Baked in an 8×8 pan, these Peach Crumb Bars are melt-in-your-mouth peach cheesecake bars with a rich cream cheese layer, buttery cookie crust, and a cinnamon crumb topping.

Irresistible Peach Crumb Bars: Your Go-To Recipe for Sweet Summer Indulgence

As summer gently eases into its later months, often marked by the delightful sweetness of peach season, there’s no better time to savor the juicy, sun-kissed flavors of this beloved fruit. Whether you’re halfway through August in Western PA, or simply craving a taste of summer any time of year, these **Peach Crumb Bars** are the perfect way to capture the essence of peak-season peaches.

While biting into a fresh, ripe peach, juice dripping down your arm, is an unparalleled joy, transforming these golden gems into a decadent dessert offers a different kind of culinary satisfaction. I love experimenting with peach desserts, and these bars were born from a desire to create something truly special – something more than just a cobbler, yet equally comforting.

Initially, I pondered various options: perhaps a cobbler-style bar with a biscuit-like topping, similar to my Peach Cobbler for Two? But then, a wave of inspiration struck: **Peach Crumb Bars**! And not just any crumb bars, but ones elevated with a luxurious cream cheese layer, drawing inspiration from my popular Raspberry Cheesecake Bars.

The result? An absolutely irresistible treat that melts in your mouth. Imagine: a buttery, golden cookie crust, topped with a tangy, rich cream cheese layer, followed by a generous spread of sweet, juicy peach pie filling, all crowned with a warmly spiced cinnamon crumb topping. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors – crisp, creamy, fruity, and crumbly.

One of the clever tricks that makes these **Peach Cheesecake Crumb Bars** surprisingly easy to prepare is that the buttery cookie base and the delectable crumb topping are made from the exact same dough. This means you only have to mix one batch of dough, reserving a portion for the topping, simplifying the baking process significantly. Now that’s what we call smart baking!

Why You’ll Adore These Peach Crumb Bars

Layered Perfection: Enjoy a delightful symphony of textures and tastes in every bite – from the tender crust to the creamy cheesecake, sweet peaches, and crunchy crumb.
Surprisingly Simple: The “one dough for two layers” trick streamlines the preparation, making these complex-tasting bars surprisingly accessible for home bakers.
Versatile & Adaptable: Perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant potlucks. Plus, the filling can be customized to other fruits!
Seasonal Celebration: A fantastic way to utilize fresh peaches during their peak season, or to enjoy their flavor year-round with canned or frozen options.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can be prepared in advance, making them an excellent choice for entertaining.

Essential Ingredients for Your Peach Crumb Bars

Crafting these heavenly peach bars requires a selection of quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building their incredible flavor and texture profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structural backbone of both the buttery crust and the crumbly topping, binding all the ingredients together to create that perfect texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and cheesecake layer, balancing the tartness of the cream cheese and enhancing the natural sweetness of the peaches. It also aids in achieving that beautiful golden-brown color during baking.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice to the crumb topping, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the peaches and cream cheese.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent for the dough, providing a slight lift and tenderness to the crust and crumb.
Salt: A small but mighty ingredient that enhances all the other flavors, making them pop. Don’t skip it!
Cold Unsalted Butter: Essential for a truly melt-in-your-mouth dough. Using cold butter cut into pieces allows for the formation of tender, flaky crumbs in the crust and topping. Unsalted butter gives you control over the overall saltiness.
Large Eggs: Act as a binding agent in the dough and contribute significantly to the rich, smooth texture of the cheesecake layer. Ensure they are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
Peach Pie Filling: The star of the show! You can use your favorite homemade peach pie filling for the freshest taste, or opt for a good quality canned variety for convenience. If making homemade, remember to peel the peaches. Don’t worry, I provide easy step-by-step photos on how to peel peaches effortlessly.
Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the best results, always use blocks of full-fat cream cheese, ensuring it’s at room temperature. This creates a wonderfully rich, creamy, and stable cheesecake layer. Low-fat or fat-free cream cheese varieties contain more water and can lead to a runny or watery cheesecake layer.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances and brightens all the flavors in each layer, bringing a subtle warmth and depth to the dessert.

Can I Substitute Peach Jam or Curd for the Filling?

Absolutely! If you find yourself without fresh peaches or peach pie filling, you have delicious alternatives. You can easily use peach jam or even a vibrant peach curd as a substitute for the peach pie filling. This will give your bars a slightly different, yet equally delightful, texture and intensity of peach flavor, similar to making my popular Raspberry Jam Bars.

Not in the mood for peach at all? These versatile bars are incredibly adaptable! Feel free to substitute the peach filling with other fruit pie fillings like strawberry pie filling, luscious blueberry pie filling, classic cherry pie filling, or comforting apple pie filling. Each variation promises a fantastic dessert experience.

How To Make These Incredible Peach Crumb Bars

Creating these delightful peach cheesecake bars is a straightforward process, broken down into simple, manageable steps. Follow these instructions for a perfect batch every time:

Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Make the Dough: Using a pastry blender (or your fingertips), cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, gently cut in one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until a cohesive, yet still crumbly, dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Reserve and Press Crust: Measure out ½ cup of this versatile dough and set it aside; this will become your crumb topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. This forms your buttery base.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (with the paddle attachment if using a stand mixer), beat the softened, room-temperature cream cheese with ¼ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and lump-free, about 1 minute.
Add Egg & Vanilla to Cheesecake: Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the remaining large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until just combined. Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to ensure a creamy texture.
Assemble the Layers: Carefully spread the smooth cream cheese mixture over the pressed dough base in the pan. Next, spoon the peach pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer. Finally, scatter the reserved ½ cup of crumb topping over the peach filling, much like a streusel.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the crumb topping is beautifully golden brown, the edges of the bars begin to pull away slightly from the pan sides, and the center shows only a slight wobble when gently shaken.
Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. This is crucial for clean slices and a set cheesecake layer. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled and firm.

