Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are like a sunshine-filled hug in dessert form, bursting with juicy summer peaches nestled under a dreamy, buttery crumble and a gentle drizzle of rich cream. Every bite is an invitation to celebrate seasons and fresh flavors, perfect for brightening up a picnic, potluck, or a cozy afternoon at home. As a beginner-friendly dessert, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between easy baking and an impressive presentation. You’ll be amazed at how simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and a touch of baking powder come together with fresh fruit to create a treat that’s both nostalgic and delightfully modern. Whether you’re whipping up a quick sweet fix or planning a full-on summer menu, these bars capture the essence of warm days and golden sunsets.
Beyond the luscious peaches and crumbly topping, there’s a velvety drizzle of heavy cream that elevates every forkful into something downright luxurious. The cream seeps into the fruit as it bakes, melding flavors and ensuring each bar is moist yet perfectly structured. With just 20 minutes of prep time, 40 minutes of baking, and an hour of rest to let everything set, you’re looking at a total transformation of simple ingredients into a summer recipe staple. And at around 350 calories per serving, these crumble bars offer just the right amount of indulgence without going overboard. So grab your apron, summon your inner home cook, and let’s turn fresh fruit into dessert bliss!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN PEACHES AND CREAM CRUMBLE BARS
Every great dessert starts with thoughtfully selected ingredients that work in harmony. In this section, we’ll break down the stars of the show and explain why each one is crucial for creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the structural backbone for both the crust and the crumble topping. Its moderate protein content ensures a tender yet stable base that holds up to juicy fruit without becoming soggy.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens and helps achieve a golden color in the crust and topping. It also bonds with moisture, contributing to a slight caramelization that enhances every bite.
- Baking powder
Acts as a leavening agent to give the crust a light, slightly airy texture, preventing it from becoming too dense under the weight of the filling.
- Salt
Balances sweetness and amplifies flavor depth. Even a small pinch enhances the buttery notes in the crumble and brings out the natural fruitiness of the peaches.
- Unsalted butter
Adds rich, creamy flavor and contributes to the crumble’s tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Chilling it ensures that the topping bakes up with flaky pockets and a delicate crumb.
- Egg
Binds the crust ingredients together, providing moisture and helping the base hold its shape when pressed into the pan.
- Vanilla extract
Infuses the crust and crumble with warm, aromatic notes that complement the sweetness of the peaches and add a subtle depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh peaches
The heart of this dessert—ripe, juicy fruit brings natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the buttery crumble.
- Lemon juice
Brightens and balances the peaches’ natural sugars, adding a hint of tang that keeps the bars from tasting overly sweet.
- Cornstarch
Thickens the peach filling as it bakes, ensuring a firm, sliceable consistency without a watery base.
- Cinnamon
Lends a warm, earthy spice note that pairs wonderfully with peaches and adds complexity to the fruit mixture.
- Heavy cream
Drizzled over the peaches, it creates a luscious, rich layer that melds with fruit juices and crumble for an irresistibly creamy finish.
HOW TO MAKE PEACHES AND CREAM CRUMBLE BARS
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of transforming these ingredients into mouthwatering bars. This easy-to-follow guide will ensure each layer—from the buttery crust to the juicy peach filling and crumbly topping—turns out picture-perfect every time.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal of the bars once they’re baked and cooled.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk or a spatula to mix until the dry ingredients are thoroughly blended, creating a homogenous base for the crust.
3. Add the chilled, diced butter into the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or clean fingertips, blend the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with peas-sized pieces of butter throughout.
4. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, forming a dough. Reserve about 1 cup of this crumbly dough mixture for the topping.
5. Transfer the remaining dough to the prepared pan and use your hands or the back of a spoon to press it evenly into the base, creating a uniform crust layer.
6. In another bowl, toss the sliced peaches with lemon juice, cornstarch, sugar, and cinnamon. Ensure each slice is evenly coated so the filling will thicken nicely as it bakes.
