These Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a sweet treat made with juicy peaches and a rich creamy layer. The crumbly topping adds a fun crunch!
Get ready for some peachy goodness! I love serving these bars warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. It feels like summer in every bite! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This helps control the saltiness of your dish. If you’re short on butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil, although the flavor might differ slightly.
Granulated Sugar: A crucial ingredient for sweetness and browning. For a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, though it might affect the texture a bit.
Fresh or Canned Peaches: Fresh peaches give a brighter flavor, but if they’re out of season, canned peaches are a great alternative. Just make sure they’re well-drained!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess. Neufchatel cheese can be a lighter option if you’re watching calories, or you could use a dairy-free cream cheese if needed.
Almond Extract: It adds a wonderful hint of flavor, but feel free to swap it out for vanilla extract if you prefer a more traditional taste.
How Do You Ensure Evenly Baked Crumble Bars?
To get the best results when baking these crumble bars, follow these tips to make sure they cook evenly:
- Preheat your oven fully before placing the bars inside; this helps everything start cooking at the same time.
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the cream cheese, to avoid lumps and help it blend smoothly.
- Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the crust. This provides a nice even base for the peaches and topping.
- Keep an eye on the bake time; ovens can vary. The bars are ready when the topping is golden brown and the peaches are bubbling around the edges.
Lastly, let them cool completely before cutting—this helps them hold their shape and makes for cleaner edges!
How to Make Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
For the Peach Filling:
- 1 (15 oz) can sliced peaches, drained (or 2 cups fresh peeled peach slices)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15–20 minutes to prepare and about 40–45 minutes to bake. Allow for a cooling time of around 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into bars. So overall, you’re looking at about 1.5-2 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some overhang for easy removal later. This will help you easily lift out the bars once they’re set.
2. Make the Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. Once combined, stir in the melted butter until you have a crumbly mixture. Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of this crumble mixture for the topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and almond extract (if you’re using it). Mix until everything is smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust you just made.
4. Add the Peach Layer:
Take your peach slices and arrange them evenly over the cream cheese layer. This will provide a delicious fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess.
5. Top with Crumble and Bake:
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the peaches. Make sure to cover them well for a nice crunchy topping. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes or until the crumble is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. When they are cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve! For a delicious twist, try serving these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Enjoy your Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars—perfect for any occasion! 🍑
FAQ for Easy Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
Can I Use Fresh Peaches Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh peaches, peel and slice about 2 cups of ripe peaches. Just be sure to remove all the skin and pit, and you’ll have a fresher flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese layer!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap individual bars tightly with plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure to check that all your ingredients, especially the baking powder, are gluten-free.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you want a dairy-free option, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. You can also use ricotta cheese for a slightly different flavor, but it won’t be as creamy as traditional cream cheese!
