Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of fresh peaches, rich cream, and a buttery crumb topping. These Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a perfect way to enjoy the season’s bounty. Whether you’re baking for a backyard picnic, brunch, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe delivers a layered dessert that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

Using ripe peaches at their peak not only enhances the flavor but also adds a soft, juicy texture to the bars. If you’re wondering when peaches are in season, check out the USDA’s seasonal fruit guide to pick the best time for this recipe.

Before you begin, make sure your peaches are peeled properly for a smooth and luscious filling. If you need help with that, here’s a great guide from The Kitchn on how to peel peaches easily.

🧁 What Are Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars?

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are a layered dessert made up of:

A buttery, shortbread-style crust

A creamy cheesecake-inspired layer
A sweet, juicy peach filling

A golden, crunchy streusel topping

These bars are portable, easy to slice, and perfect for make-ahead desserts. Think of them as a cross between a peach pie, a cheesecake, and a crumble—wrapped into one delightful bar.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need For Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Here’s what you need to make about 16 bars:

For the Crust and Crumble:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional for spice lovers)

For the Cream Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Peach Filling:

2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp cornstarch or flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

📝 Tip: You can substitute fresh peaches with canned or frozen ones in a pinch—just be sure to drain excess liquid.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, salt, and cold butter.
Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut in the butter until crumbly.
Press 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form a crust.

Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spread this mixture evenly over the baked crust.

3. Prepare the Peach Filling

Toss the peeled, diced peaches with lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch.
Distribute the mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.

4. Add the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the top to form a crumble.

Optionally, add chopped nuts or oats for texture.

5. Bake and Cool

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
Let cool completely in the pan.

Chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours before slicing into bars.

🔥 Tips for Perfect Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

To get the most out of your Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars, follow these expert tips to ensure they come out perfectly every time—crispy, creamy, and never soggy.

✅ Use Ripe but Firm Peaches

Overripe peaches can release too much juice, making the crust soggy. Choose peaches that are ripe but still slightly firm to the touch for the best texture and flavor.

✅ Blind Bake the Crust

Bake the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the cream and peach layers. This helps create a firm base and prevents it from absorbing too much moisture.

✅ Cool Completely Before Slicing

Let the bars cool fully in the pan, then chill them for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. This helps the layers set properly and allows for clean, neat slices.

✅ Use Parchment Paper

Lining your pan with parchment paper makes it easy to lift the entire dessert out before cutting, ensuring the bars stay intact.

✅ Add Thickener to Peach Filling

Mix cornstarch or flour with your peaches to absorb excess juice and keep the cream layer from becoming runny.

These tips are simple, but they make a big difference in texture and presentation—so don’t skip them! The result? Perfectly layered bars with a buttery crunch and luscious filling every time.

🌀 Recipe Variations to Try

One of the best parts about Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars is how easily they can be adapted to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Here are some delicious and creative variations that can take this recipe to the next level:

1. Peach Berry Crumble Bars

Add a fruity twist by mixing in fresh or frozen berries like:

Blueberries
Raspberries

Blackberries

These pair beautifully with peaches and add bursts of color and tang. Use a 1:1 ratio of peaches and berries, and adjust the sugar slightly if your berries are tart.

2. Almond & Peach Delight

Elevate the flavor with a touch of nutty sweetness:

Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the cream layer
Sprinkle sliced almonds over the crumble topping

The almond notes complement the peaches beautifully and add a light crunch.

3. Vegan Option

Make the recipe dairy- and egg-free by using:

Vegan cream cheese (cashew or almond-based)
Plant-based butter

Flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)

Make sure all other ingredients are certified vegan. The result is still creamy and rich without the dairy.

4. Gluten-Free Adaptation

Swap out the all-purpose flour with:

Almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend

Also, ensure that your oats (if used in the topping) are certified gluten-free.

5. Streusel Crumble with Oats

For a heartier texture and rustic look, mix:

¾ cup of rolled oats into the crumble topping
A dash of nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth

This variation adds chewiness and makes the bars feel more like a fruit crisp in bar form.

These variations keep the base recipe exciting and customizable, making it perfect for any occasion or dietary need!

🍨 How to Serve Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

These bars are incredibly versatile:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Enjoy cold as a refreshing summer dessert
Perfect for brunch spreads, potlucks, or picnics

🧊 Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

A creamy cheesecake topped with spiced apples and a buttery crumble for the perfect mix of cheesecake and apple crisp.

❄️ Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

One of the best things about Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars is how well they hold up when made ahead of time. In fact, these bars often taste even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld and the texture firms up for easier slicing.

Make-Ahead Tips:

You can prepare the entire dessert up to 2 days in advance.

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator.
For clean cuts, chill for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

This makes them a perfect option for parties, brunches, or holiday desserts, when you want to do your baking ahead of time and avoid last-minute stress.

Freezing Instructions:

These bars also freeze beautifully:

After the bars have cooled completely, wrap the uncut slab tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.

Alternatively, you can cut them into individual portions and place them in a single layer in an airtight container.
For best results, freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

To refresh the texture, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes.

💡 Avoid freezing unbaked bars, as the cream cheese layer may separate or develop an unpleasant texture.

Freezing these bars makes them a go-to dessert you can enjoy well beyond peach season!

❓ FAQs About Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?

Yes! Drain them well and pat dry. Avoid overly syrupy canned peaches for best texture.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes and use cornstarch in the peach filling to absorb extra juice.

Can I make these bars without cream cheese?

You can try Greek yogurt or mascarpone as a substitute, but it will alter the flavor and texture.

What’s the difference between a crisp, a cobbler, and a crumble bar?

Crisp: baked fruit with a crunchy oat topping
Cobbler: fruit topped with biscuit dough
Crumble Bars: layered dessert with crust, filling, and crumb topping

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Absolutely! These bars taste even better the next day after chilling.

🧮 Nutrition Info (Approximate per bar)

Calories: 220
Fat: 12g

Sugar: 15g
Carbs: 24g
Lighten it up by reducing sugar or using low-fat cream cheese.

🎯 Final Thoughts: The Perfect Summer Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of summer’s sweetest flavors. With layers of buttery crust, rich cream cheese, and juicy peach filling, topped with a golden streusel crumble, these bars strike the perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility. Whether you use fresh, canned, or frozen peaches, the result is consistently delicious. The bars are easy to prepare, simple to store, and make an excellent choice for gatherings, picnics, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.

Plus, you can customize the recipe with additions like berries, almond extract, or oats for added texture and flavor. They’re also easy to make ahead and freeze, making them one of the most convenient summer desserts around.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free treat that highlights the best of peach season, these bars deliver every time. So grab those ripe peaches, turn on the oven, and treat yourself to a slice (or three) of summer’s finest.

Trust us—once you try these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars, they’ll become a permanent part of your warm-weather baking rotation.