These Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a sweet treat you’ll love! With juicy peaches, a creamy layer, and a crispy crumble topping, they hit all the right notes.
Trust me, the best part is the mix of sweet and creamy flavors—perfect for any dessert lover! I enjoy these warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your crumble. If you want a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works well here, but you could use coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor. Adjust the sweetness as per your taste!
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best! If they’re out of season, canned peaches work too—just make sure to drain them well so your bars don’t get soggy.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Both options provide that creamy richness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, but if you’re out, use margarine or coconut oil as a dairy-free option.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth. If you don’t like cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice could be nice alternatives to consider.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Texture?
Getting that crunchy, satisfying crumble topping is key to these bars. Here’s how:
- Mix your dry ingredients well first, then combine with melted butter slowly. This prevents clumps and gives a nice texture.
- Reserve some of the crumb mixture for topping, as it adds layers of crunch when baked.
- For an extra layer, mix oats into the reserved crumb topping; they add chewy texture and flavor.
Make sure not to overmix when combining the butter with the dry ingredients. You want a crumbly, almost pebble-like consistency, which will create a tasty topping!
Enjoy these tips to enhance your baking experience with Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars!
How to Make Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or canned peaches, diced (if canned, drained)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Optional Enhancements:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (for extra crumble texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for flavor in crumble topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prepping, plus 40-45 minutes of baking time. After that, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. All in all, you’re looking at around 1 hour for baking and cooling, but it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking. This will make it easy to lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Crust:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. This texture is key to a great crust!
3. Reserve for Topping:
Set aside about 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even crust layer.
4. Create the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a separate small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth and creamy mixture. Spread this cream cheese layer evenly over the crust you just created.
5. Add the Peaches:
In another bowl, gently toss the diced peaches with lemon juice if you’re using it. Then, spread the peaches evenly over the cream cheese layer. This will give your bars a fresh fruity flavor.
6. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
If you’re using rolled oats and cinnamon, mix them into the reserved crumb topping now. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the peaches. This will create a lovely crunch on top.
7. Bake:
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This may take about 30 minutes. Once cool, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and slice them into squares. Enjoy them at room temperature or chilled. Don’t forget a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for that extra treat!
Enjoy your delicious, sweet, and creamy peach crumble bars with a perfectly crunchy topping!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before using. This prevents the bars from becoming too soggy.
How Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 ratio for the best results!
Can I Prepare the Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the bars a day in advance! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge after they’ve cooled completely. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Crumble Bars?
Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated in the microwave.
