Easy Peach Cheesecake Bars-Sweet Creamy Dessert

Peach Cheesecake Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a sunshine-filled invitation to pure bliss. Imagine a warm summer evening, the scent of ripe peaches wafting through the air, and then, this: a decadent, creamy cheesecake filling nestled atop a buttery, crisp graham cracker crust, all crowned with juicy, caramelized peaches. It’s no wonder these Peach Cheesecake Bars have become a perennial favorite, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings smiles and sighs of pure contentment with every single bite. What makes them truly special is the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The cool, smooth richness of the cheesecake beautifully contrasts with the tender, slightly tart sweetness of the peaches, while the crumbly crust provides a delightful foundation that ties it all together. They offer all the indulgence of a classic cheesecake but in a more portable, shareable, and frankly, irresistible bar form. Get ready to create a dessert that will have everyone begging for the recipe!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh peaches (peeled and sliced)
• 1 cup whipped cream
• Extra peach slices for garnish

Peach Cheesecake Bars: The Ultimate Guide

Get ready to elevate your dessert game with these incredible Peach Cheesecake Bars. They offer the perfect balance of creamy, tangy cheesecake and sweet, juicy peaches, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring you get fantastic results even if you’re new to cheesecake making. We’ll guide you through each step to create a dessert that’s sure to impress.

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust

The foundation of any great bar dessert is a solid crust, and for our Peach Cheesecake Bars, it’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying graham cracker base. This part is crucial for texture and flavor.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of sugar, and the melted unsalted butter. Stir everything together until the crumbs are evenly moistened and clump together when pressed. It should resemble wet sand. This even distribution of butter is key to a crust that holds its shape and doesn’t crumble apart when you cut the bars.
2. Pour this mixture into an 8×8 inch baking pan that has been lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This overhang will act as handles to easily lift the baked bars out of the pan later. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. You can use the bottom of a glass or a flat-bottomed measuring cup to ensure a compact and even layer. A well-compacted crust prevents it from becoming dry or crumbly.
3. Pre-bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This step is important to set the crust and give it a slightly crisp texture. It also helps to prevent the crust from becoming soggy once the cheesecake filling is added. Let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Creating the Luscious Cheesecake Filling

Now for the star of the show: the creamy, decadent cheesecake filling. Achieving that smooth, velvety texture is all about the right technique and ingredients.

4. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is completely smooth and free of lumps. This is a critical step; any lumps at this stage will persist in the final cheesecake. Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature for the smoothest consistency. Once smooth, gradually add the 1 cup of sugar and continue beating until well combined and fluffy.
5. Add the large eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed just until each egg is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overbeating can introduce too much air, which can lead to cracks in the finished cheesecake. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. The mixture should be smooth, creamy, and a pale yellow color.

Assembling and Baking the Peach Cheesecake Bars

It’s time to bring all the elements together for a beautiful and delicious bake. The peaches add a delightful burst of freshness and sweetness that perfectly complements the rich cheesecake.

6. Gently fold in about two-thirds of the sliced fresh peaches into the cream cheese mixture. You want to distribute them as evenly as possible without overmixing. Save the remaining peach slices for arranging on top if you desire a more decorative finish.
7. Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the pre-baked graham cracker crust. If you saved some peach slices, you can arrange them decoratively on top of the cheesecake batter at this point. This adds a beautiful visual appeal and ensures that lovely peachy flavor is prominent.
8. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly. A slight jiggle in the center is what you’re looking for; it indicates that the cheesecake will continue to set as it cools, resulting in that perfect creamy texture. Avoid overbaking, which can lead to a dry or rubbery cheesecake.

Cooling and Serving Your Masterpiece

Patience is a virtue when it comes to cheesecake, especially when it comes to achieving that perfect texture and preventing cracks. The cooling process is just as important as the baking itself.

9. Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake bars cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour. This gradual cooling process helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking. After cooling in the oven, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature.
10. Once the bars are completely cool, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential for the cheesecake to fully set and develop its characteristic dense, creamy texture. Cold cheesecake is much easier to cut cleanly.
11. When ready to serve, use the parchment paper overhangs to carefully lift the entire block of cheesecake out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into bars using a sharp knife. For extra elegance, top each Peach Cheesecake Bar with a dollop of whipped cream and an extra peach slice. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – the perfect recipe for delicious Peach Cheesecake Bars! We’ve walked through creating a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety smooth cheesecake filling, and topped it all off with a sweet, summery peach topping. These bars are a showstopper for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a special celebration.

I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring these treats as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment! For serving suggestions, these are wonderful on their own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream elevates them even further. You can also dust them with a little powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

For variations, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the crust, or a splash of almond extract to the cheesecake filling for a different flavor profile. You could also swap the peaches for other stone fruits like nectarines or apricots when they’re in season. Get creative and make these Peach Cheesecake Bars your own! Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Peach Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are fantastic for making ahead. You can prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store them, covered, in the refrigerator. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

My cheesecake filling looks a little lumpy. What did I do wrong?

The most common reason for a lumpy cheesecake filling is over-mixing the eggs or adding them when the cream cheese mixture is too warm. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature and mix it until just smooth before adding the eggs, then mix on low speed until just combined.

How should I store leftover Peach Cheesecake Bars?

Store any leftover Peach Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will typically stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Easy Peach Cheesecake Bars

Sweet and creamy peach cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust. A straightforward recipe for a delightful dessert.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
50 Minutes

Servings
16

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup whipped cream
• Extra peach slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. Stir until moistened. Press evenly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking pan. Pre-bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool slightly.
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup sugar and beat until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time on low speed until just incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Step 3
   Gently fold in two-thirds of the sliced peaches into the cream cheese mixture. Save remaining slices for garnish if desired.
4. Step 4
   Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared crust. Arrange remaining peach slices decoratively on top if using.
5. Step 5
   Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour. Cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Step 6
   Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to fully set. Use parchment paper overhangs to lift the cheesecake from the pan. Slice into bars and serve, topped with whipped cream and extra peach slices if desired.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.