7. Spread the peach mixture uniformly over the crust, distributing the fruit and juices in an even layer.
8. Drizzle the heavy cream over the peaches, aiming for a gentle, even coating that will turn into a silky layer around the fruit during baking.
9. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the top, creating a rustic crumble that bakes into golden, crunchy peaks.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
11. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan—about 1 hour—before lifting out using the parchment overhang. Slice into bars and serve.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR PEACHES AND CREAM CRUMBLE BARS
After investing time and love into baking these delightful bars, it’s worth exploring a few creative ways to present and enjoy them. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, an afternoon tea, or just craving a sweet snack, these serving ideas will help you showcase your creation in style and maximize every flavor note.
- Warm with ice cream
Serve each bar slightly warmed and top with a generous scoop of cold vanilla or honey ice cream. The contrast between hot and cold intensifies the creamy-drippy experience.
- Dust with powdered sugar
For an elegant finish, lightly sift powdered sugar over the cooled bars right before serving. It adds a delicate sweetness and makes the presentation extra photogenic.
- Caramel drizzle
Warm a bit of salted caramel sauce and drizzle in a zigzag pattern on top. The combination of caramel’s rich depth and the bars’ fruity tang is undeniably addictive.
- Pair with iced tea or coffee
Balance sweetness with a refreshing iced tea or a bold pour of cold brew coffee. The beverage’s brisk notes cut through the richness, making each bite feel light and bright.
HOW TO STORE PEACHES AND CREAM CRUMBLE BARS
Preserving the texture and flavor of your homemade bars ensures you can enjoy every last square without compromise. Proper storage techniques keep the crust crisp, the peaches juicy, and the topping delightfully crunchy. Here are a few reliable methods to maintain that just-baked quality.
- Room temperature in an airtight container
Once completely cooled, transfer bars to a sealed container lined with parchment paper. Store at room temperature for up to two days; this keeps the crumble crisp and filling moist.
- Refrigeration
For longer shelf life, refrigerate bars in an airtight container for up to five days. Bring to room temperature or warm gently in the oven before serving to restore the crumble’s texture.
- Freezing
Individually wrap each cooled bar in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a low oven to refresh the crumble.
- Layering with parchment
If stacking bars, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve the neat edges. Store these layers in any of the above methods for best results.
CONCLUSION
You’ve now got all the tools and know-how to bake, serve, and store these irresistible Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars, transforming simple ingredients into a standout dessert that captures the essence of summer. From the buttery crust that holds its shape beautifully to the juicy, cinnamon-kissed peach filling and the creamy, indulgent drizzle of heavy cream, every element comes together in perfect harmony. With a total of just over an hour of hands-on time—including the easy prep, bake, and rest periods—this recipe is designed for home cooks at any skill level. The result is a delightful treat that clocks in at around 350 calories per serving, making it an enjoyable splurge for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or a midweek pick-me-up.
Feel free to print and save this article, tuck it into your recipe binder, or pin it on your kitchen board for easy reference. You’ll also find a handy FAQ below to tackle any questions that pop up as you bake. If you give this recipe a try—or put your own creative twist on it—I’d love to hear how it turned out. Share your experiences, ask questions, or leave feedback in the comments. Your stories and tips help our community thrive and inspire fellow bakers to dive into the joy of homemade desserts. Happy baking!
Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars. The buttery, crumbly topping pairs beautifully with luscious, fresh peaches and a creamy drizzle.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to blend the dry ingredients.
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Add the chilled, diced butter into the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
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Press the remaining mixture evenly into the base of your prepared pan to form the crust.
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In another bowl, toss the sliced peaches with the lemon juice, cornstarch, sugar, and cinnamon to evenly coat the fruit.
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Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
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Drizzle the heavy cream evenly over the peaches.
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Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the top to form a crumble.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
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Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. Serve and enjoy!
Note
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- If fresh peaches are out of season, canned or frozen peaches can be used as a substitute.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the peach mixture for a deeper flavor enhancement.
- For a unique twist, mix in 1/4 cup of finely chopped almonds into the crumble topping before baking.
