Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

The sweet aroma of fresh peaches baking in the oven fills the kitchen with a comforting warmth, inviting you to indulge in a delicious treat. Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are the perfect blend of buttery crust, juicy peach filling, and a golden streusel topping. This recipe takes about an hour to prepare and bake, making it a delightful choice for both special occasions and simple weekend desserts.

These bars are ideal for peach lovers and anyone who enjoys a sweet, fruity treat. They are perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family nights in. If you’re looking to make these ahead of time, simply store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The buttery crust creates a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Juicy peaches provide a burst of flavor that balances sweetness and tartness.
• The streusel topping adds a delightful, crumbly texture.
• Each bar holds together beautifully, making it easy to serve and share.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for a delightful dessert treat.

For the Crust

• 2 1/2 cups (350 g/12.5 oz) all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup (140 g/5 oz) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups (280 g/10 oz) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

For the Filling

• 1 cup (200 g/7 oz) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (35 g/1.3 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 cups pitted, peeled, and chopped peaches (about 7-8 peaches/2.5 pounds)
• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

For the Topping

• 1/4 cup (50 g/1.7 oz) brown sugar, preferably dark

Use margarine in place of butter if needed.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use coconut sugar for a healthier sweetener.
• Swap peaches for nectarines for a different flavor.
• Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half.
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour works for a gluten-free option.

How to Make It

Start by preparing the crust, filling, and topping for your bars.

Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper, allowing edges to hang over.

Make the crust

Process flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a food processor for a few seconds until combined. Add butter and pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse meal. Set aside 1½ cups of the crumb mixture for the topping. Sprinkle the remaining crumbs into the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer to form a crust. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the edges are slightly browned.

Prepare the streusel topping

Add brown sugar to the remaining crumb mixture and toss with your fingers to combine until large clumps of dough are formed.

Make the filling

In a large bowl, mix together sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add peaches and toss to combine. In a small bowl, combine heavy cream and vanilla extract, then stir into the peach mixture. Mix well. Pour the peach mixture over the warm crust and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly on top.

Bake the bars

Bake the bars for about 45 minutes, until the juice is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Refrigerate and cut

Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to let the filling set before cutting into squares.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for 3 days.
Freezer: yes, keep in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheat: microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warm.

Tips for Best Results

• Use ripe peaches for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Ensure the crust is baked until lightly golden for added texture.
• Let the bars cool fully before cutting to maintain their shape.
• Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of your peaches.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
• Pair with whipped cream for an extra creamy experience.
• Enjoy as a sweet breakfast treat alongside coffee.