Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars – Pretty. Simple. Sweet. 🍑✨

Thank you so much for being here — because if you love soft, buttery layers, creamy filling, and sweet, sun-ripened peaches wrapped up in one handheld dessert, these Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are calling your name. With a rich shortbread-style base, a sweet cream layer, and a golden oat crumble on top, these bars are pretty, simple, and oh-so-sweet — just like summer should be.

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What Are Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars?

These bars are a layered dessert made with a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake-like filling, fresh or canned peaches, and a crisp, crumbly topping. Think cheesecake meets peach crisp, baked into easy-to-serve bars you can slice, stack, and share.

They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just baking up something beautiful for no reason at all.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Simple ingredients and one mixing bowl

• ✅ Uses fresh, frozen, or canned peaches

• ✅ No rolling, frosting, or fussy steps

• ✅ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

• ✅ Feels fancy but is so easy

What They Taste Like

These bars are soft, sweet, creamy, and crunchy on top. The shortbread crust melts in your mouth, the peaches burst with juicy flavor, and the cream layer adds a smooth richness that makes each bite feel indulgent. The oat crumble topping adds just the right amount of texture and golden crispness. They’re sweet without being heavy — the perfect balance.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Make-ahead dessert that travels well

• One bowl for crust & crumble — less cleanup

• Customizable with other fruit or flavorings

• Great for summer gatherings or holiday dessert trays

• Easily halved or doubled for any crowd size

Ingredients for Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

🧈 Crust & Crumble (Used for Both Bottom and Top Layers):

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted

• Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon

🍑 Cream Filling & Peach Layer:

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2–3 fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or 1½ cups canned peaches, well drained)

• Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice to brighten the peaches

Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan

• Mixing bowls

• Hand or stand mixer (or sturdy whisk!)

• Rubber spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Parchment paper for easy removal

Ingredient Substitutions & Add-Ons

• No cream cheese? Use Greek yogurt or ricotta for a tangy twist

• Gluten-free? Use 1:1 gluten-free flour and certified GF oats

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or almonds in the crumble for crunch

• Spice it up: Add cardamom or ginger to the peaches for warmth

• Mix fruits: Try half peach and half raspberry or blueberry

How to Make Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust & Crumble

In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and evenly moistened.

• Press ⅔ of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

• Set aside the remaining ⅓ for the crumble topping.

3. Make the Cream Layer

In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla, and mix until creamy and lump-free.

• Pour the cream mixture over the crust and gently spread it out evenly.

4. Add the Peaches

Scatter the chopped peaches evenly over the cream layer.
(If using canned peaches, drain well and pat dry to prevent sogginess.)

5. Top with Crumble

Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top — leave some small chunks for texture.

6. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cream layer is set.

• Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.

What to Serve With Crumble Bars

These bars are perfect all on their own, but for a little extra indulgence:

• Vanilla bean ice cream on the side

• Whipped cream or sweetened Greek yogurt

• Fresh berries for a pop of color and acidity

• Iced coffee or hot tea for a lovely brunch pairing

Tips for the Best Peaches and Cream Bars

• 🍑 Use Ripe but Firm Peaches

  • Ripe peaches give you the best flavor and natural sweetness.

  • But if they’re too soft, they’ll release extra juice and make the bars soggy.

  • Tip: If your peaches are very juicy, sprinkle them with a little flour or cornstarch before layering to absorb excess liquid.

  🧈 Don’t Skip the Chill

  • After baking, cool completely and then chill for at least 1–2 hours before slicing.

  • This helps the cream layer set and keeps the bars from falling apart.

  • Chilling also improves flavor and texture — they slice cleaner and hold their shape better.

  📏 Press the Crust Firmly

  • Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press the crust mixture firmly into the pan.

  • A compact crust bakes evenly and holds up well when slicing and serving.

  🥄 Save Enough Crumble for the Topping

  • Remember to reserve ⅓ of the crust mixture for that buttery oat crumble on top.

  • It’s the texture contrast that makes these bars so satisfying.

  🧀 Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese

  • For a smooth and creamy filling, let your cream cheese soften before mixing.

  • Cold cream cheese can clump and make the filling harder to spread.

  🧁 Line Your Pan with Parchment

  • For easy removal and picture-perfect slices, line your baking dish with parchment paper.

  • Leave some overhang so you can lift the bars out once they’re chilled.

