These Easy Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a sweet treat you’ll love! With a creamy filling and fresh peach slices on top, they’re perfect for dessert lovers.
Making these bars is a breeze, like having a piece of summer on your plate! I enjoy serving them chilled, so everyone can savor that yummy peach flavor. 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base for the bars and makes them quick to prepare. If you’re looking for a homemade option, you can create a simple cake mix using flour, baking powder, and sugar. Gluten-free cake mixes are also available.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and a slight tang. If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt works too. It’s thick and creamy, plus it’s a bit healthier!
Peaches: Canned peaches are convenient, but if you’re using fresh peaches, make sure they’re ripe. You can also swap them for other fruits like canned pears or berries for a different twist!
Glaze Ingredients: The powdered sugar glaze gives a lovely finish. If you’re avoiding sugar, try a simple lemon or cream cheese drizzle instead. It adds flavor and brightness!
How Do I Ensure My Cheesecake Bars Set Properly?
The key to perfectly set cheesecake bars lies in the baking process. Make sure to monitor the baking time closely.
- Start by preheating the oven properly to avoid undercooking.
- Look for the edges to turn golden while the center should be slightly wobbly; it will firm up as it cools.
- Letting the bars cool completely before cutting is crucial. If they’re warm, they may fall apart.
Chilling them in the fridge for at least two hours helps them set up beautifully, making cutting easier.
Easy Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Crust:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided (1/2 cup for filling and 1/2 cup for glaze)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches, drained and chopped
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Time Needed:
This delicious dessert requires about 15 minutes for prep and 35 to 40 minutes of baking time. After baking, make sure to chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes before you can enjoy these scrumptious bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will make it easier to lift the bars out when they’re cooled!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix and melted butter until a thick dough forms. This will be your crust. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, using your fingers or the back of a spoon to get an even layer.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until it turns smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. Add the Peaches:
Gently fold in the chopped peaches to the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to break them up too much. This will add delightful flavor and texture to your bars!
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the cream cheese and peach filling evenly over the crust you prepared earlier. If you like, use a spoon to gently swirl the mixture on top for a marbled effect—this adds a nice visual touch!
6. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and the filling is set. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary a bit!
7. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to create your glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cheesecake bars to finish them off with a sweet touch!
8. Chill:
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before cutting them into squares and serving. Enjoy these creamy, peachy cheesecake bars chilled and ready to impress!
FAQ for Easy Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Can I Use Fresh Peaches Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches can make the bars even more delicious. Just be sure to slice and chop them into small pieces, and peel them if you prefer a smoother texture. Use about the same amount as the canned peaches.
What if I Don’t Have Sour Cream?
No problem! You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture and tanginess. Alternatively, you could use buttermilk, but keep in mind that it may slightly affect the consistency of the filling.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them—just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply replace the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring that all other ingredients you use are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these delightful cheesecake bars!
