Peaches And Cream Bars

Peaches and Cream Bars are a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. These bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with sweet, juicy peaches and a luscious cream cheese filling. The combination of fresh peaches and creamy filling creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an ideal treat for picnics, barbecues, or simply enjoying at home with a cup of tea or coffee. Easy to prepare and beautifully presented, these bars can be served warm or chilled, offering a refreshing and indulgent dessert that showcases the best of seasonal fruit!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Peach Filling:

• 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 3-4 peaches)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, butter, and salt. Mix until crumbly and well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
3. Prepare the Peach Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the diced peaches with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside to allow the peaches to release their juices.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Assemble the Bars: Once the crust has baked, remove it from the oven and layer the peach mixture evenly over the crust. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the peaches, spreading it gently to cover.
6. Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is set and slightly golden on top.
7. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up before slicing into squares.
8. Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature, enjoying the delicious combination of peaches and creamy goodness!

These Peaches and Cream Bars are a sweet, summery delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds, making them a perfect addition to any dessert table!