Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars – Simple Ingredients, Sweet Results

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a perfect blend of fresh, juicy peaches, smooth cream, and a buttery, crumbly crust. This dessert is simple yet elegant, making it ideal for summer gatherings, casual snacks, or whenever you crave something sweet and homemade. Unlike complicated desserts, these bars come together easily without requiring expert baking skills or hours in the kitchen.

The bars highlight the natural sweetness of ripe peaches combined with a creamy layer that adds richness and softness. The crumbly topping provides a satisfying crunch, creating a delightful texture contrast that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these bars offer a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need—from ingredients to step-by-step instructions—to make these bars your new favorite dessert. I’ll also share tips for perfecting the bake and ideas to customize the recipe to your taste. These bars are pretty, simple, and sweet—ready to brighten any day.

Why You’ll Love This Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

These Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars stand out because they combine classic flavors with ease and versatility. The natural sweetness of peaches pairs perfectly with creamy richness, creating a balanced and satisfying dessert that isn’t too sweet or heavy.

The texture is another highlight: a buttery, crunchy crumble topping meets tender peach filling, offering a wonderful bite every time. This contrast elevates the bars from simple to special and appeals to a variety of tastes.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With common ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Plus, it’s baked in one pan, meaning less mess and stress.

What You’ll Need

To make these delicious Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars, you’ll need a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Most of these are pantry staples, while the fresh peaches add the star quality to the dish.

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your crust and crumble, providing structure and that buttery crumbly texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness that balances the tartness of the peaches.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps give a slight lift and lightness to the crust.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes – Butter is key to a tender, flaky crust and crumbly topping. Using cold butter helps achieve the perfect texture.

For the Peach Filling:

• 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced – Ripe, juicy peaches bring the fresh, natural sweetness that makes this dessert special. If fresh peaches are out of season, you can use thawed frozen peaches (drain excess liquid).
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the peach layer to complement its natural tartness.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Helps thicken the peach filling so it doesn’t become watery.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the filling’s flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) – Adds a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with peaches.

For the Cream Layer:

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half – This adds richness and creaminess that contrasts with the fruity peach filling.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream slightly for balance.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cream.

How to Make Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Making Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars is simple and satisfying. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you bake the perfect bars every time:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Prepare the crust and crumble base:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the 1 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. Reserve about 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the crumble topping, and press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Prepare the peach filling:
   In a separate bowl, combine 4 cups sliced peaches, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and optional ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Stir gently to coat the peaches evenly.
4. Prepare the cream layer:
   In a small bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
5. Assemble the bars:
   After the crust is partially baked, spread the whipped cream evenly over the crust. Next, spoon the peach mixture evenly over the cream layer.
6. Add the crumble topping:
   Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the peaches, covering them as much as possible.
7. Bake again:
   Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.
8. Cool and serve:
   Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares.

Enjoy your Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars as a delightful dessert or sweet snack anytime!

You Must Know

To get perfect Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars, a few key points matter. Use ripe, fresh peaches for the best flavor and sweetness. If fresh aren’t available, frozen peaches work well—just thaw and drain excess juice to avoid sogginess.

Keep your butter cold and cut into small cubes for a crumbly, tender crust and topping. Warm butter can make the crust dense instead of flaky.

Cornstarch in the peach filling is essential to thicken the juices during baking and prevent watery bars. Don’t skip it!

Whip the cream just until soft peaks form for a smooth, spreadable layer. Spread layers evenly—crust, cream, peaches, and topping—to balance flavor and texture.

Lastly, let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps the filling set and makes slicing clean bars easier.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Pre-bake the crust for 15 minutes to get a firm, golden base and prevent sogginess. Spread the whipped cream gently over the warm crust, then add the peach filling evenly.

Sprinkle the crumble topping over the peaches generously for that crunchy texture. Bake for 30–35 minutes at 350°F until the topping is golden and the peach juices bubble.

If the topping browns too fast, cover loosely with foil. Cool the bars completely before slicing for clean cuts and the best texture.

Following these simple steps will help you create perfect, delicious crumble bars every time.

Add Your Touch Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Making Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars your own is easy! You can add warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the peach filling for extra flavor depth. A splash of lemon juice brightens the fruit’s sweetness and balances the richness.

For more texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds into the crumble topping. You could also swirl in a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone into the cream layer for an even richer taste.

If you want to experiment, try mixing in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries with the peaches. Adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of shredded coconut over the top before baking can give your bars a unique twist.

Feel free to get creative and adjust the recipe to your taste—these bars are a great canvas for your favorite flavors!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to five days to keep them fresh and prevent spoilage

If you want to freeze the bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

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To reheat, warm the bars in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through and the crumble is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.

Proper storage and reheating keep your bars tasting fresh and delicious, so you can enjoy them any time.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

To make your Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars truly shine, here are some chef-approved tips:

Quick & Tasty Meal Ideas

• Use ripe peaches: Fresh, juicy peaches make all the difference. If they’re not quite ripe, let them sit at room temperature for a day or two.
• Keep butter cold: Cut cold butter into the flour to create a crumbly, tender crust and topping.
• Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients for the crust and crumble, mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture.
• Chill before baking: If your kitchen is warm, chill the crust mixture before pressing it into the pan.
• Watch the bake time: Keep an eye on the crumble topping during baking and cover with foil if it browns too quickly.
• Cool completely: Let bars cool fully to set the filling and make slicing easier.

These tips help ensure your bars come out perfect every time.

FAQ for Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Q: Can I use canned peaches?
A: Fresh peaches are best, but if you use canned, drain them well and reduce the sugar to avoid excess sweetness.

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Q: Can I substitute heavy cream?
A: Yes, half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can work as alternatives for the cream layer.

Q: How do I prevent soggy bars?
A: Pre-bake the crust and use cornstarch in the peach filling to thicken juices.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! They taste great refrigerated for up to five days and can be frozen for longer storage.

Q: Can I add other fruits?
A: Yes, blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples can be mixed with peaches for variation.

Conclusion

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a delightful, simple dessert that brings together the best of summer’s juicy peaches and creamy sweetness in a buttery, crumbly package. Their ease of preparation, fresh flavors, and satisfying texture make them a perfect treat for any occasion—from casual family snacks to elegant gatherings.

This recipe offers flexibility, allowing you to customize with your favorite spices, nuts, or even additional fruits to suit your taste. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these bars are approachable and rewarding, delivering that homemade charm without fuss.