Browned Butter Peaches and Cream Bars

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan and line with parchment.

Step 2

Brown the butter: Melt butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring until golden browned bits appear and the foaming starts to subside. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Step 3

In a bowl, whisk flour, sugars, baking powder and salt. Pour in the browned butter and mix until crumbly dough forms.

Step 4

Press about 2/3 of the dough into an even layer in the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a cup placed over a bit of parchment paper to help evenly smooth the dough layer.

Step 5

Beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Spread evenly over the dough base.

Step 6

Roughly peel the peaches. Slice into wedges, then 1/2-inch pieces. Toss with brown sugar, extracts, cornstarch and pinch of salt. Arrange evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 7

Crumble the remaining 1/3 of dough over the top of the peaches. Then bake for 50-60 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbling in the center.

Step 8

Cool completely, then chill for 1 hour. Remove from the pan and slice into squares to serve.