If there’s one dessert that captures the spirit of summer, it’s these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars. In this article, you’ll get the full recipe and learn how to make these golden, buttery bars packed with fresh peaches and silky cream filling. We’ll also walk through helpful baking tips, flavor variations, and answer your most common questions about this delicious seasonal treat.
Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Table of Contents
Inspired by Summer Days and Family Traditions
There’s something about the smell of warm peaches baking that brings me back to childhood summers spent in my grandma’s kitchen. She’d always have a cobbler or pie cooling on the counter, its golden crust just begging to be cut into. Years later, I found myself craving that same comfort—but with a twist. That’s how these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars were born.
I wanted something that captured all the juicy flavor of a classic cobbler, but was easy to slice, store, and serve. The sweet peaches nestle into a thick vanilla-scented cream layer, all tucked between a buttery crumble crust that crisps beautifully in the oven. It’s nostalgic, but with a bit of ease and elegance.
These bars are now a staple at gatherings, bake sales, and lazy weekend brunches. They’re a fuss-free dessert that feels special every time—and using seasonal peaches makes all the difference. Whether you’re using juicy farmers market finds or that big haul from the orchard, this recipe turns them into something simple, sensational, and crave-worthy.
And if you’re peach-obsessed like I am, you might also love this ultra-moist Peach Cobbler Pound Cake or these super snackable Peach Muffins. But for now, let’s dive into the bars that started it all.
The Secret to the Best Crumble Bars
The magic of these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars lies in the texture contrast—crisp edges, soft fruity middle, and a creamy base that’s almost cheesecake-like. The crumble mixture does double duty as both the crust and topping, so it’s a true one-bowl wonder.
We combine flour, granulated sugar, a touch of salt, and brown sugar with cold butter to create that perfect sandy texture that bakes into golden nuggets of flavor. For the filling, ripe peaches are gently tossed with cinnamon, vanilla, and just enough sugar to bring out their natural sweetness. And let’s not forget the splash of cream—it adds that velvety richness that elevates this dessert from everyday to sensational.
For even more creamy peach inspiration, don’t miss these dreamy Peaches and Cream Cheesecake Bars or my Delicious Fresh Peach Fritters—both are loved for good reason.
Gather Your Ingredients for Flavor and Texture
Making Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars is all about layering simple ingredients to create something that tastes bakery-quality without the stress. The key is using cold butter and fresh peaches to achieve that irresistible texture contrast.
For the crust and crumble topping:
2 ½ cups (350g) all-purpose flour
⅔ cup (140g) granulated sugar
½ tsp salt
¼ cup (50g) brown sugar (dark preferred)
1 ¼ cups (280g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
For the filling:
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (35g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
5 cups peeled, chopped fresh peaches (about 7–8 peaches)
6 tbsp (90ml) heavy cream
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
If you’ve got leftover peaches, try making a Peach Blueberry Crisp or my Easy Blueberry Peach Tart—both use seasonal fruit beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions That Keep It Simple
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut in using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture is crumbly and holds when pressed. Set aside 1 ½ cups for topping; press the rest into the bottom of the pan.
Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
In another bowl, stir sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Fold in peaches, heavy cream, and vanilla if using. Stir just until combined.
Pour peach mixture over the baked crust. Sprinkle reserved crumble evenly on top.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. For cleaner slices, chill for 1–2 hours before cutting.
Love this kind of make-ahead dessert? You’ll also enjoy Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes for another creamy peach combo, or this Peach Crumb Bars Recipe for variation ideas.
Smart Tips for Perfect Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
To make your Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars consistently outstanding, keep a few essential tips in mind. First and foremost, the butter must be cold and cubed—this ensures a crumbly texture that crisps up beautifully on top and holds firm on the bottom. Don’t skip chilling the bars either; it helps the cream filling set and makes slicing much cleaner.
If your peaches are extra juicy, toss them in a bit of cornstarch before adding the cream. This helps thicken the filling as it bakes. Want deeper flavor? Sprinkle in a dash of nutmeg or use dark brown sugar for a hint of molasses warmth.
Love experimenting with seasonal fruit? Try swapping in nectarines or plums, or even a mix for a slightly tangy twist. These bars are as adaptable as they are addictive.
Looking for another crowd-pleasing peach dessert with a creamy touch? You’ll love this Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad—it’s refreshing and just as indulgent in a completely different way.
Creative Variations to Keep Things Fresh
While the classic recipe is hard to beat, these variations keep things exciting:
Add ½ tsp almond extract to the filling and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
Swap heavy cream for softened cream cheese and add 1 egg for a richer, firmer center.
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. These bars turn out just as delightful with the right texture.
Mix in 1 cup of fresh raspberries or blueberries with the peaches for added color and tartness.
If you’re looking for more cozy variations, my Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a great companion recipe. Or, if you want an ultra-portable spin on classic cobbler, check out these Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls—fun, crispy, and kid-friendly.
How to Store Your Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
These Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars store wonderfully, which makes them perfect for meal prep, picnics, and weekend baking. Once completely cooled, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them individually wrapped in plastic, then placed in a zip-top freezer bag—they’ll keep for up to 2 months.
To enjoy again, just thaw overnight in the fridge and serve cold or gently warmed in the microwave. The topping may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor holds beautifully.
Want to bake something you can stash for last-minute cravings? Try my Frozen Peach Lemonade to pair with these bars, or cool down with this creamy Peach Sorbet Without an Ice Cream Maker.
Serving Ideas to Elevate the Experience
Serve these bars chilled for clean edges or room temperature for a softer bite. Want to really wow your guests? Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. A light dusting of powdered sugar also gives them a bakery-style finish without much effort.
They’re great for potlucks, summer brunches, or as a sweet finish to a barbecue. Because they hold their shape so well, they’re also a smart pick for lunchboxes and snack trays.
Pair them with a cool drink like this Peach Lemonade or a fruity Raspberry Peach Smoothie for a refreshing bite that screams summer.
Print
Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars: A Sweet and Simple Summer Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are the perfect blend of buttery crust, juicy peaches, and creamy filling. Easy to make and even easier to love.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
⅔ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup brown sugar
1 ¼ cups cold unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
5 cups chopped fresh peaches
6 tablespoons heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, sugars, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
3. Press two-thirds of mixture into pan. Bake 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
4. In another bowl, mix sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add peaches, cream, and vanilla.
5. Spread filling over crust. Sprinkle reserved crumble on top.
6. Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
7. Cool completely, chill for 1–2 hours, then slice and serve.
Notes
Use fresh, ripe peaches for best results.
Substitute cream cheese for a richer filling.
Chill before slicing for clean edges.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to peel fresh peaches for this recipe?
Use the blanch-and-shock method. Score an “X” on the bottom of each peach, boil for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins will slide off easily.
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry to remove excess moisture, or your filling may be too watery.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes. Use vegan butter and substitute coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream.
Do I need to refrigerate these bars after baking?
Yes. Because of the cream layer, it’s best to store them in the fridge once fully cooled. This helps maintain texture and food safety.
Conclusion
Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars bring together everything we love about summer desserts—fresh fruit, buttery crust, and just the right amount of creamy richness. They’re simple to make, easy to serve, and absolutely unforgettable once you take that first bite. Whether you’re baking for a backyard gathering, prepping snacks for the week, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers every time.
With juicy peaches at their peak, there’s no better time to try these bars. And once you do, you’ll want to make them again and again. So grab those ripe peaches, preheat the oven, and let the sweet aroma of homemade goodness fill your kitchen.
