Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars Recipe

If you dream about the joyous combo of sun-ripened peaches, silky cream, and buttery crumble, these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are your next baking adventure. Packed with juicy fruit and a melt-in-your-mouth, golden topping, every bite is pure summertime bliss—no special equipment or bakery skills needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars use nothing but pantry staples and the ripest peaches you can find. Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor or perfect texture, and the combination is totally irresistible.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the base and topping their crumbly, shortbread-like structure—don’t substitute if you want that classic texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and filling, letting the peach flavor shine without overpowering.
• Salt: Just a touch heightens all those buttery and fruity notes—don’t skip it!
• Cold unsalted butter: The key to that flaky, golden crumble; work quickly to keep it cold for the best results.
• Brown sugar, preferably dark: Gives the topping deeper caramel notes, making it rich and satisfying.
• Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that flatters peaches beautifully, adding subtle depth to the filling.
• Peaches: Fresh, peeled, and chopped—they’re the star, so choose ripe, juicy fruit for the dreamiest bars.
• Heavy cream: Swirled into the filling for extra silkiness and a little indulgence that takes these bars to the next level.
• Vanilla extract (optional): Adds an aromatic hint that weaves everything together—totally worth it if you have some.

Variations

The beauty of Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars is how easy they are to personalize! Here are some fun twists if you want to play with flavors or need to accommodate dietary preferences—feel free to get creative and make these bars truly your own.

• Berries and Cream Bars: Swap in blueberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries for a tangy, jewel-toned variation that’s still juicy and decadent.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a treat everyone can enjoy—just check your blend has xanthan gum for structure.
• Almond Twist: Replace ½ cup flour with almond flour in the crust and topping for an extra nutty flavor that goes wonderfully with peaches.
• Spiced Crumble: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the filling for a cozy twist—perfect when summer edges into fall.

How to Make Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, making sure there’s plenty of overhang on the sides—this will make lifting the finished bars so much easier later on.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble Topping

In a food processor, pulse together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt for a few seconds. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse once more until the mixture looks like coarse, crumbly sand. Don’t have a food processor? No problem—use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work in the butter instead. Scoop out 1½ cups of this crumb mixture and set it aside for your topping.

Step 3: Form and Bake the Crust

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture into your prepared pan and press it down firmly into an even layer—think of this as the stage for all the peachy goodness! Bake for about 15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. While it bakes, continue preparing the filling and topping.

Step 4: Mix the Streusel Topping

To the reserved crumble, add the brown sugar. Gently toss with your fingers until you see chunky streusel clumps forming—those glorious golden nuggets will make your bars sing when baked.

Step 5: Prepare the Peach Filling

In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Toss in your peaches and give everything a gentle stir to coat the fruit. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream and optional vanilla, then pour over the peach mixture and blend well. Try not to eat all of it with a spoon—this filling is seriously tempting!

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the dreamy peach and cream filling evenly over the hot crust. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously across the surface, then pop the pan back in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, until the topping turns golden and the filling bubbles around the edges (the hardest part will be waiting to dig in!).

Step 7: Cool and Set

Cool the bars completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for neat slices—the filling will set up beautifully, making it easy to cut into clean, generous squares.

How to Serve Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Garnishes

For that finishing flair, dust your Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars with a little powdered sugar or top each square with a dollop of softly whipped cream. A scattering of toasted almonds or a sprinkle of cinnamon adds just enough visual and flavor wow to make every serving special.

Side Dishes

While these bars confidently steal the show, they’re amazing alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chilled glass of sweet iced tea. Pair with a fruit salad or light, crisp white wine for a dreamy backyard dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into triangles or diamonds for a playful twist, or serve individual squares in parchment wrappers for easy grab-and-go treats at a summer party. You can also layer sliced bars with more fresh peaches and cream in mini parfait glasses for a rustic-chic dessert trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover bars in an airtight container and slide them into the refrigerator—they’ll keep fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The creamy filling sets even more overnight, so don’t hesitate to enjoy them as a next-day treat!

Freezing

Want to enjoy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars later in the season? They freeze surprisingly well! Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Although these bars are fabulous chilled or at room temperature, if you’re craving that just-baked warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If reheating several, let them sit at room temp for about 20 minutes, or warm gently in a low oven just until barely heated through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars a whirl—there’s just something magical about turning fresh fruit and everyday staples into a treat everyone will rave about. Happy baking, and don’t forget to grab a bar (or two) for yourself before they disappear!

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