Step 1: Make the Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the bars from sticking. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important because it helps to incorporate air into the dough, resulting in a tender crust.

Next, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. You don’t want to overwork the dough, or your crust may become tough.

Step 2: Press the Dough into the Pan

Once the dough is ready, take half of it and press it evenly into the bottom of the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. It’s best to use your hands or a spatula to gently spread the dough, making sure the entire bottom of the pan is covered. This forms the base of the bars, and the dough should be thick enough to hold the filling later.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step, but if you don’t have one, a whisk and some elbow grease will work just fine.

Once the filling is smooth, carefully spread it over the crust. Be gentle when spreading the cream cheese mixture to avoid disturbing the crust layer.

Step 4: Add the Peach Filling

Spoon the peach pie filling over the cream cheese layer. If you’re using fresh peaches, chop them into small pieces and distribute them evenly across the cream cheese layer. The peaches will cook down during baking, becoming soft and sweet, and they’ll create that beautiful fruit topping that makes these bars so special.

Step 5: Add the Remaining Dough

Now, take the remaining dough and dollop spoonfuls of it over the peach filling. You don’t need to cover the entire surface with dough – just place a few dollops here and there. This will bake into a crumbly, golden topping that adds texture and sweetness to the bars.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know the bars are done when the top is golden brown, and the filling is set. If you’re unsure whether they’re ready, gently insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, they’re done!

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Let them cool completely before cutting them into squares.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract. The glaze should be smooth and slightly runny, perfect for drizzling over the cooled bars.

Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. The glaze adds a lovely sweetness and a hint of almond flavor that complements the peaches and cream beautifully.

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy

Once you’ve drizzled the glaze over the bars, cut them into squares and serve. These bars are perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. They can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.