Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars – Buttery Bliss with a Fruity Twist
There’s something about the combination of sweet peaches and rich cream tucked between buttery crumble layers that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Enter: Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars. These heavenly squares are the perfect balance of tender peach filling, creamy richness, and crumbly golden topping. Whether served as a casual treat or a show-stopping picnic dessert, they’re bound to impress.
Made with fresh, juicy peaches, a hint of cinnamon, and a luscious cream filling, these bars deliver summer flavors in every square. The base doubles as the topping, meaning fewer steps and dishes. Plus, they slice beautifully and pack up easily — ideal for lunchboxes, potlucks, or just enjoying with coffee on a warm afternoon.
Ingredients
🍑 Peach Filling:
- 5 cups peaches peeled and pitted (sliced or diced)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
🧁 Crumble Base & Topping:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1⅔ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1¼ cups unsalted butter cold and cubed
🥛 Cream Layer:
- 6 tbsp heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fingers to cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve 1½ cups of the crumble for topping.
- Press the remaining crumble firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Step 3: Make the Peach Filling
- In another bowl, mix sliced peaches with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to draw out juices.
Step 4: Mix the Cream Layer
- Whisk together heavy cream and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
Step 5: Assemble
- Spread the cream mixture evenly over the crust.
- Distribute the peach mixture over the cream.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the peaches.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Cool & Slice
- Cool completely in the pan.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing for cleaner bars.
Notes
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert. Pair with iced tea, peach lemonade, or a hot coffee. Garnish with fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar. 🔄 Variations
Berry & Peach: Mix in raspberries or blueberries with the peaches. Almond Crumble: Add ¼ cup ground almonds to the crumble for a nutty kick. Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Brown Butter Base: Swap plain butter for browned butter to deepen the flavor. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheating:
Enjoy cold or at room temperature. For a warm serving, microwave each bar for 15–20 seconds or heat in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Yes. If using canned, drain well. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture. 2. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Try nectarines, plums, or mixed berries. 3. Can I skip the cream layer?
Yes, but it adds a rich contrast to the fruit and crumb. 4. How do I get clean slices?
Chill the bars before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. 5. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use half-and-half or full-fat Greek yogurt as alternatives. 6. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. Cut the granulated sugar to 1¼ cups and brown sugar to 2 tbsp for a lighter taste. 7. Do I have to peel the peaches?
It’s optional. Peels soften during baking, but peeling gives a smoother texture. 8. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake a day in advance and store covered in the fridge. 9. Should I cook the peaches first?
No, fresh peaches soften during baking. Pre-cooking is unnecessary. 10. Can I make this in a smaller pan?
Use an 8×8 or 9×9 pan and halve the ingredients for fewer servings. 💡 Expert Tips
Use ripe but firm peaches to avoid excess liquid. Chill the butter for the crumble — cold butter = crisp topping. Let bars cool before cutting for the best texture. Taste your peaches first — adjust sugar in filling if needed. For a caramel twist, drizzle with a bit of salted caramel after baking. 🏁 Conclusion
These Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a summertime dream in dessert form. 🍑💫 The layers — buttery crust, silky cream, and juicy fruit — come together effortlessly for a dessert that’s simple enough for weekday baking but delicious enough for celebrations. Whether you serve them chilled at a backyard BBQ or wrap them up for a picnic, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles. Once you make them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this golden, peachy perfection. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert. Pair with iced tea, peach lemonade, or a hot coffee. Garnish with fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar. 🔄 Variations
Berry & Peach: Mix in raspberries or blueberries with the peaches. Almond Crumble: Add ¼ cup ground almonds to the crumble for a nutty kick. Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Brown Butter Base: Swap plain butter for browned butter to deepen the flavor. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheating:
Enjoy cold or at room temperature. For a warm serving, microwave each bar for 15–20 seconds or heat in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Yes. If using canned, drain well. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture. 2. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Try nectarines, plums, or mixed berries. 3. Can I skip the cream layer?
Yes, but it adds a rich contrast to the fruit and crumb. 4. How do I get clean slices?
Chill the bars before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. 5. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use half-and-half or full-fat Greek yogurt as alternatives. 6. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. Cut the granulated sugar to 1¼ cups and brown sugar to 2 tbsp for a lighter taste. 7. Do I have to peel the peaches?
It’s optional. Peels soften during baking, but peeling gives a smoother texture. 8. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake a day in advance and store covered in the fridge. 9. Should I cook the peaches first?
No, fresh peaches soften during baking. Pre-cooking is unnecessary. 10. Can I make this in a smaller pan?
Use an 8×8 or 9×9 pan and halve the ingredients for fewer servings. 💡 Expert Tips
Use ripe but firm peaches to avoid excess liquid. Chill the butter for the crumble — cold butter = crisp topping. Let bars cool before cutting for the best texture. Taste your peaches first — adjust sugar in filling if needed. For a caramel twist, drizzle with a bit of salted caramel after baking. 🏁 Conclusion
These Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a summertime dream in dessert form. 🍑💫 The layers — buttery crust, silky cream, and juicy fruit — come together effortlessly for a dessert that’s simple enough for weekday baking but delicious enough for celebrations. Whether you serve them chilled at a backyard BBQ or wrap them up for a picnic, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles. Once you make them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this golden, peachy perfection. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.