Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic dessert: Peach Cinnamon Oatmeal Cheesecake Bars! Imagine creamy cheesecake mingling with the sweet, juicy essence of fresh peaches, all nestled atop a buttery oat crust that adds the perfect crunch. This heavenly treat is not just a feast for the senses; it's also a breeze to make, taking just over an hour from start to finish. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a sweet escape, these bars are sure to impress. Get ready to elevate your dessert game and keep your friends and family coming back for more!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh peaches, diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes crumbly and well-incorporated.
- Press the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even, compact crust. Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden and set.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, toss diced peaches with cinnamon, ensuring the fruit is evenly coated.
- Once the crust is slightly cooled, pour the cream cheese mixture over the oat crust, spreading it evenly.
- Distribute the cinnamon-coated peaches evenly across the top of the cheesecake layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set fully.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 16 even squares before serving.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Peaches: For the best flavor, select ripe, juicy peaches. If they're not in season, frozen peaches can be a great alternative—just be sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
- Don’t Overmix: When blending the cream cheese and sugar, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which may lead to cracks in your cheesecake.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps them set properly and enhances the flavors.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only makes for easy removal but also helps in keeping the edges from overbaking.
- Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is a classic pairing with peaches, feel free to experiment with nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cutting Tips: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices. This will ensure your bars look as good as they taste!
- Serve Chilled: These bars are best enjoyed chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. They make a refreshing treat on warm days!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 75mg