Introduction to Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to whipping up something sweet. That’s why I adore these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a delightful treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face. Imagine the warm, juicy peaches mingling with a creamy filling, all tucked under a crumbly topping. It’s the perfect solution for a quick dessert after dinner or a lovely surprise for friends. Trust me, this recipe is as easy as pie—well, easier! Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together.
Why You’ll Love This Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
These Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a game-changer for busy days. They come together in just about 50 minutes, making them a quick and satisfying dessert option. The combination of sweet peaches and creamy filling is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re versatile! You can easily swap in your favorite fruits. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress everyone.
Ingredients for Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh peaches: The star of the show! Ripe peaches bring sweetness and juiciness. You can also use other fruits like berries or apples if you prefer.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the crust. It provides structure and helps bind everything together.
- Rolled oats: They add a lovely texture and a bit of chewiness to the crumble topping.
- Brown sugar: This gives a rich, caramel-like flavor to the crust and crumble. It’s a must for that warm sweetness!
- Granulated sugar: Balances the flavors in the cream cheese filling, making it perfectly sweet.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps create a crumbly texture for the crust and topping. It’s essential for that rich flavor.
- Cream cheese: This creamy goodness is what makes the filling so luscious. It adds a delightful tanginess.
- Egg: Acts as a binder in the cream cheese filling, helping it set beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making everything taste even better.
- Baking powder: This helps the crust rise slightly, giving it a light texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—making these delightful Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures even baking. If you skip this step, your bars might not cook properly, and nobody wants that!
Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt. The flour provides structure, while the oats add a lovely texture. The brown sugar brings that warm, caramel flavor we all love. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Create the Crumble Base
Next, pour in the melted butter. This is where the magic happens! Mix it all together until you achieve a crumbly texture. You want it to resemble wet sand—this will be the base and topping for your bars.
Step 4: Press the Crust into the Baking Dish
Now, take half of your crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Use your fingers or the back of a measuring cup to ensure it’s even. A solid base is key to holding everything together!
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy filling is what makes these bars so special. It adds a rich flavor that perfectly complements the peaches.
Step 6: Assemble the Bars
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish. Then, layer the diced peaches on top. Make sure to distribute them evenly so every bite is bursting with peachy goodness!
Step 7: Add the Crumble Topping
Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the peaches. This topping is what gives the bars that delightful crunch. Make sure to cover the peaches well for a perfect finish!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and the filling is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely. This step is essential! If you cut them too soon, the bars may fall apart. Once cooled, slice them into bars and get ready to enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use ripe peaches for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the bars set properly.
- For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the crumble topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruits for a unique flavor!
Equipment Needed
- Baking dish: A 9×9 inch or similar size works well. You can also use a larger dish for thinner bars.
- Mixing bowls: A couple of medium-sized bowls will do the trick.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula: Perfect for spreading the cream cheese filling evenly.
- Whisk or electric mixer: For mixing the cream cheese filling smoothly.
Variations of Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
- Berry Bliss: Swap out peaches for fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for a vibrant twist.
- Apple Cinnamon: Use diced apples and add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the crumble for a cozy fall flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Vegan Delight: Replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble for an extra crunch and flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
FAQs about Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in your bars.
How do I store leftover Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just bake them, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. They’ll be ready to serve when you are!
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative. It will still give you that creamy texture without the dairy.
Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to your crumble topping. Just mix them in with the dry ingredients for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories with loved ones. The joy of pulling a warm, golden dish from the oven fills my heart with happiness. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, reminding me of sunny days and family gatherings. Whether you’re sharing them at a picnic or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this delicious adventure. You won’t regret it, and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars: Deliciously Easy Dessert!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a deliciously easy dessert that combines the sweetness of peaches with a creamy filling and a crumbly topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peaches, diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Top with diced peaches and sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe peaches.
- Can substitute with other fruits like berries or apples.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg