These Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a treat for your taste buds! They have sweet, juicy peaches layered between a creamy filling and a crunchy crumble topping. Yum!
I love how easy they are to make, perfect for sharing or keeping as a snack! Just grab some fresh peaches and get baking—your friends will be begging for the recipe! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the crust and crumble, it provides structure. If you’re gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead. I often use a mix to get the right texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the flavor. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter alternative. Coconut oil is another great substitute, but it will add a slight coconut flavor.
Cream Cheese: This gives the bars their rich, creamy layer. Neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter alternative. You can also try using dairy-free cream cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Peaches: Fresh peaches shine in this recipe. If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches. Just drain them well and pat dry to avoid extra moisture in the bars.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth to the dessert. For a twist, you might want to try nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
How Do I Get a Good Crumble Texture?
Achieving the right crumble texture is key to these bars! Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your butter is cold. Cut it into small cubes before mixing; this helps retain that crumbly texture.
- Don’t overwork your dough! Mix until the flour is just combined with the butter for a nice, crumbly topping.
- Press the crust into the pan firmly, but don’t pack it too tightly. Leave some air for that flaky texture!
These tips will help you create a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and crumbly layers for your Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars. Enjoy baking!
Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Cream Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peach Layer:
- 3-4 medium fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, let the bars cool completely, which will take about 30 minutes. In total, you’ll need approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, including cooling, before you can enjoy them!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make it easier to lift out the bars later, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This little trick helps with easy removal!
2. Make the Crust and Crumble:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon (if you’re using it). Add in the cold, cubed butter. Now, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix everything until it looks like coarse crumbs. You want it crumbly but not too smooth.
3. Press Down the Crust:
Take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This will be your delicious crust! Save the leftover crumb mixture for topping the bars later.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until it’s super smooth and creamy. This will be your rich and tasty filling!
5. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust you’ve already prepared. Make sure to cover it well!
6. Add the Peach Layer:
In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced peaches with sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon (if using) until they’re nicely coated. Then, gently arrange the peach slices over the cream cheese layer.
7. Top with Crumble Mixture:
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the peach layer. You want to make a nice crumbly topping!
8. Bake the Bars:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the filling looks set. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool the Bars:
Once baked, take the bars out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take about 30 minutes, but the wait will be worth it!
10. Cut and Serve:
After cooling, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut them into squares, and get ready to enjoy your treat!
11. Enjoy!
Serve up these delicious peaches and cream crumble bars, and watch everyone rave about them! Perfect for dessert or a tasty snack any time of day!
FAQs for Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before slicing. This will help prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
How Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a blend specifically designed for baking, as it will give similar results in texture and flavor.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the bars a day in advance. Just store them covered in the fridge once cooled. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing, and thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
