Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars Recipe

Is there anything more delightful than biting into a golden bar oozing with sweet summer peaches and ribbons of luscious cream, all tucked inside a buttery crumble? Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars promise all the magic of a homemade cobbler, but in neat, stackable slices that are as perfect for sharing as they are for sneaking yourself a secret treat.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe for Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing its own starring role in flavor, texture, or that irresistible golden color. Let’s take a quick tour through what you’ll be reaching for—and why they matter!

• All-purpose flour: The base for both the tender crust and the crumbly topping, flour gives the bars their signature structure and melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Granulated sugar: Adds delicate sweetness to the crust and peach filling, keeping things perfectly balanced.
• Salt: Just enough salt brightens all the flavors, ensuring the bars aren’t one-note sweet.
• Cold unsalted butter: Cubes of cold butter create the impossibly flakey, rich texture both beneath and on top of the bars.
• Brown sugar (preferably dark): A touch of brown sugar goes into the streusel, lending a hint of caramel and a lovely deep color.
• Peaches: Use fresh, ripe peaches for the juiciest, sunniest flavor—this is the heart and soul of the recipe.
• Heavy cream: Whispers through the filling, turning it into a peaches-and-cream dream as it bakes.
• Vanilla extract (optional): An extra shot of vanilla adds floral notes that make the whole kitchen smell like summer.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a sprinkle enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches without overpowering.

Variations

Once you’ve gotten cozy with the original, Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars leave the door wide open for little tweaks and twists. You can make them fit your mood, the season, or whatever’s hiding in your pantry—so don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Berry Swap: Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful fruit medley and a burst of tangy-sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute your favorite one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose and you’ll have a treat everyone can enjoy.
• Nutty Topping: Add a handful of chopped pecans or almonds to the streusel for a golden crunch and sweet, toasty flavor.
• Spice It Up: Try ground ginger or cardamom in the filling for a warm, aromatic twist alongside the classic cinnamon.
• Dairy-Free: Use a vegan butter alternative and full-fat coconut cream for a luscious, dairy-free treat.

How to Make Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and greasing your 9×13-inch pan—or line it with parchment for easy release later. Leave a generous overhang so lifting the bars out feels like magic instead of a juggling act.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Combine your flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a food processor (or a large bowl). Add the cold butter cubes and pulse (or cut in with a pastry cutter) until you see pea-sized crumbs forming. Hold back 1½ cups of this mix for your topping, then press the rest into your prepared pan for an even, tight layer—this foundation holds all that juicy fruit! Bake the crust until it’s just starting to turn golden on the edges, about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Streusel Topping

Grab the crumb mixture you set aside and toss in the brown sugar. Use your fingertips to gently squeeze and create chunky, craggy clumps—these little nuggets will bake up into the irresistible, crispy top that’s the signature of Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars.

Step 4: Mix the Peach Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add your chopped peaches and gently toss so every piece is lightly dusted. In a separate dish, stir together the cream and vanilla, then pour over the peaches. This mixture becomes creamy and fragrant as it bakes, enveloping the fruit in velvety goodness.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

With the crust still warm, pile on your creamy peach filling and smooth it out. Sprinkle that glorious streusel over the top, letting big and small crumbles scatter every bite with texture. Bake for about 45 minutes, until the filling bubbles and the topping turns golden and crisp. Let the bars cool completely—then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting, so every piece holds together.

How to Serve Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Garnishes

You can keep it simple and dust your Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars with a snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar, or go all out with a pouf of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a burst of freshness, scatter on a handful of chopped fresh peaches or a few mint leaves right before serving.

Side Dishes

These bars shine bright on their own, but they’re especially wonderful served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt. For brunch, pair them with fresh berries or even a small bowl of lemon sorbet for a sweet-and-tart pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

The beauty of Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars is how effortlessly they dress up or down. Pile them high on a rustic wooden platter for a picnic, or set individual bars in cupcake liners for a party. Want an elegant twist? Serve them warm in a shallow bowl with a scoop of ice cream and a sprig of basil for a restaurant-worthy summer dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to three days, and the flavors only deepen and mellow as they rest—if you don’t sneak them all before then!

Freezing

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars freeze surprisingly well! Stack the fully cooled bars between layers of parchment paper in a freezer container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight when you need an instant taste of summer.

Reheating

If you like your bars a bit warm (and who could blame you?), zap individual pieces in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or gently reheat a pan in a 300°F oven until just warmed through. Warmed bars are especially magical when paired with ice cream.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that sparkles with summer flavor and feels truly homey, Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are calling your name. Gather your peaches, preheat your oven, and treat yourself and anyone lucky enough to be nearby—you might just find yourself making a second batch before the week is out!

Print