Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly combines sweet peaches with a rich cream filling, all topped with a buttery crumble. These bars are ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply as a comforting treat at home. They offer a unique twist on traditional fruit desserts, with the creamy layer adding richness and flavor that is hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars come together quickly.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh peaches and creamy filling creates a taste sensation that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve them at family gatherings, barbecues, or as a sweet end to a cozy dinner.
• Make Ahead Option: These bars can be made in advance, making them perfect for busy schedules.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: With their appealing look and taste, they’re sure to impress your friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make preparing Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars easy and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool speeds up the process of mixing the crust ingredients to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
• Baking pan: A 9×13-inch pan is essential for achieving the right thickness in each bar.
• Mixing bowls: Having various sizes allows for easy mixing of different components without mess.

Ingredients

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 Topping

• 1/4 cup (50 g/1.7 oz) brown sugar, preferably dark
• 1 cup (200g/7 oz) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (35 g/1.3 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

• 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)

How to Make Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

• In a food processor, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Pulse until mixed.
• Add cold butter cubes to the mixture. Pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Reserve 1½ cups of this crumb mixture for later as topping.
• Press the remaining crumbs evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
• Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes until lightly browned on the edges.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

• In a bowl with reserved crumb mixture, add brown sugar.
• Use your fingers to mix until large clumps form; set aside.

Step 4: Make the Filling

• In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
• Add chopped peaches into this mixture; toss gently to coat evenly.
• In another small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and vanilla extract; then mix into peach mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Pour the peach filling over warm crust in an even layer. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly across.

Step 6: Bake Bars

Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes until juices bubble up around edges and topping turns golden brown.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Step 8: Refrigerate

For best results, refrigerate bars for at least two hours before serving. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy your delicious Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars!

How to Serve Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are delightful on their own, but there are multiple ways to elevate your serving experience. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or dessert, these bars can be paired with various accompaniments for an added touch of flavor.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a lovely richness to the bars. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form and dollop generously.

À la Mode

• Serve warm crumble bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture of ice cream perfectly complements the juicy peaches in the filling.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce enhances the sweetness of the bars. It adds a decadent touch that is perfect for special occasions.

With Yogurt

• Pairing these bars with Greek yogurt offers a tangy contrast. The creaminess of yogurt balances out the sweetness and makes for a lighter option.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars in your brunch menu alongside other pastries, fruits, and beverages. They make for an inviting addition to any spread.

How to Perfect Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

To ensure that your Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

• Use ripe peaches – Choose peaches that are slightly soft to the touch for optimal sweetness and flavor. This will enhance the overall taste of your bars.
• Don’t overmix the crust – When making the crust, mix just until crumbly. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of a tender crust.
• Bake until golden brown – Keep an eye on your topping while baking. A golden brown color signifies that it is perfectly crisp.
• Let them cool completely – Allowing your bars to cool fully helps the filling set properly, making it easier to cut into neat squares.
• Store properly – Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to three days.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and flavor in the peach filling.

Best Side Dishes for Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars can be enjoyed even more when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options that will enhance your dessert experience.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that brings creamy bliss alongside warm crumble bars.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses like Brie or goat cheese provides savory contrast to sweet flavors.
4. Coffee or Tea – Brewed coffee or herbal tea can serve as comforting beverages alongside dessert.
5. Custard Sauce – A warm custard sauce drizzled over each bar adds richness while enhancing peach flavors.
6. Pecan Crunch Salad – The crunchy pecans in this salad complement the textures found in crumble bars nicely.
7. Crème Fraîche – This tangy cream is perfect for cutting through sweetness while adding creaminess.
8. Sparkling Water – A refreshing drink like sparkling water can cleanse the palate after enjoying these rich bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the chilling time: Not allowing the bars to chill for at least 2 hours can result in a messy cut. Always give them time to set for clean squares.
• Using warm filling: Pouring the peach filling on a hot crust can lead to sogginess. Ensure your crust is warm but not hot when adding the filling.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can affect texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Overbaking the bars: Baking too long can dry out the filling. Keep an eye on them, and remove them once the topping is golden brown.
• Neglecting to line the pan: Forgetting to grease or line your baking dish may cause sticking. Use parchment paper or grease well for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds per bar, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars:

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

Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just thaw them completely and drain excess moisture before using them in the recipe.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk as alternatives, but keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly.

How do I know when my Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are done?

The bars are done when the topping is golden brown and juices are bubbling around the edges.

Can I customize my Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars?

Absolutely! You can add nuts or oats to the crumble topping or mix in other fruits like blueberries for variety.

Final Thoughts

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars offer a delightful blend of flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize with different fruits or toppings based on your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious treat that everyone will love!