Description
Peaches and Cream Squares are layered dessert bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake-like filling, and juicy peaches. They’re the perfect balance of fruity, rich, and refreshing — great for gatherings or make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the cream filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the topping:
- 1–1.5 cups sliced peaches (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- Optional: cinnamon sugar or apricot glaze for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla and beat until well combined.
- Pour the cream filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.
- Arrange sliced peaches evenly over the top of the filling.
- Optional: Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar or brush peaches with a bit of apricot glaze.
- Return to oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
- Drain canned peaches well to prevent excess moisture in the bars.
- Use block cream cheese for best texture — whipped cream cheese may result in a softer filling.
- Chill thoroughly before cutting for clean squares.
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (based on 12 squares)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
