Divine Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars: A Heavenly Dessert Delight

If you’re in search of a dessert that embodies the essence of summer, look no further than our Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars. These delightful bars feature layers of buttery cake, creamy cheesecake, and sweet peach filling, all topped with a luscious almond glaze. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Join us as we dive into the details of this irresistible recipe, complete with cooking tips, variations, and even keto and low-carb options.

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
• 1 egg

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Layer

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Spread two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
5. Spread the peach pie filling over the batter layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

1. In another mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth and creamy.
2. Gently spread the cheesecake mixture over the peach pie filling layer in the baking pan.

Step 4: Add the Remaining Batter

1. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cheesecake layer.
2. Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the batter and cheesecake layer together, creating a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
2. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the glaze has set, slice the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the divine combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet peaches, and almond-infused glaze!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Fresh Peaches: If peaches are in season, you can use fresh peeled and sliced peaches instead of canned peach pie filling.
• Nuts: For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds over the glaze.
• Other Fruit Variations: Experiment with different fruit fillings such as strawberry, blueberry, or cherry for a unique twist on this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare these bars in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply glaze them before serving.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?

A: Yes, you can freeze these bars (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving, then glaze as directed.

Q: Can I make these bars keto-friendly?

A: Yes, you can make a keto version of these bars by using almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour. You can also use keto-friendly sweeteners such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar.

Keto Version and Low Carb Version:

Keto Version:

• Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour.
• Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar.
• Opt for full-fat cream cheese and butter to keep the recipe keto-friendly.

Low Carb Version:

• Reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute to lower the carb content.
• Consider using coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lower carb alternative.
• Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk to further reduce the carb count.

In conclusion, our Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their heavenly combination of peach pie filling, creamy cheesecake, and almond glaze, they’re sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re indulging in a sweet treat after dinner or serving them at your next gathering, these bars are guaranteed to please. So gather your ingredients, follow our easy recipe, and treat yourself to a taste of summer with these divine bars!