These Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a sweet treat! They have layers of juicy peaches topped with a buttery, crumbly mixture that’s simply irresistible.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of this dessert! It’s perfect for warm days, and it’s so easy to whip up—great for those days when you want a delicious snack without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the crumble. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix works well instead!
Granulated sugar: This sweetens both the crumble and the peach filling. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use coconut sugar for a less processed alternative.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are fabulous, but you can easily use canned peaches in syrup or even frozen ones. Just ensure they’re drained well if using canned. If you prefer other fruits, nectarines or berries would be yummy too!
Cream cheese: This adds a rich, creamy layer. If you’re dairy-free, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even a thicker vegan yogurt.
Lemon juice: While optional, it brightens the flavor of the peaches. You can skip it or replace it with lime juice for a different twist!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Crumble Texture?
The crumble topping is what gives these bars their signature texture. To get it just right, follow these steps:
- Use cold butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Cold butter creates that crumbly texture.
- Mix gently: Combine flour, sugar, and butter until it’s crumbly; don’t overmix. It’s okay to leave some larger pea-sized pieces!
- Reserve some: Always set aside part of the crumble mixture for topping, so you have a nice crunchy layer over the creamy filling.
How to Make Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups fresh or canned peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to brighten peach flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and 40-45 minutes for baking. It’s best to let the bars cool completely before cutting, which might take about 30 minutes. All in all, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in about 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to let your oven warm up while you’re getting everything ready. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some paper to hang over the edges. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix them together well, so that all the dry ingredients are nicely blended.
3. Prepare the Crumble Mixture:
Add the softened butter to your dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until you have a crumbly texture. It should look like coarse crumbs. Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for the topping later.
4. Form the Crust:
Take the remainder of your crumble mixture and evenly press it into the base of your lined pan. This is your crust, so make sure it’s packed down nicely!
5. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk for this step.
6. Add the Peaches:
Gently fold the sliced peaches into the cream cheese mixture. If you’re using lemon juice and cinnamon, add them in now, too! This brightens up the peach flavor and gives it a lovely spice.
7. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust layer in your baking pan. Make sure it’s spread out evenly so that every bite has that delicious creamy peach goodness!
8. Top with Crumble:
Take the reserved crumb mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the peach layer. This will create that lovely crumble topping, which adds texture!
9. Bake:
Put your baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The crumble topping should turn golden brown, and you can check if the filling is set by giving it a little jiggle.
10. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This can take about 30 minutes. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board.
11. Enjoy:
Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy your delicious Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars! If you have any leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator.
These bars are a fantastic treat for dessert or a sweet snack during the day—enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture. This will prevent your filling from becoming too watery. Pat them dry with a paper towel for the best results!
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even Greek yogurt for a similar texture. If you want to keep it creamy without dairy, a thick coconut yogurt works well too!
How Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
To make these crumble bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well for the best results!
