Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and creamy textures, you are absolutely going to love this Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars Recipe. Imagine juicy, fresh peaches coated in a cinnamon-scented sugar glaze, all nestled on a buttery crust and topped with a crumbly, golden layer that gives each bite a satisfyingly crisp finish. These bars are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a vibrant celebration of summertime’s best fruit. Whether you’re making them for a casual family dessert or impressing guests at your next gathering, these bars strike the perfect harmony between comfort and elegance in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in delivering the distinct flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible. From the tender crust to the luscious fruit layer and the creamy embellishment, every element counts.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender base and crumbly topping of the bars.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with a beautiful golden color on the crust.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Provides just enough lift to keep the crust light.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced: The secret to a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 large egg: Binds the crust ingredients together for a firm base.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the crust’s flavor profile.
• 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced: The star of the show, bringing juicy freshness and natural sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the peaches and prevents them from browning.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch: Thickens the peach filling to prevent it from being soggy.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the peach mixture and balances the tartness.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that complements the peaches perfectly.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Poured over the fruit to create a luscious, creamy layer that enhances every bite.

How to Make Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparing your pan properly is key—grease it well and line with parchment paper so your bars lift out without a hitch once baked. This simple step ensures easy serving and cleanup.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This blend forms the foundation of your crust and crumble topping, so take a moment to whisk it well and evenly distribute every ingredient.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Adding the chilled butter is where your texture starts taking shape. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to break it into the dry mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. This technique is crucial to achieving that satisfyingly crumbly finish in the final bars.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Stir in the egg and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring everything together into a cohesive dough while adding a subtle richness and fragrant sweetness to the crust. Don’t forget to save about one cup of this mixture to sprinkle on top later as the crumble.

Step 5: Press the Crust

Firmly press the majority of your dough into the base of the prepared baking pan. Take your time here—an even, well-packed crust provides the perfect sturdy layer to hold all those juicy peaches and luscious cream.

Step 6: Prepare the Peach Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the sliced peaches with lemon juice, cornstarch, sugar, and cinnamon. This coating not only keeps the fruit fresh-looking and flavorful but also thickens the filling to a perfect consistency once baked.

Step 7: Spread the Peach Mixture Evenly

Layer the peach filling gently over your crust. Aim for an even spread so every bite gets a generous hit of fruity goodness. This vibrant layer is the heart of your bars.

Step 8: Drizzle with Heavy Cream

Pour the heavy cream slowly over the peaches. This luscious addition enhances the bars with a silky texture and indulgent creaminess that pairs perfectly with the crumbly crust and juicy filling.

Step 9: Sprinkle the Reserved Crumble

Finish by sprinkling the reserved crust dough evenly over the top. This creates that trademark crumble that’s crispy and golden after baking, adding an irresistible texture contrast.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Bake your bars for 35 to 40 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the peach filling bubbles gently underneath. The aroma from the oven will have you eagerly waiting to dig in!

Step 11: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling step is vital as it lets the filling set, making it easier to slice neatly into squares that hold their shape beautifully.

How to Serve Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey can elevate these bars right before serving. For a little extra flair, a sprig of fresh mint or a dollop of whipped cream adds an inviting touch that makes the dessert as pretty as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

These crumble bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a serving of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness with cool creaminess. A fresh fruit salad or citrus sorbet can also complement the peaches nicely, making for a refreshing birthday or picnic dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the square and serve these bars on a rustic wooden board or in a pretty glass dish to showcase their vibrant layers. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces on a platter makes an irresistible party finger food, perfect for sharing and chatting with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover bars will keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate to extend freshness to about five days. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead treat to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep their best quality for up to two months. When you want a sweet snack, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm your peaches and cream crumble bars gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave individual bars for 15 to 20 seconds to bring back that just-baked warmth and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for this Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling that could make the crust soggy.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use coconut cream or any nut-based cream instead of heavy cream to keep it deliciously creamy without dairy.

How can I tell when the bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden brown crumble topping and bubbling peach filling. If the crust edges pull slightly away from the pan, that’s another sign your bars are ready.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour?

You can, but make sure to use a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the texture of regular flour for the crust and crumble.

What is the best way to slice the bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife and cut the bars when completely cooled. For extra clean slices, warm the knife briefly under hot water and dry it before cutting each time.

Final Thoughts

This Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, it never fails to bring smiles and requests for seconds. I encourage you to bake a batch soon and experience firsthand how this delightful dish can brighten any day or occasion.

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