Looking for a dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and irresistibly dreamy? These Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a summer favorite that blends juicy ripe peaches with silky cheesecake in every bite. In this article, you’ll discover how to make them from scratch, along with variations, storage tips, and serving suggestions. We’ll also answer top FAQs to help you perfect this treat. Let’s kick things off with a personal story that makes this recipe truly special.
Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars: The Ultimate Summer Dessert
Table of Contents
A Sweet Slice of Summer
Every summer growing up, my grandma would set a basket of fuzzy, sun-warmed peaches on the windowsill. Their scent filled the house, a quiet promise of something delicious to come. Most of the time, she’d turn them into jam or cobbler. But once—just once—she made something unforgettable: peaches and cream cheesecake bars. I remember how the creamy filling swirled with golden peach slices, nestled on a buttery crust. One bite, and I was hooked.
Years later, when I started recipeslia.com, I knew I had to recreate those bars. After some experimenting and taste-testing (lots of it!), this version was born. It’s light yet rich, fresh yet indulgent—everything a peaches and cream cheesecake bar should be. Whether you’re planning a picnic, potluck, or just need a dessert that screams “summer,” this recipe’s got you covered.
And if you’re a fan of stone fruit desserts, you’ll probably love these Peach Crumb Bars or our ever-refreshing Frozen Peach Lemonade for pairing. Both bring that peachy goodness in their own ways.
The beauty of these cheesecake bars lies in their simplicity. You get all the creaminess of a cheesecake without the fuss of a water bath or springform pan. The shortbread-style crust holds everything together, and the topping—sliced, syrupy peaches—is the ultimate seasonal touch. It’s a dessert that looks elegant but feels effortless. Keep reading to find out the key ingredients and how to layer them for the perfect bake every time.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
To bring these Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars to life, you’ll need simple pantry staples plus a few seasonal stars. Here’s what goes into each layer:
Crust: All-purpose flour, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt form a soft, buttery base.
Cheesecake Layer: Cream cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of sour cream for tangy balance.
Peach Topping: Fresh sliced peaches tossed with sugar and cornstarch for glossy sweetness.
If you’re short on time, you can also try this Peach Cobbler Cookies recipe, which delivers peach flavor with less effort.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Prep the crust: Combine flour, butter, and sugar until a crumbly dough forms. Press into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake until lightly golden.
- Mix the filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream, and mix until silky.
- Pour and bake: Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the crust. Bake just until the center is set.
- Top with peaches: While the cheesecake cools, toss sliced peaches with sugar and a bit of cornstarch. Once bars are cooled, arrange the peach topping and refrigerate until firm.
Want to experiment? Swap in berries like in this refreshing Mulberry Cheesecake Squares for a colorful twist.
For a bonus tip: using canned peaches in a pinch still delivers excellent results—just drain them well. And don’t skip chilling time. Cold bars slice neatly and taste even better.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars shine at any gathering. Serve them chilled for the best texture—the creamy filling firms up beautifully in the fridge, making slicing easy and mess-free. You can cut them into perfect squares and arrange them on a platter for potlucks, brunches, or cookouts.
They also pair well with a simple summer drink. Try them with a glass of Homemade Peach Lemonade or serve alongside Peach Smoothie for a complete peach-themed treat.
Want to add a little extra flair? Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh mint leaves before serving. It’s a small detail that makes a big impression.
Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—just wrap each square in parchment and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Defrost in the fridge overnight before serving.
Now for the fun part—customizing. While the peach topping is classic, you can absolutely change things up.
Use berries instead, just like in our popular Summer Berry Poke Cake for a colorful twist.
Swirl in a bit of peach jam or compote before baking the cream cheese layer.
Try a graham cracker crust instead of the shortbread base for a more traditional cheesecake feel.
Want more peach ideas? Our Peach Upside Down Mini Cakes are another playful dessert that’s sure to impress.
Print
Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars: The Ultimate Summer Dessert
- Total Time: 3 hours (with chilling)
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, fruity, and simple to prepare, these Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are the perfect summer dessert to share or enjoy solo.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt
16 oz cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups fresh peach slices
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for peaches)
1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
3. Press into pan and bake for 12 minutes. Let cool slightly.
4. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Blend until silky.
5. Pour filling over crust and smooth top. Bake 25–28 minutes until set.
6. In another bowl, toss peach slices with sugar and cornstarch.
7. Let cheesecake cool fully, then top with peaches.
8. Chill for 3 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use canned or frozen peaches if fresh are unavailable—just drain and pat dry.
To freeze, wrap individual bars in parchment and store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Why These Bars Work (and FAQs)
There’s a reason Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars keep showing up at summer events and family get-togethers—they check every box. They’re easy to transport, don’t require fussy presentation, and taste like sunshine in dessert form.
The combination of a buttery crust, tangy cheesecake, and juicy peaches is nostalgic and modern all at once. It’s a comforting treat, yet elegant enough to impress guests. And unlike full-size cheesecakes, bars are less intimidating to make and serve.
If you love these flavors, check out our Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad for another no-fail option that mixes creamy textures and summer fruit in a unique way. Or go with Peach Muffins for a breakfast-appropriate variation.
FAQ
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes. Just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry so the topping isn’t too wet.
Do I need a water bath like traditional cheesecake?
No. One of the best parts of this recipe is that it bakes like a bar cookie—no water bath needed.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How long should I chill the bars before serving?
At least 3 hours is best. Overnight is even better for clean slices and fully set texture.
Need more ideas for stone fruit treats? Try our Southern Peach Crumb Cake—it’s another comforting option that celebrates peaches in a baked classic.
Conclusion
These Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of summer’s sweetest moments. With a soft, buttery base, luscious cheesecake center, and vibrant peach topping, they strike the perfect balance between nostalgic and new. Whether you’re whipping them up for a summer gathering or just treating yourself, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
And if you’re craving even more peach-packed recipes, you’ll love our Peach Crumb Bars and refreshing Frozen Peach Lemonade. Both bring those sunny flavors full-circle in deliciously simple ways.
Keep your oven warm and your dessert tray full—because good food, just like good memories, is meant to be shared.