Store any leftover peach cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture, bring them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving, or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge.

Can You Make Peach Cheesecake Bars Ahead of Time?

Yes, absolutely! These Peach Crumb Bars are an excellent dessert to prepare in advance, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply to have a delicious treat ready when cravings strike. Because they feature multiple layers and benefit from chilling, they can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Simply bake, cool completely, and then refrigerate in an airtight container.

You can also prepare your peach pie filling up to 2 days before you plan to assemble and bake the bars. Store the homemade filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, it’s important to bring the filling to room temperature. Using cold filling directly from the fridge can significantly increase the baking time of your bars, potentially leading to an overbaked crust or a less-than-perfect cheesecake texture. A room temperature filling ensures even baking and a superior end result.

Tips for Perfect Peach Crumb Bars

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs for the cheesecake layer are at room temperature. This allows them to blend smoothly without lumps, resulting in a perfectly creamy texture.
Don’t Overmix Cheesecake: Once the egg and vanilla are added to the cream cheese mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up and then crack or sink.
Cool Completely: Patience is key! These bars need to cool completely, and ideally chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, before slicing. This allows the cheesecake layer to fully set, ensuring clean cuts and preventing a messy outcome.
Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, makes lifting the entire batch of bars out of the pan incredibly easy once cooled. This makes cutting and serving a breeze.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your peach pie filling before assembling. If using a less sweet variety or very tart peaches, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the filling or even sprinkle a little extra on top of the peaches before adding the crumb.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delightful Peach Crumb Bars

These Peach Crumb Bars are a treat all on their own, but a few simple additions can elevate them even further:

A La Mode: Serve them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic pairing. The contrast of warm bars and cold ice cream is divine.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious, airy texture that complements the rich layers beautifully.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a touch of elegance and an extra hint of sweetness.
Fruit Garnish: Garnish with a few fresh peach slices or a sprig of mint for a visually appealing presentation.

More Irresistible Peach Dessert Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with these peach bars, you’ll be thrilled to explore other fantastic dessert recipes that celebrate the glorious peach:

Mini Peach Pies: Adorable individual pies bursting with peach flavor, perfect for portion control or a charming presentation.

Puff Pastry Peach Turnovers: Flaky, golden puff pastry filled with sweet peach pie goodness – a quick and easy treat.

No-Bake Peach Cheesecake Parfaits: A lighter, no-bake option that layers creamy cheesecake with fresh peaches for a refreshing summer dessert.

Peach Cupcakes: Moist cupcakes infused with peach flavor, often with a creamy filling or frosting, offering a different take on peach indulgence.

Peach Crumb Bars

Yield:
12 bars

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
40 minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes

Baked in an 8×8 pan, these Peach Crumb Bars are melt-in-your-mouth peach cheesecake bars with a rich cream cheese layer, buttery cookie crust, and a cinnamon crumb topping.

Ingredients

1 + 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon table salt
1/2 cup (4 ounces or 8 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into 8 tablespoons
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups peach pie filling (get the recipe here)

Cheesecake Layer

8 ounces (1 block) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature and not cold to the touch (do not sub low fat or fat free)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
With a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the cold, diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse pebbles. Then, cut in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the dough is moist and crumbly but sticks together when pressed.
Reserve 1/2 cup of this dough for the crumb topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 8×8 inch pan to form the crust. Set aside.
Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed (with a paddle attachment if using a stand mixer), beat together the room temperature full-fat cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the second large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until just combined. Do not overmix.
Carefully spread the cheesecake layer over the prepared dough base in the pan. Evenly top with the 2 cups of peach pie filling. Finally, scatter the reserved 1/2 cup of crumb topping over the peach filling, distributing it like a streusel.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown, the edges pull away slightly from the pan sides, and the center has a slight wiggle when gently shaken.
Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars. For the cleanest slices and best set, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before serving.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

For alternative fillings, you can substitute peach jam or peach curd for the peach pie filling. Ensure any substitute filling is at room temperature before spreading.

Love crumb bars? You’ll enjoy my other delicious recipes: Raspberry Cheesecake Bars, Raspberry Jam Bars, and Apple Crumb Bars.

For an extra touch, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream when serving.

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you think! Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below, and/or share a photo on Instagram using #HITKrecipes

First published September 1, 2013. Updated and expanded for enhanced reader experience and SEO.

Concluding Thoughts on Your Peach Crumb Bar Adventure

There’s something truly magical about these **Peach Crumb Bars**. They embody the warmth of home baking, the joy of seasonal fruit, and the irresistible allure of a perfectly balanced dessert. With their tender, buttery crust, tangy cream cheese layer, sweet peach filling, and crunchy cinnamon topping, they are a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe provides clear steps to achieve a dessert that will impress and delight. So, grab those peaches, get baking, and prepare to fall in love with these incredibly delicious and satisfying bars. They’re more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of summer, comfort, and the pure joy of good food shared.

Juicy Peach Crumble Squares