These Peach Crumble Cheesecake Bars offer a perfect balance of buttery cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh peach flavor, all topped with a crisp crumble. The recipe is designed for simplicity, using a single dough base that doubles as both the crust and topping. This makes it ideal for both casual gatherings and more elaborate desserts.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of textures and flavors is the key. The buttery cookie base provides a solid foundation, while the cheesecake layer adds a smooth, rich center. Fresh peaches introduce a juicy sweetness that complements the crumble topping beautifully. This is more than just a dessert; it’s a crowd-pleaser that balances ease of preparation with impressive results.
Ingredients & Preparation
The recipe requires standard baking ingredients: flour, sugar (granulated and brown), oats, butter, eggs, cream cheese, vanilla, and fresh peaches or nectarines. The process involves mixing dry ingredients, incorporating butter and egg to form a crumbly dough, pressing half into the pan for the crust, layering cheesecake filling, topping with diced peaches, and then crumbling the remaining dough on top before baking.
The key to success is room-temperature ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, which ensure a smooth cheesecake layer. The peaches should be ripe but firm enough to hold their shape during baking.
Storage & Variations
These bars store well in the refrigerator for several days and can even be frozen for longer-term storage. The recipe is adaptable; nectarines work just as well as peaches, and other fruits like berries or apples can also be substituted.
The author notes that if using frozen fruit, it hasn’t been tested, so results may vary. However, experimenting with different flavors can lead to exciting variations on this classic dessert.
Recipe Summary
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40-50 minutes (check at 40 minutes)
Cooling time: 2 hours
Yields: 16 squares
The Peach Crumble Cheesecake Bars are a versatile dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Its layered construction, simple ingredients, and adaptable nature make it a standout choice for any occasion.
