Peaches and Cream Bars with Buttery Crumb Topping

If you’re craving something sweet, juicy, and nostalgic, these Peaches and Cream Bars deliver all that and more. With a buttery shortbread-style base, a luscious cream cheese filling, and layers of ripe peaches baked to perfection, each bite melts in your mouth.

Topped with a golden crumble and finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, they’re everything a summer (or anytime) dessert should be — bright, rich, and irresistibly easy.

Perfect for potlucks, brunches, or an afternoon treat with coffee, these bars strike the perfect balance between comforting and classy. And the best part? You can make them with fresh, frozen, or canned peaches.

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🍑 Ingredients (Makes 16 bars)

For the crust and crumble:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cream layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the peach filling:

• 2 cups diced peaches (fresh, canned, or frozen — thawed and drained if using canned or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

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⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 35–38 minutes
• Cooling Time: 45–60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crust and topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, beat the egg and vanilla. Pour into the flour mixture and stir just until a crumbly dough forms. Reserve ¾ cup of the mixture for the topping.

Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust. Set aside.

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Step 2: Mix the cream cheese filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, and beat again until fully incorporated and creamy.

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust and gently spread it into an even layer.

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Step 3: Prepare the peach layer

In a separate bowl, toss the diced peaches with lemon juice, cornstarch, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using). The cornstarch will help absorb excess juice and prevent sogginess.

Spoon the peach mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly.

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Step 4: Add crumble and bake

Sprinkle the reserved ¾ cup of dough over the peach layer to create the crumble topping.

Bake for 35–38 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks set. If using very juicy peaches, you may need a few extra minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for another 30 minutes to fully set.

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Step 5: Slice and serve

Once fully chilled and firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 16 squares.

Dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving, if desired.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve cold or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
• Garnish with fresh mint for a summer brunch or dessert tray
• Drizzle with honey or peach syrup for a gourmet finish

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🧊 Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze sliced bars (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

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💡 Expert Tips

• For easy removal, use parchment with overhang on all sides.
• Use ripe peaches when possible. If they’re overly juicy, pat them dry slightly before mixing with the filling.
• Want a flavor twist? Add almond extract to the crust or swap cinnamon with ginger.
• Craving more crunch? Add chopped pecans or slivered almonds to the crumble topping.
• No fresh peaches? Use high-quality canned or frozen (thawed) peaches to enjoy these bars year-round.

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🧠 Why These Bars Are Special

These bars bring everything you love about summer desserts into a clean, handheld form: juicy fruit, creamy filling, and a satisfying, buttery base. They’re easier and more forgiving than a full pie, and faster to prepare than a cheesecake — yet they give you the best of both.

They look beautiful on a plate, taste rich without being too heavy, and are versatile enough to suit casual and special occasions alike.

Whether you’re making these for a backyard BBQ, holiday dessert tray, or just to treat yourself after dinner — these Peaches and Cream Bars are sure to become a cherished recipe.

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