These Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a sweet treat! They have juicy peaches, creamy filling, and a crumbly topping that makes every bite a delight.
You’ll love how simple they are to make! Just combine the ingredients, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for dessert or a snack. I can’t resist a good crumble bar! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the crust and crumble. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free blend can work but may need adjustments in texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is great for sweetness, but you can use coconut sugar for a different flavor profile. For a sugar-free alternative, try using a monk fruit sweetener.
Unsalted Butter: You need softened butter for the perfect texture. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter can be used instead. Just ensure it’s softened for easy blending!
Peaches: Fresh peaches pack the best flavor! Canned peaches work in a pinch, but look for ones packed in juice, not syrup. You could also sub in other fruits like nectarines or blueberries if you want variety.
Cream Cheese: While cream cheese adds the perfect creaminess, mascarpone or ricotta would make a nice alternative. For a vegan option, use a nut-based cream cheese.
How Do I Get a Perfect Crumble Texture?
The crumble topping should be slightly chunky for a delightful texture. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Use cold butter to keep it firm, which creates a nice crumb.
- When mixing, do not overwork the dough. Just combine until it resembles coarse crumbs. This keeps the topping light and crunchy.
- Reserve a good portion of the crumble mixture for the top. This creates a nice, layered effect with that yummy crunch!
Make sure every layer is even, and don’t skip letting the bars cool completely before cutting. This lets them set up perfectly! Enjoy your baking!
Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumble Topping:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Peach and Cream Filling:
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or canned peaches, drained)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to brighten peach flavor)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (to sweeten peaches)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. You’ll need to let the bars cool completely and then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before cutting. So, plan for a total of around 3 hours, but most of that time is just waiting for the dessert to chill and set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your crumble bars bake evenly. While that’s heating up, line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. If you don’t have parchment paper, just lightly grease the pan.
2. Make the Crust and Crumble Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t worry about making it too smooth! Set aside about 1 ½ cups of this mixture for later as the topping.
3. Form the Crust:
Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s an even layer across the bottom to create a solid base for the filling.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the luscious layer that pairs perfectly with the peaches.
5. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the peach slices with lemon juice, cornstarch, and granulated sugar until they are evenly coated. This helps to thicken the juices from the peaches while baking.
6. Assemble the Layers:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust. Then, spoon the peach mixture on top of the cream cheese layer, spreading it out gently so it’s evenly distributed.
7. Add the Crumble Topping:
Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture generously over the peaches. This layer will create that deliciously crunchy topping once baked.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to turn a lovely golden brown and for the filling to be bubbly.
9. Cool and Set:
Take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s cool, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the bars set properly, making them easier to cut.
10. Slice and Serve:
After the bars have chilled, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Cut them into squares or rectangles and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delightful peaches and cream crumble bars!
These bars make for a wonderful dessert or a sweet snack throughout the day. Enjoy every bite! 🍑
FAQ for Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using canned peaches, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture. Fresh peaches do provide a more vibrant flavor, but canned peaches work nicely in a pinch!
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and creamy. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make them gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend has a good binding agent to help maintain the structure of the bars.
What If My Crumble Topping Is Too Wet?
If your crumble topping feels too wet, it may be due to your butter being too soft or melted. If this happens, simply add a little more flour until you achieve a crumbly texture before sprinkling it over the peaches.
