Peaches And Cream Crumble Bars (Printable version)
Layers of juicy peaches, creamy filling, and buttery oat crumble make these handheld bars ideal for summer entertaining.
# Ingredient List:
→ Crumble & Base
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
→ Cream Filling
07 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Peach Layer
11 - 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 4 large peaches)
12 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
14 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhang on sides for easy removal.
02 - Whisk together flour, oats, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
03 - Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside remaining one-third for topping.
04 - Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
05 - Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pressed crumble base using an offset spatula or back of a spoon.
06 - Toss diced peaches with cornstarch, lemon juice, and sugar in a medium bowl until peaches are evenly coated.
07 - Arrange the peach mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, ensuring full coverage.
08 - Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the peach layer, covering completely.
09 - Bake for 38-42 minutes until top is golden brown and center appears set when gently shaken.
10 - Cool completely in pan on wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely. Slice into 12 bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The combination of tangy cream cheese filling and sweet peaches creates this incredible creamy contrast
- These bars travel beautifully and actually taste better after chilling overnight
02 -
- The chilling step is absolutely necessary or these bars will fall apart when you try to cut them
- Use peaches that give slightly to pressure but still hold their shape, not mushy ones
03 -
- Work quickly with the cold butter and if it starts to soften, pop the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes
- If using frozen peaches, thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to excess moisture