both brown and granulated sugar for a balanced sweetness and tender texture, baking powder for a slight lift, and a hint of salt and cinnamon to complement the peach flavor. Once these are whisked together, pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. The melted butter makes the dough incredibly easy to mix and press, eliminating the need for a pastry blender. Mix just until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gently press about two-thirds of this delicious dough into the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan that’s been lined with parchment paper, ensuring an even, compact crust. This parchment paper sling will make lifting and slicing the cooled bars effortlessly. Reserve the remaining one-third of the dough; it will become your tempting crumble topping.
Whip Up the Creamy, Tangy Cream Cheese Layer
Next, prepare the decadent cream cheese filling that adds a delightful tang and creamy contrast to the sweet peaches. In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, a large egg, and more vanilla extract. It’s crucial that your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free mixture, so plan ahead and take it out of the fridge an hour or two before baking. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. Carefully spread this velvety cream cheese filling evenly over your pre-pressed shortbread crust. This layer is what gives the “cream” in “Peaches and Cream,” offering a refreshing counterpoint to the fruit.
Infuse and Layer the Fresh Peaches
Now for the star of the show – the peaches! Select ripe but firm peaches for the best results. Wash and slice them to about ¼-inch thickness. There’s no need to peel them unless you prefer a completely smooth texture, as the skins soften beautifully during baking. In a bowl, gently toss the peach slices with brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. The brown sugar enhances the peaches’ natural sweetness and adds a warm caramel note, while cornstarch acts as a thickener, preventing the peach layer from becoming too watery. Cinnamon, of course, is the perfect warm spice to complement the sweet fruit. Once coated, arrange these delightful peach slices in an even layer over the cream cheese filling. Be sure to leave any excess liquid that accumulates at the bottom of the bowl behind to ensure your bars don’t become soggy.
Crown with Crumbly Shortbread Goodness
To complete the layering, retrieve the remaining shortbread dough. Using your fingertips, gently break it into small, irregular crumbles. Scatter these buttery crumbles evenly over the top of the peach layer, aiming for full coverage. This final layer will bake into a golden, crispy topping that provides a wonderful texture contrast to the soft peaches and creamy filling beneath.
Bake to Golden Perfection & Chill for Optimal Enjoyment
With all layers assembled, your peach bars are ready for the oven. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 34-38 minutes. You’ll know they’re perfectly baked when the creamy filling is bubbling gently around the edges of the pan and the shortbread crumbles on top have transformed into a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, the most challenging part begins: waiting! Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack. This initial cooling allows the layers to settle. Then, for the best texture and clean slicing, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill the bars for at least 2-3 hours, or even better, overnight. Once thoroughly chilled, lift the parchment paper sling to remove the entire block of bars, slice them into squares, and prepare to indulge in a slice of pure summer bliss!
Essential Baking Tools for Success
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here are some of my favorite and most-recommended items that will help you achieve perfect Peaches and Cream Bars and many other delicious creations:
A sturdy 9-inch square pan is perfect for evenly baking these bars, ensuring consistent results every time.
An offset spatula makes spreading the cream cheese layer smoothly and evenly a breeze, ensuring a beautiful presentation.
A good set of mixing bowls is fundamental for any baker, allowing you to easily combine ingredients for each distinct layer.
Why You Should Always Weigh Your Ingredients!
I wholeheartedly recommend using a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients, especially when baking. Unlike volumetric measuring cups, which can vary wildly in accuracy depending on how tightly ingredients are packed, a kitchen scale provides precise gram measurements. This consistency is paramount in baking, where ratios are key to success. Weighing ingredients ensures you get reliable results every single time, leading to a much higher success rate with your recipes. Plus, it often means fewer dishes to wash since you can typically weigh multiple ingredients into the same bowl. It’s a game-changer for any baker looking for professional-level precision at home. I provide gram measurements in all my recipes, and this is the scale I love to use.
Peach Bar Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way to store Peaches & Cream Bars?
To maintain their freshness and delicious texture, Peaches & Cream Bars should always be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to 3 days. If you plan to stack the bars, ensure you place a layer of parchment paper between each row. This simple step will prevent them from sticking together and preserve their beautiful layers.
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
While fresh peaches are highly recommended for their vibrant flavor and texture, frozen peaches can certainly be used if fresh ones are out of season or unavailable. The key is to use them directly from the freezer – do not thaw them beforehand. Thawing them can release too much moisture, potentially making your bars soggy. Keep in mind that using frozen peaches may require a slightly longer baking time to ensure they are fully cooked through and the excess moisture has evaporated.
Do I need to peel the peaches for this recipe?
No, peeling the peaches is entirely optional for these bars! I generally don’t peel them myself. When peaches are thinly sliced and baked into the bars, their skins soften considerably, becoming virtually unnoticeable in the finished dessert. If you have a strong preference for peeled peaches or dislike the slight texture of the skin, feel free to peel them. Otherwise, save yourself the extra step and enjoy the convenience!
