These Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a sweet treat that combines juicy peaches with creamy goodness and a crunchy topping. Perfect for dessert or a snack!
Honestly, who can resist the combo of soft, ripe peaches and creamy filling? Whenever I make these, my friends can’t get enough. I like to serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, go for margarine or a plant-based butter.
Granulated Sugar: This gives sweetness and helps with browning. You may substitute with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor or minimize sugar if you prefer a less sweet treat.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are wonderful, but canned peaches work just as well! If you’re in a pinch, you can use other fruits like nectarines or pears for a different spin.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. It won’t have the same thickness but still adds creaminess and tang!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Texture?
Getting the crumble topping just right can be tricky. Here are my tips to ensure a perfect texture:
- Mix your dry ingredients well before adding the butter. This ensures even distribution of the baking powder and salt.
- When you combine everything, don’t overmix! You want it crumbly, not a dough. If it starts to stick together too much, stop mixing.
- Make sure to reserve some of the mixture for topping. This gives the bars a nice, crunchy finish after baking.
Allow the mixture to form small crumbs and be gentle when pressing it into the pan for your crust; overpacking can make it dense.
Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 (15 oz) can sliced peaches, drained and chopped (or about 2 cups fresh peeled peaches, chopped)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake, so total you’re looking at roughly 1 hour to enjoy these tasty bars! Plus, let them cool completely before cutting, which may take another 30-45 minutes, but it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have it ready when you’re done preparing the bars. Also, line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to help you lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer if you have one, or just whisk it vigorously by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract to add a lovely flavor!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your butter mixture, stirring until it forms a crumbly texture. Remember to not overmix; you want it to remain crumbly!
4. Set the Crust in the Pan:
Reserve about 1 cup of this crumble mixture for the topping. Then, press the remaining crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust. Don’t press too hard; just enough to hold it together.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and lemon juice. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. This adds a delightful sweetness and tang to your bars!
6. Layer it Up:
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Then, top with your chopped peaches, arranging them for even coverage. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the peaches, creating a delightful topping.
7. Bake and Cool:
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The topping should be golden brown and the edges set. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Slice and Serve:
When they’re cool, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut them into squares. Serve them as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Enjoy these scrumptious Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars! They’re perfect for any occasion and warmly welcomed at gatherings or just a cozy day at home. 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Peaches?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can substitute with other fruits such as apricots, nectarines, or even berries. Just ensure your fruit is ripe and sweet for the best flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well, especially the baking powder.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
If you prefer a less sweet treat, feel free to reduce the sugar in both the crust and cream cheese layers. You can start by reducing it by about 1/4 cup and adjust as needed based on your taste preference!
