The Juiciest Peaches and Cream Bars Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Delectable peaches and cream bars blend summer’s sweetest memories into a delightful dessert.

Sweet orchard fruits nestle between creamy layers that melt on your tongue.

Soft, buttery textures invite pure indulgence with each tender bite.

Delicate peach slices dance through rich, velvety cream cheese filling.

Sunlight seems to sparkle within these magical squares of pure comfort.

Fresh ingredients transform simple moments into extraordinary culinary experiences.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible treat.

Why These Peaches and Cream Bars Are Worth Making

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal technical expertise and basic kitchen tools.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic flavors of sweet peaches and rich cream cheese that appeal to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Versatile Summer Treat: Showcases seasonal fresh peaches while offering a delightful dessert that can be served at picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing after-dinner indulgence.
• Prepare Ahead Friendly: Can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing stress-free entertaining and convenient meal planning for busy home cooks.

Ingredients List for Peaches and Cream Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the bar's foundation.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp crust.
• Brown Sugar: Brings depth of flavor and moisture to the crust mixture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.

• Fresh Peaches: Sweet, juicy fruit that adds natural flavor and vibrant color to the bars.
• Peach Preserves: Intensifies the peach flavor and helps create a luscious fruity layer.

• Cream Cheese, Heavy Cream: Combines to create a rich, smooth, and creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream mixture.
• Egg: Helps bind and set the cream layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the cream filling.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the dessert.

Step-by-Step Guide to Peaches and Cream Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Set your oven to warm up at 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal later.

Step 2: Mix the Magical Crust

• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Softened butter

Blend everything until it looks like sandy crumbs that stick together when pressed.

Step 3: Create the Crust Base

Take about two-thirds of your crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the pan. Make sure it’s packed down evenly to create a solid foundation for your bars.

Step 4: Lay Down the Peachy Layer

Slice fresh peaches into thin, elegant segments. Arrange them in a beautiful single layer across the crust, covering the entire surface.

Step 5: Spread the Peachy Goodness

Drizzle and spread peach preserves over the peach slices. Ensure every slice gets a loving coating of sweet preserve.

Step 6: Whip Up the Creamy Dream

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth and dreamy.

Step 7: Pour the Cream Layer

Carefully pour the cream mixture over the peach layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a luxurious blanket over the fruit.

Step 8: Add the Crumbly Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture across the top, creating a rustic, textured surface that will turn golden and crisp.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look for golden edges and a center that’s set but still has a slight wiggle.

Step 10: Cool Down

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature for about an hour.

Step 11: Chill and Set

Pop the pan in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This helps the bars firm up and makes cutting easier.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares and serve chilled. Prepare for delighted smiles and happy taste buds!

Tips to Get That Perfect Creamy Texture

• Slice Peaches Strategically: Cut peaches uniformly and thinly to ensure even distribution and consistent texture throughout the bars.
• Balance Moisture Carefully: Pat peach slices gently with paper towels to remove excess liquid, preventing a soggy crust and maintaining the bars' structural integrity.
• Chill for Perfect Cutting: Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours to help them set firmly, allowing clean, precise square cuts without crumbling.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture for a warm, subtle spice that complements the peaches' sweetness.
• Store with Care: Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent texture degradation.

Flavor Combos for Peaches and Cream Bars

• Grilled Peach Paradise: Replace fresh peaches with grilled peach slices for a smoky, caramelized flavor that adds depth to the classic recipe.
• Spiced Autumn Comfort: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger into the crust and cream layers for a warm, seasonal variation.
• Berry Fusion Bars: Swap peaches with mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a vibrant, tangy alternative that bursts with summer freshness.
• Almond Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped almonds over the crumb topping and mix almond extract into the cream layer for a nutty, textured experience.

What to Pair with Peaches and Cream Bars

• Elevate Sweet Harmony: Complementary Flavor Companions
• Pair Crisp Riesling: Delicate white wine balances the dessert's rich, creamy texture with its bright, slightly sweet profile and refreshing acidity that cuts through the butter-based crust.
• Sprinkle Toasted Almonds: Scatter crunchy, lightly roasted almond slivers on top to introduce a nutty contrast and add delightful textural complexity to the smooth peach and cream layers.
• Serve Lavender Honey Drizzle: Create a sophisticated finishing touch by gently drizzling light, floral lavender-infused honey over each bar, enhancing the peach's natural sweetness and complementing the cream's richness.

Storing Peaches and Cream Bars with Ease

• Seal the peaches and cream bars in an airtight container or plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the bars cool and preventing moisture loss.
• Carefully wrap individual bars or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving the bars' texture and flavor for later enjoyment.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This gentle thawing process helps maintain the bars' delicate cream and crust texture.
• Allow chilled bars to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance their creamy, smooth consistency.

Common Peaches and Cream Bar Questions

• Are peaches the best fruit for this recipe?

Peaches provide a sweet, juicy flavor that perfectly complements the creamy filling. Their natural sweetness and soft texture make them ideal for these bars.

• Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Fresh peaches are recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen peaches can be too watery and might make the crust soggy, potentially affecting the overall quality of the bars.

• How do I know when the bars are properly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a center that’s set but still slightly jiggly. The cream layer should not be completely firm when you remove it from the oven, as it will continue to set during cooling.

• Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

Parchment paper is crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars.

Peaches and Cream Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours and 5-10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Luscious Peaches and Cream Bars bring summer’s sweetest moments to life with layers of buttery crust and silky cream cheese filling. Fresh peaches dance between creamy textures, promising delightful bites that transport you straight to sunny orchard memories.

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Ingredients

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Fruit Base:

• 4 peaches, fresh, ripe
• 1/2 cup peach preserves

Crust and Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Cream Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Create the crust by combining flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter in a mixing bowl, blending until a crumbly texture forms.
3. Press approximately two-thirds of the crust mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base layer.
4. Slice fresh peaches into thin, uniform segments, arranging them in a single layer across the crust.
5. Gently spread peach preserves over the peach slices, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Prepare the cream layer by whisking cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
7. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the peach layer, using a spatula to distribute it carefully.
8. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture across the top of the cream layer, creating a rustic, crumbly topping.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center appears set but slightly jiggly.
10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
11. Refrigerate for an additional 2 hours to ensure firm, clean slicing.
12. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang, cut into squares, and serve chilled.

Notes

• Choose ripe, fragrant peaches for the most intense flavor and sweetness in your bars.
• Swap fresh peaches with frozen or canned if seasonal fresh peaches are unavailable, but drain excess liquid thoroughly.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly and maintain the delicate crust texture.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier alternative without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg