Peach Pie Cruffins: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Peach Pie Cruffins: Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery croissant that’s been transformed into a miniature peach pie! These aren’t your average pastries; they’re a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, bringing together the comforting flavors of a classic peach pie with the irresistible texture of a cruffin.

While the cruffin itself is a relatively modern invention, gaining popularity in the last decade, the concept of combining pastry with fruit fillings has a long and rich history. From medieval fruit tarts to the pies of colonial America, fruit-filled baked goods have always held a special place in our hearts and on our tables. Peaches, in particular, have been cherished for centuries, symbolizing longevity and good fortune in some cultures. Their sweet, slightly tangy flavor makes them a perfect complement to buttery pastry.

What makes these Peach Pie Cruffins so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures – the crisp, flaky layers of the cruffin give way to a soft, juicy peach filling bursting with summery sweetness. The convenience factor is also a major draw. These individual treats are perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a special afternoon snack. They’re easy to eat on the go and offer a delightful, single-serving portion of pure pastry bliss. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and delicious treat!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cruffin Dough:
• 500g (about 4 cups) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 10g (2 teaspoons) instant dry yeast
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 10g (2 teaspoons) salt
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) lukewarm milk
• 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 250g (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, very cold, for laminating
• For the Peach Filling:
• 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 30g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• For the Sugar Coating:
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted

Making the Cruffin Dough:

Okay, let’s tackle the dough first. This is the most time-consuming part, but trust me, it’s worth it! We’re essentially making a laminated dough, similar to croissants, which gives the cruffins their flaky layers.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk, melted butter (cooled!), and the lightly beaten egg.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step. If using a mixer, knead on medium speed for about 6-8 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Prepare the Butter Block: While the dough is rising, prepare your butter block. Place the very cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, pound and roll the butter into a 6×8 inch rectangle. It’s important that the butter stays cold and doesn’t melt. If it starts to get too soft, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
7. Chill the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help relax the gluten and make it easier to roll out.

Laminating the Dough:

This is where the magic happens! We’re creating those beautiful layers that make cruffins so irresistible. Don’t be intimidated; just follow the steps carefully.

1. First Roll and Fold: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Place the cold butter block in the center of the dough. Fold one side of the dough over the butter, and then fold the other side over, creating a “book fold.” Pinch the edges to seal the butter inside.
2. First Turn: Rotate the dough 90 degrees. Roll the dough out again into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. This is called a “single fold” or “letter fold.” Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Second Turn: Repeat the rolling and folding process (rolling to 12×16 inches, single fold). Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
4. Third Turn: Repeat the rolling and folding process one more time (rolling to 12×16 inches, single fold). Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a final 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial to keep the butter firm and prevent it from melting into the dough.

Making the Peach Filling:

While the dough is chilling between turns, let’s get that delicious peach filling ready. This is a simple and flavorful filling that complements the flaky cruffin dough perfectly.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss gently to coat the peaches evenly.
2. Add Lemon Juice and Butter: Stir in the lemon juice and dot the peach mixture with the small pieces of butter. The butter will melt during baking and add richness to the filling.
3. Set Aside: Set the peach filling aside while you finish preparing the cruffin dough.

Assembling and Baking the Cruffins:

Almost there! Now we’re going to shape the cruffins, fill them with the peach mixture, and bake them to golden perfection.

1. Roll Out the Dough: After the final chilling, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 12×24 inches. The dough should be about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Cut into Strips: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough lengthwise into 1-inch wide strips.
3. Fill the Strips: Spoon a generous amount of the peach filling along the center of each strip of dough.
4. Roll Up the Strips: Starting at one end, carefully roll up each strip of dough into a tight spiral. Tuck the end of the dough underneath the spiral to seal it.
5. Place in Muffin Tin: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Place each rolled-up cruffin into a muffin cup.
6. Second Rise: Cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and let the cruffins rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.
7. Preheat Oven: While the cruffins are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the Cruffins: Bake the cruffins for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Cool Slightly: Let the cruffins cool in the muffin tin for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Sugar Coating:

This final touch adds a delightful sweetness and a hint of cinnamon to the cruffins. It’s optional, but highly recommended!

1. Combine Sugar and Cinnamon: In a shallow bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
2. Brush with Butter: Brush the warm cruffins with melted butter.
3. Coat with Sugar Mixture: Roll the buttered cruffins in the sugar and cinnamon mixture, making sure they are evenly coated.

And there you have it! Beautiful, flaky, and delicious Peach Pie Cruffins. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s an experience! The Peach Pie Cruffins are a symphony of textures and flavors, a delightful dance between the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant and the sweet, juicy goodness of a classic peach pie. Trust me, once you bite into one of these, you’ll understand why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. The combination of the crisp, golden exterior and the soft, peach-filled interior is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect treat for a special occasion, a weekend brunch, or even just a little something to brighten up your day.

But what truly sets these Peach Pie Cruffins apart is their versatility. While the recipe as written is absolutely divine, feel free to experiment and make it your own! For a truly decadent experience, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the warm cruffin and the cold ice cream is heavenly. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle them with a homemade caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.

Looking for variations? Consider using different fruits! While peaches are the star of this show, you could easily substitute them with apples, berries, or even a combination of fruits. Imagine apple pie cruffins in the fall, or mixed berry cruffins in the summer! You could also add a touch of spice to the peach filling. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of ginger would complement the peaches beautifully and add a warm, comforting note. For those who prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use a sugar substitute.

Another fun variation is to add a streusel topping to the cruffins before baking. A simple mixture of flour, butter, and sugar will create a crumbly, golden topping that adds even more texture and flavor. You could also add chopped nuts to the streusel for extra crunch. If you’re short on time, you can even use store-bought streusel topping.

These Peach Pie Cruffins are also surprisingly easy to make, even if you’ve never worked with puff pastry before. The recipe is straightforward and the results are well worth the effort. I’ve included detailed instructions and helpful tips to guide you through the process, so even beginner bakers can achieve success. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making cruffins; it’s much easier than you think!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some magic! I’m confident that you’ll love these Peach Pie Cruffins as much as I do. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, flaky, and utterly delicious.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of baking these delightful treats. Once you’ve made them, please share your creations with me! I’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the recipe? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating delicious and inspiring recipes for you. Share your pictures and thoughts on social media using #PeachPieCruffins and tag me so I can see your amazing creations! Happy baking!