Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are the kind of dessert I make when I want something fruity, creamy, and buttery all in one bite. With a layer of sweet, juicy peaches nestled between a soft cream cheese filling and a golden crumbly crust, these bars taste like summer in dessert form. They’re easy to bake, even easier to eat, and perfect for making the most of peach season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these bars combine different textures—crumbly, creamy, and jammy—all in one slice. They’re simple to put together and use ingredients I almost always have on hand. I also appreciate that I can serve them chilled, at room temperature, or even slightly warm with a scoop of ice cream. They work just as well for a picnic or potluck as they do for a cozy night at home.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Light brown sugar

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• Egg

• Vanilla extract

• Fresh or canned peaches, diced

• Cornstarch

• Cream cheese, softened

• Powdered sugar

directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, I combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then I cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. I add the egg and vanilla, mixing until the dough just comes together.

4. I press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

5. For the filling, I beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla until smooth, then spread it evenly over the crust.

6. In another bowl, I toss the diced peaches with a little sugar and cornstarch, then spoon them over the cream cheese layer.

7. I sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top to finish the bars.

8. I bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set.

9. I let the bars cool completely, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean cuts.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 to 16 bars. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 35–40 minutes to bake, and at least 2 hours to chill before slicing and serving.

Variations

When peaches aren’t in season, I use frozen or canned peaches, making sure to drain them well. I’ve also made these bars with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or nectarines. If I want a richer flavor, I swap in brown butter for a portion of the regular butter. For a twist, I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb mixture.

storage/reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They taste great straight from the fridge, but I also let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving if I want a softer texture. I don’t recommend reheating them, as the cream layer is meant to be enjoyed chilled or cool.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches?

Yes, I often use canned peaches when fresh ones aren’t available. I make sure to drain them well and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the bars.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, I always store them in the fridge to keep them fresh and safe.

Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely. I freeze them in a single layer, then wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. I thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

I always let the bars cool and chill properly before slicing. I also make sure my peaches aren’t too wet, especially if I’m using canned or frozen fruit.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve used a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend with good results. The texture is slightly more delicate but still delicious.

Conclusion

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are one of my favorite ways to enjoy ripe peaches in a dessert that’s both easy and impressive. I love the buttery crust, creamy center, and bright fruit topping, all working together in each bite. Whether it’s peach season or I’m using canned fruit from my pantry, these bars always hit the spot.