These Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a fruity delight! With sweet peaches layered with creamy goodness and a crunchy crumb topping, they are perfect for any snack or dessert.
Seriously, these bars are the perfect summer treat. I love to enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. They’re so good, you might even want to keep them all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your crust and crumble. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend, which works surprisingly well in this recipe.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for this recipe, but if they’re out of season, feel free to use canned peaches. Just remember to drain them well to avoid excess moisture!
Cream Cheese: Soften your cream cheese for a smooth filling. If you want a lighter option, ricotta cheese is a great substitute. It will change the texture slightly but still taste delicious.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended, but you could use coconut oil or margarine if necessary. Each will affect the flavor a bit, so keep that in mind!
How Do I Make Sure My Crumble Is Perfect?
The crumble topping is a key part of the texture of these bars. You want it to be crumbly but still hold together. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Mix the crumble ingredients gently so you don’t overwork the dough, which could make it tough.
- When pressing the mixture into the pan, don’t pack it too tightly. This ensures a nice, crumbly texture when baked.
- Set aside a cup of the crumble mixture to sprinkle on top later. This adds a lovely crunch to the peachy cream layer!
Following these tips will help you get that perfect balance between a soft filling and a crunchy topping—enjoy!
Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Ingredients:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peach Cream Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or use canned peaches, drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these delicious bars will take about 15 minutes, and then they need to bake for 40-45 minutes. After baking, let them cool completely for best results. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to bake and cool before enjoying. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will help the bars come out easily after baking.
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Then, stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Remember to set aside about 1 cup of this mixture for the crumble topping later!
3. Press the Mixture into the Pan:
Take the remaining crumble mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms a lovely, buttery crust that’s the base for your bars.
4. Prepare the Peach Cream Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Then add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until creamy and fully combined. Gently fold in the diced peaches, and sprinkle in the tablespoon of flour to help it all hold together.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Now it’s time to spread that delightful peach cream mixture evenly over your crust in the pan. Make sure it’s nice and even! Then, take the reserved crumble topping and sprinkle it generously over the peach cream layer.
6. Bake and Cool:
Pop your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and the filling to be set. Once baked, take it out and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bars have cooled, cut them into squares. They’re delicious on their own, but if you want to make them extra special, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy every bite!
These Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are sure to bring smiles! Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen peaches and drain any excess moisture before dicing and using them in the recipe. This helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Yes! This recipe is very versatile. You can mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even strawberries along with the peaches for a delicious fruit medley. Just remember not to overdo it on the liquid, as extra juiciness can affect the filling texture.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
No worries! If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt. The texture will change slightly, but they will still provide that creamy, delicious filling!
