Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars: The Ultimate Summer Dessert Recipe

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched orchard with every single bite! Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, crumbly oat topping, giving way to a luscious, sweet, and slightly tangy peach filling, all balanced by a creamy, dreamy layer. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While the exact origins of crumble bars are a bit hazy, the concept of combining a buttery crumble with fruit fillings has been a beloved tradition for generations. Think of it as a portable, less fussy cousin to the classic peach crumble or cobbler. It captures that same comforting, home-baked goodness in a convenient, hand-held form.

What makes these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures – the satisfying crunch of the crumble, the soft, juicy peaches, and the smooth, cool cream. The sweetness of the peaches is beautifully balanced by the slightly salty, buttery crumble, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for potlucks, picnics, or simply a delightful treat on a lazy afternoon. Get ready to experience a taste of summer with every delicious square!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4-6 tablespoons ice water
• For the Peach Filling:
• 6 medium ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6 cups)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the Crumble Topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• For the Cream Glaze (Optional):
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter throughout. This is crucial for a flaky crust!
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust. I usually find that 5 tablespoons is perfect, but it can vary depending on the humidity.
4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to chill, which will prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.

Preparing the Peach Filling:

1. While the crust is chilling, prepare the peach filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Gently toss the ingredients together until the peaches are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help to thicken the filling as it bakes, and the lemon juice will brighten the flavors and prevent the peaches from browning.
3. Set the peach filling aside while you prepare the crumble topping. This will give the peaches time to macerate and release some of their juices, which will create a more flavorful filling.

Preparing the Crumble Topping:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should be crumbly and slightly clumpy.
3. Set the crumble topping aside.

Assembling and Baking the Crumble Bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Remove the chilled crust dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle slightly larger than the 9×13 inch pan.
3. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
4. Pour the peach filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.
5. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the peach filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the filling for a beautiful and delicious crumble topping.
6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the crumble topping is golden brown and slightly crisp. The peach filling should be bubbling around the edges. If the crumble topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the pan with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
7. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important, as the filling will continue to set as it cools. If you try to cut the bars while they are still warm, the filling will be runny and the bars will fall apart.

Preparing the Cream Glaze (Optional):

1. While the bars are cooling, you can prepare the cream glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add more heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread easily.
3. Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the cream glaze over the top.
4. Cut the bars into squares and serve. These bars are delicious served warm or cold, and they are even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Success:

• Use cold butter: Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky crust and a crumbly topping. Make sure your butter is very cold before you start, and work quickly to prevent it from melting.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together, and then stop.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to chill, which will prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.
• Use ripe peaches: Ripe peaches will be sweeter and more flavorful. If your peaches are not quite ripe, you can let them sit at room temperature for a day or two to ripen.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add more sugar. If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the amount of sugar.
• Add nuts: You can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumble topping for added flavor and texture.
• Store the bars properly: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Variations:

• Other fruits: You can substitute other fruits for the peaches, such as apples, berries, or plums.
• Spice variations: Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
• Gluten-free: To make these bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Vegan: To make these bars vegan, use vegan butter and a plant-based milk alternative for the cream glaze.

Enjoy your homemade Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars! I hope you find this recipe easy to follow and that the bars turn out delicious. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you try any variations!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are truly something special, and I genuinely believe they deserve a spot on your baking roster. Why? Because they perfectly capture the essence of summer in every single bite. The sweet, juicy peaches, nestled between a buttery, crumbly base and topping, create a symphony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible. It’s a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant, easy enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough to bring to a potluck or summer gathering.

This recipe is a must-try because it’s:

* Incredibly delicious and satisfying.
* Relatively simple to make, even for beginner bakers.
* A fantastic way to use fresh, seasonal peaches.
* Easily customizable to your preferences.
* Guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

But the best part? The possibilities are endless! While these bars are divine as is, warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, don’t be afraid to experiment. For a richer flavor, try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can also add a warm, comforting touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the top takes these bars to a whole new level of decadence.

Serving suggestions? Oh, where do I even begin? These Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are perfect for:

* An afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
* A light and refreshing dessert after a summer barbecue.
* A sweet treat to pack in your lunchbox.
* A delightful addition to a brunch spread.
* A comforting dessert on a cozy night in.

You could even cut them into smaller squares and serve them as bite-sized appetizers at a party. The possibilities are truly endless!

And if you’re looking to switch things up, consider these variations:

* Berry Crumble Bars: Substitute the peaches with your favorite berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.
* Apple Crumble Bars: Use diced apples instead of peaches for a fall-inspired treat.
* Nectarine Crumble Bars: Nectarines offer a similar flavor profile to peaches and work beautifully in this recipe.
* Gluten-Free Crumble Bars: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the base and topping to make this recipe accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars for yourself. I truly believe you’ll love them as much as I do. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of pure deliciousness.

Once you’ve made them, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor and texture? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your baking adventures. Happy baking, and enjoy every single crumb! Don’t forget to share this amazing Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars recipe with your friends and family!