🍑 Peaches and Cream Bars — A Soft, Sweet, and Dreamy Dessert You’ll Make Again and Again

If you love desserts that are easy to make but taste like they took hours, Peaches and Cream Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. These bars combine a buttery crust, a velvety cream-cheese filling, and juicy peaches baked into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth square. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, family gatherings, or simply cozy evenings at home, this recipe delivers comfort and elegance all in one bite.

Below is a full, detailed, step-by-step guide to creating these heavenly bars from scratch.

✨ What Are Peaches and Cream Bars?

Imagine a dessert that brings together the nostalgic flavor of peach cobbler with the richness of cheesecake — but in a handheld bar form. The base is a soft, buttery dough that turns slightly crisp at the edges when baked. The center contains a silky cream layer paired with sweet peaches, and the top is finished with dollops of dough that bake into golden, rustic crumbs.

It’s simple, beautiful, and undeniably delicious.

🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust and Topping:

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

For the Cream Filling:

• 1 package (8 oz / 225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Peach Layer:

• 2 cups sliced peaches (fresh or well-drained canned peaches)
• 1–2 tbsp sugar (optional, if peaches are not very sweet)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  This prevents sticking and makes slicing much easier.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until creamy and light.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.

Texture Check:
The dough should be thick, soft, and slightly sticky — similar to sugar cookie dough.

Set aside 1½ cups of this dough for the topping and keep it in the refrigerator to firm up.

Step 3: Press the Crust Into the Pan

• Take the remaining dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
• Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread it out smoothly.

Tip: Lightly wet your fingers to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl:

1. Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the sugar, beating until creamy.
3. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely silky and lump-free.

This rich layer is what gives the bars their dreamy “cream” element.

Step 5: Add the Peach Layer

• Slice peaches thinly if fresh, or drain thoroughly if using canned.
• Arrange them evenly on top of the crust.
• Sprinkle with a little sugar and cinnamon if desired for extra sweetness and warmth.

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