Can I use canned peaches for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned peaches as a last resort, but fresh or frozen are preferred. If using canned, make sure they are packed in light syrup or water, not heavy syrup. Drain them extremely well and pat them dry with paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible before tossing them with cornstarch and cinnamon. This will help prevent the bars from becoming too wet.
How can I tell if my peaches are ripe enough?
Selecting ripe peaches is crucial for the best flavor. A ripe peach will have a fragrant, sweet aroma. Gently press near the stem end; it should give slightly, indicating juiciness. Avoid peaches that are too hard (not ripe) or too soft (overripe and mushy). Color isn’t always the best indicator, as some varieties are naturally redder than others.
Can these Peaches and Cream Bars be frozen?
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled and chilled, slice the bars and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen bars to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Peaches and Cream Bars
- Discard the Peach Juice: After tossing your sliced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon, you’ll notice some liquid pooling at the bottom of the bowl. It’s crucial to leave this juice behind and not add it to your pan. Adding this extra liquid will increase the moisture content in your bars, making them soggy and less appealing. A dry peach layer ensures a perfectly set and delicious bar.
- Slice with a Hot Knife: Achieving clean, neat slices can be tricky with a dessert that has a soft, creamy filling and a crispy crust. For beautifully defined cuts, dip the blade of a large, sharp knife into hot water. Dry the blade thoroughly with a towel before making each slice. Wipe the knife clean and repeat the hot water process for every cut. This technique warms the blade, allowing it to glide through the layers without dragging or tearing.
- Serve Chilled: While it might be tempting to enjoy these bars warm straight from the oven, their texture and flavor are significantly enhanced by chilling. Allowing the bars to cool completely to room temperature, and then chilling them in the fridge for at least a few hours, gives all the layers a chance to fully set. This not only results in a firmer, more satisfying bite but also makes slicing them much easier and cleaner.
- Don’t Overmix the Shortbread: When preparing the shortbread dough, mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, rather than tender and crumbly, crust and topping. Gentle mixing ensures that classic delicate shortbread texture.
- Line with Parchment Paper: As mentioned in the instructions, lining your baking pan with parchment paper and leaving an overhang on the sides creates a “sling.” This makes lifting the entire batch of baked and cooled bars out of the pan incredibly easy, preventing any sticking and making slicing much simpler.
- Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness of peaches can vary. If your peaches are particularly sweet, you might consider slightly reducing the amount of brown sugar in the peach layer. Conversely, if your peaches are a bit tart, you can add a touch more sugar to balance the flavors. Always taste your fruit!
More Delicious Fruity Summer Desserts to Try
If you’re loving the fresh fruit flavors of these Peaches and Cream Bars, be sure to explore more of our summer-inspired dessert recipes:
- Cherry Crumb Bars: A delightful combination of sweet cherries and a crumbly topping.
- Peaches & Cream Crumb Cake: All the flavors you love in a classic cake form.
- Mixed Berry Streusel Bars: A burst of seasonal berries with a buttery streusel.
- Blueberry Nectarine Upside-Down Cake: A stunning and flavorful cake that’s perfect for entertaining.
- Chantilly Tiramisu: A lighter, fruit-infused twist on a classic Italian dessert.
These recipes are perfect for utilizing seasonal fruits and bringing a touch of homemade sweetness to your gatherings. Happy baking!
Peaches & Cream Bars
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Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust & Crumbs
- 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks or 170g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz (1 block or 227g )cream cheese, at room temperature
- ⅓ cup (70g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peach Layer
- 3 large (or 4 medium) peaches
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
SHOP INGREDIENTS
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9” x 9” square pan with parchment paper to create a sling, with an overhang on all four sides. This will make removing the bars much easier.
- Shortbread Crust & Crumbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt with a fork. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is fully combined and crumbly, ensuring not to overmix.
- Add about two-thirds of the shortbread mixture to the bottom of the prepared pan and press down until firmly packed. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup or drinking glass to help press it out evenly and create a smooth base. Set aside the remaining shortbread mixture for the topping.
- Cream Cheese Layer: In a clean mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue to mix until just combined, being careful not to overbeat. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pressed shortbread base and spread it out into an even layer using a small offset spatula.
- Peach Layer: Wash and cut the peaches into ¼” slices. In a separate bowl, toss the peach slices with the brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon until they are fully coated.
- Carefully place the coated peaches on top of the cream cheese layer, making sure to leave any excess liquid that has accumulated in the bottom of the bowl behind. Spread the peaches into an even layer, arranging them as flat as possible. Crumble the remaining reserved shortbread mixture into small, even pieces over the top of the peaches.
- Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 34-38 minutes, or until the creamy filling is bubbling around the edges of the pan and the shortbread crumbles have turned a beautiful golden brown.
- Allow the baked bars to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill the bars for at least 2-3 hours (preferably longer or overnight) to allow them to set firmly before slicing and serving.
HI THERE!
I’m Rachel
I’m the dessert lover, recipe developer, and content creator behind Sweet Kitchen Cravings. Here you’ll find classic yet special recipes that are sure to impress your loved ones!
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