These Easy Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a slice of summer on your plate! With creamy cheesecake and sweet peach slices, they’re perfect for warm days or any time you crave something fruity.
Making these bars is a breeze! Just mix, bake, and chill—no fussing around. They’re so good that you might need to hide a few for later. 🍑🌟 Who can resist a delicious peach treat?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of your crust, providing sweetness and texture. If you don’t have yellow cake mix, you can use white cake mix or even a butter cake mix. Homemade versions are nice too if you feel like baking from scratch!
Cream Cheese: You’ll want this softened for easy mixing. If you need a lighter option, consider Neufchâtel cheese, which has a similar taste but less fat. Vegan cream cheese is a great alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Peaches: Canned peaches are convenient, but fresh, ripe peaches taste amazing in this recipe! If fresh peaches are out of season, you might also try using other fruits like apricots or pears. Just drain any excess juice from canned fruit.
Powdered Sugar: This is used for the glaze to add sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, you can use coconut sugar mixed with a little cornstarch for a DIY powdered sugar substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure a Creamy Cheesecake Filling?
To get that delicious creamy texture, it’s key to mix your ingredients well. Here’s how to ensure your filling turns out perfectly:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature; cold cream cheese will clump up.
- Beat the mixture thoroughly until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything.
- Gently fold the peaches in so you don’t break them apart and ensure even distribution.
By following these steps, you’ll create a smooth and creamy filling, making your cheesecake bars irresistible!
Easy Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 15 oz canned sliced peaches, drained and chopped (or fresh peaches, diced)
For The Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix everything together. After baking, give the bars about 2 hours to cool and set in the fridge. So, in total, you’re looking at approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to enjoy these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix and melted butter until it looks crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a solid crust. It should cover the base evenly.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, one of the eggs, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps!
4. Add the Peaches:
Gently fold the chopped peaches into your cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to break them up too much so you keep that nice fruit texture.
5. Combine and Bake:
Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the middle is set.
6. Make the Glaze:
While the cheesecake bars cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze. Adjust with more milk or sugar to get the right consistency.
7. Cool and Drizzle:
Once the bars are cool to the touch, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it sit for a moment to allow the glaze to set a bit.
8. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bars with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become deliciously creamy. Once chilled, slice into squares and enjoy your refreshing peaches and cream cheesecake bars!
FAQ for Easy Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Can I Use Fresh Peaches Instead of Canned?
Yes! Fresh peaches work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure they are ripe and diced into small pieces. If using fresh, you may want to slightly adjust the sweetness based on the ripeness of the peaches.
Can I Make These Cheesecake Bars Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. For the butter, use a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Just ensure your cake mix is also dairy-free.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
These cheesecake bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to keep them covered to maintain their freshness!
Can I Freeze These Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll last for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
