Peaches and Cream Bars

As the warm sun graces us with its presence and the scent of summer fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, juicy peaches to embody the season's sweetness. Peachy Dream Bars are a delightful treat that captures this essence, offering a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors. These bars not only celebrate the vibrant taste of ripe peaches but also combine them with a rich, buttery cookie base, resulting in a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing.

Dive into summer with Peachy Dream Bars, a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fresh, juicy peaches. With a rich, buttery cookie base and creamy layers, these bars are perfect for picnics or family gatherings. Easy to make and packed with flavor, the combination of ripe peaches, a hint of lemon juice, and a touch of cream cheese creates a refreshing treat everyone will love. Celebrate the season with this irresistible dessert that’s sure to impress!

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon almond extract

Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Prepare Peaches: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced peaches, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Toss gently and set aside to let the peaches macerate for about 10 minutes.

Make Cookie Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside. In another mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Egg: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick.

Press and Bake Base: Spread about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until slightly golden.

Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and almond extract until smooth and creamy.

Layer Ingredients: After the base has baked for 15 minutes, remove it from the oven. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the base, followed by the macerated peach mixture, distributing it evenly.

Crumble Topping: Take the remaining third of the dough and crumble it over the peach layer.

Final Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve warm or chilled. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 16 squares