Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper along the bottom and sides of pan.
- For the crust: in a medium bowl, stir together the flour and sugar. Add the melted butter all at once. Stir until fully combined. Dough should resemble wet sand and hold its shape when compressed.
- Transfer dough into the prepared 9×13 pan and use your fingers to press it into an even layer, ensuring the dough gets into each corner of the pan. You can also use the bottom of a cup to avoid getting your hands greasy. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until crust is just barely starting to brown. Allow crust to cool completely.
- While the crust is baking/cooling, prepare the Peach filling. In a stand mixer or large bowl with electric hand mixer, add the softened cream cheese, sugar, and salt. Cream together on medium speed for 5 minutes.
- It is important to cream together the cream cheese and sugar for an adequate amount of time. This step helps dissolve the sugar, avoiding a grainy texture in the finished tart.
- In a microwave safe bowl, pour in both cups of Peach treats. Microwave in 30 second increments until fully melted and just barely lukewarm. Stir in vanilla extract. Transfer lukewarm peach and vanilla mixture to the cream cheese/sugar. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and smooth.
- If your Peach treats are still cool, this may cause the cream cheese to solidify resulting in a lumpy tart filling. If this happens, place your mixing bowl over a larger bowl of hot water. Whisk vigorously until cream cheese melts back into the mixture.
- Pour peach tart filling onto your cooled shortbread crust. Cover with a loose layer of plastic wrap or foil. Place in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, lift tart out of pan and fold down the parchment paper from the sides of the tart. Use a knife to cut the tart into 24 individual bars or use a sturdy cookie/biscuit cutter to punch out circular rounds.
- Kitchen Hack: carefully wipe the blade of your knife after each cut to achieve a clean square bar!
- Transfer the bars onto a serving platter and enjoy! Freeze any leftovers, covered.