  🔄 Customize Your Flavor

  • Add a splash of lemon juice or zest to brighten the peaches.

  • Mix in spices like cinnamon or cardamom for warmth.

  • Or swirl in a little peach jam or raspberry preserves with the cream layer for a fruity twist.

  ❄️ They Freeze Beautifully

  • Make a double batch and freeze the extras!

  • These bars are perfect for keeping on hand for last-minute desserts or coffee break treats.

Storage Instructions

• 🧊 Refrigerator (Recommended for Freshness)

  Because of the cream cheese layer, these bars should be stored in the refrigerator.

  • Allow bars to cool completely after baking, then cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer bars to an airtight container.

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

  • The texture of the crumble will soften slightly over time, but the flavor stays incredible.

  ✨ Tip: Chill for at least 1–2 hours before slicing for the cleanest cuts and most stable bars.

  ❄️ Freezer (Great for Make-Ahead or Leftovers)

  These bars freeze beautifully, making them perfect for batch baking or prepping ahead!

  • Once cooled, slice the bars and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to flash freeze for 1–2 hours.

  • Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.

  • Freeze for up to 2 months.

  To Serve:

  • Thaw overnight in the fridge or let sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.

  • Serve chilled or slightly warmed for a softer texture.

  🥶 Avoid These Mistakes:

  • Don’t store at room temperature — the cream cheese layer makes that unsafe beyond 2 hours.

  • Don’t freeze with whipped cream or fresh toppings — add those just before serving for best texture and appearance.

General Info About Crumble Bars

Crumble bars are a classic, easy-to-make layered dessert that combines a buttery shortbread-like base, a juicy or creamy filling, and a crumbly, golden topping. They’re typically baked in a square or rectangular pan and sliced into handheld bars — making them perfect for sharing, packing, or serving at gatherings.

📚 A Little History

While there’s no single origin for crumble bars, they’re closely related to fruit crisps, crumbles, and bar cookies. These desserts became especially popular in the mid-20th century as pantry-friendly, family-style treats — easy to bake, easy to slice, and endlessly adaptable. Crumble bars, in particular, offered a neater, more portable version of a crisp or cobbler, ideal for lunchboxes and potlucks.

🥧 Key Characteristics of Crumble Bars

• Three distinct layers:

  1. A buttery, often oat-studded crust that also serves as the topping

  2. A fruit, jam, or cream cheese-based filling

  3. A crumbly, golden topping that bakes to a sweet, crisp finish

• Customizable fillings: Popular options include peach, blueberry, raspberry, apple cinnamon, or lemon curd. The base recipe can handle almost any fruit combo!

• Easy, rustic look: No need for perfection — crumble bars are meant to look homemade and inviting.

🧡 Why People Love Crumble Bars

• Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand

• No mixer required (just a bowl, a spoon, and your hands)

• Perfect make-ahead dessert — they hold their shape and flavor well after chilling

• Freezer-friendly and ideal for gifting

• Endless flavor variations, from spiced apple to tropical mango or cream-filled peach

🧁 Crumble Bars vs. Other Desserts

Crumble bars offer the best of both worlds: the cozy flavor of a fruit crisp and the convenience of a bar cookie.

🍑 Best Times to Bake Crumble Bars

• When fruit is in season and you need a way to use it up

• When you want an easy dessert for a picnic or potluck

• For gifting — they wrap well and travel beautifully

• When you just want something sweet that’s not too fussy, but still totally satisfying

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned or frozen peaches?

Yes! Just be sure to drain canned peaches well and thaw and drain frozen peaches to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make a day in advance and chill overnight — they cut cleaner and taste even better the next day.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but the bars will be slightly less rich and creamy. Avoid fat-free cream cheese for best texture.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake an extra 5–10 minutes until set and golden.

Conclusion

These Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars are everything you love about summer in one golden, creamy bite — sweet peaches, soft cream filling, and a buttery crumble you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. They’re simple enough for a weekday bake but pretty enough for a party platter.

And if you love this combo, be sure to try my Peach Cobbler Muffins or Southern Peach Bread next!

Show Me Your Bars!

Did you bake these beauties? I have to see them!
📸 Tag your crumble bar creations on Pinterest or leave a comment and review — your bakes make this recipe community sweeter than ever.

Nutritional Info (Per Bar – approx. 1 of 16)

• Calories: ~240

• Fat: 12g

• Carbs: 28g

• Sugar: 15g

• Protein: 3g

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