Browned Butter Peaches and Cream Bars

These Peaches and Cream Bars feature a buttery, brown sugar-kissed crust, a rich cream cheese layer, and a generous helping of sweet, juicy peaches. Nutty browned butter adds rich, toffee-like notes that balance the sweet peach flavor and make this dessert an all-star for summer.

Every once in a while you come across a dessert that completely changes the game for you. As a former chocolate devotee, I can say so from experience. I could destroy Fudgy Homemade Brownies or Chewy Chocolate Molasses Cookies like nobody's business, but fruity desserts barely registered on my radar.

I won't lie and say it was an overnight thing - a few delicious looking parfaits over the years and some surprisingly enjoyable slices of pie set the groundwork. But these Browned Butter Peaches and Cream Bars sealed the deal. I'm obsessed, to put it mildly. If you see me with a faraway look in my eyes, chances are I'm thinking about these bars.

Chocolate, who? I'm a peach girl now.

What I love about these bars is that they have several components - a bottom crust, a sweet cream cheese layer, a generous coating of peaches, and a crumble top - but they really don't require a ton of labor or baking prowess to make. The crust and topping are actually the same simple dough, the cream cheese layer only includes a few ingredients and takes minutes to make, and you don't have to precook the peaches at all.

Why you'll love it

These Browned Butter Peaches and Cream Bars have so many irresistible qualities. Here's a brief overview:

• AMPLIFIED PEACH FLAVOR. By using fresh, ripe summer peaches and enhancing them with a touch of vanilla and almond, this recipe really lets the fruit shine. The browned butter in the crust and topping also adds nuttiness that further complements the flavor of the peaches.
• PERFECT TEXTURE CONTRAST. From the crumbly crust to the smooth creamy cheese layer and juicy peaches, every bite is a delicious mix of textures.
• MAKE-AHEAD FRIENDLY. These bars actually benefit from some chill time in the fridge, making them perfect for preparing in advance of your gatherings.

Key ingredients

This recipe includes all the basics for creating an incredibly delicious, multi-layered bar:

• Flour, Baking Powder, Salt - These pantry staples provide structure and ensure a tender crumb in the crust and topping.
• Peaches - You'll need about 4 medium peaches, perfectly ripe for the best flavor.
• Brown Sugar - Using brown sugar in both the crust and filling adds depth and a subtle molasses note that pairs well with the peaches.
• Butter - Browning the butter before incorporating it into the dough elevates the entire dessert with its nutty, caramelized flavor.
• Cream Cheese - A layer of sweetened cream cheese adds a tangy richness that balances the sweet fruit perfectly.
• Vanilla and Almond Extracts - These subtle extracts enhance the natural flavor of the peaches without overpowering them. If you're not a fan or almond extract (or have a nut allergy) feel free to omit it entirely - I've made batches with and without it and each are delicious.
• Cornstarch - Just a touch helps thicken the peach filling, ensuring your bars hold together when sliced.

Let's talk about that Browned Butter

Browned butter is the secret weapon that takes these peach bars from good to amazing. As the butter cooks, the milk solids caramelize, creating a nutty, toasty flavor that adds incredible depth to both the crust and topping.

Be sure to use a light-colored saucepan when browning butter, which will allow you to see the level of browning more easily. Also, you'll want to remove it from the heat as soon as you can smell the nutty aroma to prevent burning. For more tips and an in-depth run-down, check out the guide on how to brown butter.

How to Make Browned Butter Peaches and Cream Bars

These browned butter peach bars come together in just a few simple steps:

1. BROWN THE BUTTER. Cook the butter until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. MAKE THE CRUST. Mix the dry ingredients, then blend in the browned butter to form a crumbly dough. Reserve about ⅓ for the topping.
3. IT'S TIME FOR PEACHES AND CREAM. Mix the cream cheese layer ingredients until smooth. For the peach filling, toss peach chunks with sugar, cornstarch, and extracts.
4. LAYER AND BAKE. Press most of the dough into the pan, spread with the cream cheese mixture, top with the prepared peaches, and sprinkle with the reserved crumb topping. Bake until the crumble mixture is golden and bubbly.
5. COOL AND SERVE. Let the bars cool completely in the fridge fully before removing them from the baking dish and slicing into squares. At this point, you can dig in!

For the full recipe details and baking instructions, see the recipe card below!

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
A: While fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture, you can use well-drained canned peaches or thawed frozen peaches in a pinch. The bars may be a bit softer, but they'll still be delicious.

Q: How should I store leftover bars?
A: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Q: What if I'm allergic to almond extract?
A: The almond extract helps to amplify the flavor of the peaches, but it is not at all necessary for the recipe to be a success. Either replace it with additional vanilla extract or omit it entirely - the bars will be fine without it!

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