Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

The sweet charm of summer is captured perfectly in these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars. With layers of buttery crust, smooth cream cheese, and juicy peaches, this dessert offers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a refreshing end to a summer meal or packing them up for a picnic, these bars are guaranteed to disappear fast.

What makes these bars especially delightful is their versatility. You can use fresh seasonal peaches at the height of summer or canned peaches year-round. The creamy center adds a luscious contrast to the tart fruit, while the crumbly top adds the perfect amount of crunch. These bars are not only easy to make, but they’re also visually stunning and freezer-friendly, ideal for making ahead or sharing with friends.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the crust and crumble:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the cream layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the peach layer:

• 2 1/2 cups fresh or canned peaches, diced (drained if canned)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add the flour and salt and mix until a crumbly dough forms.

3. Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the cream layer by beating the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

5. In a separate bowl, toss diced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon.

6. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the partially baked crust.

7. Evenly distribute the peach mixture over the cream layer.

8. Crumble the remaining dough over the top.

9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

10. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 16 bars

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars – A Summery Treat That Melts in Your Mouth

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, ripe peaches and rich cream. When baked into a buttery, crumbly crust, that magic turns into an irresistible dessert: Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars. This classic treat strikes the perfect balance between fruity freshness and creamy decadence, all wrapped in layers of golden, melt-in-your-mouth crumble.

Whether you’re planning a picnic, looking for a make-ahead dessert for a summer potluck, or simply craving something sweet with your afternoon coffee, these bars deliver comfort and flavor in every bite. Their gorgeous, golden hue and soft layers make them as beautiful to serve as they are satisfying to eat.

In this post, we’re diving deeper into what makes Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars such a standout dessert: their ingredients, how to personalize them, storage tips, pairing suggestions, and more. We’ll also look at why this recipe has become a go-to favorite for peach lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.

The Allure of Summer Peaches 🍑

Peaches are one of the most beloved fruits of the summer season. Juicy, fragrant, and naturally sweet, they embody the essence of warm, sunny days. In these bars, peaches become the star ingredient. Whether you choose to use fresh peaches during peak season or rely on canned or frozen varieties during the off-season, the result is equally delightful.

The peach layer provides a juicy contrast to the richness of the cream cheese filling. When baked, the peaches soften and become even more flavorful, creating a jammy, luscious texture that complements the bar’s creamy and crunchy components.

Layers of Deliciousness: What Makes These Bars So Good

Each element of the Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars plays an important role in creating a harmonious dessert:

1. The Buttery Crust and Crumble

This layer serves double duty: two-thirds pressed into the pan for a solid, cookie-like base and one-third crumbled on top to create a crisp, golden finish. The combination of melted butter, flour, and sugar gives it a rich shortbread flavor with a delicate crumb that holds its shape well.

2. The Cream Cheese Layer

Nestled between the crust and peaches is a smooth, lightly sweetened cream cheese layer. This provides richness and body, reminiscent of cheesecake but lighter in texture. Its tanginess balances out the sweet peaches and buttery crust.

3. The Peach Filling

Diced peaches are tossed with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of cornstarch. The cornstarch thickens the juices during baking, preventing the bars from becoming soggy and adding a subtle custardy finish. The cinnamon adds warmth and depth, enhancing the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Why These Bars Work So Well

What makes these bars stand out is their perfect layering and easy assembly. Unlike some multi-layer desserts, Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars don’t require special tools or techniques. They come together quickly and bake into a show-stopping result.

They’re also easily adaptable. Want to make them gluten-free? Swap the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Prefer a touch of spice? Add ground ginger or nutmeg with the cinnamon. Craving more crunch? Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. Here are a few ways to elevate their presentation:

• Whipped cream or ice cream: A dollop of vanilla whipped cream or a scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream makes them even more indulgent.

• Dusting of powdered sugar: For a simple yet elegant finish, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.

• Drizzle of caramel or honey: A light drizzle enhances the flavor without overpowering the fruitiness.

They’re perfect for picnics, brunch tables, holiday spreads, baby showers, or afternoon tea. The individual portions make them convenient to serve and easy to pack up.

How to Store Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Proper storage ensures that you can enjoy these treats for days:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Because of the cream cheese layer, refrigeration is recommended.

• Freezer: These bars freeze exceptionally well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about 1–2 hours.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best outcome when making Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Let them cool completely before slicing. This helps the layers set and results in cleaner cuts.

• Use parchment paper for easy removal. Line your baking dish with parchment, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out.

• Choose ripe but firm peaches. Overly ripe peaches can release too much juice, which may affect texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this recipe is worth saving and making again:

• No complicated steps. The crust, filling, and topping come together with basic mixing, no fancy equipment needed.

• Great for any time of year. While fresh peaches shine in the summer, canned or frozen peaches make this a year-round dessert.

• Crowd-pleaser. Whether served at a party or as a family dessert, these bars get rave reviews from kids and adults alike.

• Perfect texture. Buttery base, creamy center, fruity top, and crumbly crunch, it checks every box.

Nutrition Snapshot

Each serving (1 bar) contains approximately:

• Calories: 280 kcal

• Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 3g

• Sugar: 18g

These bars are rich but portion-controlled, making them a manageable indulgence. You can also experiment with lower sugar options if desired.

Conclusion

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a beautiful marriage of flavor and texture, a celebration of summer wrapped up in a rich, satisfying dessert. With a foundation of buttery crumble, a smooth cream cheese filling, and sweet, cinnamon-kissed peaches, each bite offers comfort and joy.

This recipe is more than just a dessert, it’s an experience. From the warm scent of peaches baking in the oven to the satisfying bite of cool, creamy sweetness, it captures what homemade desserts are all about: simplicity, satisfaction, and the power to bring people together.

Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, giving them as a gift, or savoring them with a cup of coffee on the porch, these bars are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.