Peach Pie Cruffins are a perfect blend of flaky pastry and juicy peaches, all infused with warm cinnamon and sugar. These delightful treats are easy to make and bring the best of both worlds—a croissant’s buttery layers combined with the soft texture of a muffin. They’re perfect for brunch or as a comforting dessert, and the sweet, aromatic peach filling will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
-
1 package puff pastry sheets (2 sheets)
-
3 ripe peaches, diced
-
2 teaspoons cinnamon
-
½ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for extra flavor)
-
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
-
1 egg, beaten (for wash)
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it generously.
-
Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the diced peaches with sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
-
Roll out the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to about ¼ inch thick.
-
Assemble the cruffins: Cut the pastry into squares large enough to fit into muffin cups. Place a spoonful of the peach filling in the center of each square, then fold the edges over the top.
-
Bake: Place the assembled cruffins in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
-
Cool and serve: Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Nutrients (per serving, 1 cruffin, approx. 65g)
-
Calories: 220 kcal
-
Fat: 10g
-
Saturated Fat: 5g
-
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
-
-
Carbohydrates: 30g
-
Fiber: 2g
-
Sugar: 12g
-
-
Protein: 3g
-
Sodium: 180mg
-
Cholesterol: 40mg
Why Peach Pie Cruffins Are a Must-Try
Peach Pie Cruffins are the ideal pastry for anyone who loves the combination of warm, aromatic spices and fresh fruit. The soft and flaky puff pastry creates a delicate shell that is just the right texture—crispy on the outside while soft and buttery on the inside. When you bite into the cruffin, the peach filling bursts with juiciness, and the cinnamon-sugar mixture adds a touch of warmth and spice that enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Using store-bought puff pastry makes the process quick and easy, so you don’t need to worry about making dough from scratch. Instead, you can focus on assembling the cruffins and enjoying the results. It’s the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence, which makes it a great option for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe
The key ingredients in Peach Pie Cruffins come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at what makes each ingredient important:
-
Puff Pastry Sheets: The star ingredient, puff pastry, provides the cruffins with their signature flaky and airy texture. The layers of butter in the pastry contribute to its richness and give it that melt-in-your-mouth quality. Using pre-made puff pastry saves time and ensures that the layers are perfectly crisp every time.
-
Ripe Peaches: Fresh, juicy peaches are the ideal fruit for this recipe, bringing natural sweetness and a soft, slightly tangy flavor. Dicing the peaches ensures they fit neatly into the cruffins and cook evenly, releasing their juices and blending beautifully with the cinnamon and sugar.
-
Cinnamon and Sugar: These two ingredients elevate the flavor of the peaches, infusing them with a warm, comforting aroma. Cinnamon adds a spice note that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the peaches, while the sugar helps to draw out their natural juices and create a syrupy filling.
-
Unsalted Butter: The melted butter adds richness to the puff pastry, helping to achieve a golden, crisp texture on the outside of the cruffins. It also ensures that the layers of pastry remain tender and flaky.
-
Egg Wash: Brushing the cruffins with a beaten egg before baking gives them a glossy, golden finish that makes them look as good as they taste.
How to Make Peach Pie Cruffins
Making Peach Pie Cruffins is a relatively straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. Start by preparing the peach filling, which is just a matter of mixing the diced peaches with sugar and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the puff pastry.
Next, roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut them into squares large enough to fit into your muffin tin. This is where the fun begins: spoon a generous amount of the peach filling into the center of each square and then fold the edges over the filling to form a loose packet. This will create the cruffin shape and allow the pastry to puff up as it bakes.
Place the assembled cruffins into the muffin tin, brush them with an egg wash to promote a golden finish, and bake them until they’re golden brown and fully puffed. The result is a perfectly baked cruffin with crispy layers and a gooey, sweet peach center.
Tips for Perfect Peach Pie Cruffins
While the recipe is simple, here are a few tips to ensure your Peach Pie Cruffins turn out perfect every time:
-
Use Fresh, Ripe Peaches: The quality of the peaches is key to the flavor of this treat. Ripe peaches will give the filling a natural sweetness and a juicy texture. If fresh peaches aren’t in season, you can use frozen peaches, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
-
Don’t Overstuff the Pastry: When filling the puff pastry squares, be sure not to overstuff them. A spoonful of peach filling is usually enough. Overfilling may cause the filling to spill out during baking, which can lead to a mess and uneven cooking.
-
Egg Wash for Golden Finish: Be sure to brush the cruffins with an egg wash before baking. This helps achieve a shiny, golden-brown exterior that makes the cruffins look more appetizing and professionally baked.
-
Cool Before Serving: Let the cruffins cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set. This makes them easier to eat and prevents the hot peach filling from spilling out.
-
Optional Powdered Sugar: If you want to add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, dust your Peach Pie Cruffins with powdered sugar just before serving. This simple step adds a delightful finish to these already indulgent treats.
Serving Suggestions for Peach Pie Cruffins
Peach Pie Cruffins are perfect for any occasion, from casual brunches to more formal gatherings. They can be served on their own or alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet, satisfying treat. Their versatility also makes them a great addition to a dessert table at parties or family events.
For a more decadent experience, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The rich, creamy toppings pair wonderfully with the warm cinnamon-sugar peaches, making for an irresistible dessert.
Nutritional Information
Each Peach Pie Cruffin contains approximately 220 calories, with 10 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat. While they’re a bit indulgent, they’re still a relatively light treat compared to other pastries. Each cruffin contains 30 grams of carbohydrates, with 2 grams of fiber and 12 grams of sugar. These cruffins also provide a small amount of protein (3 grams) from the puff pastry and peaches.
If you’re looking to cut back on calories or sugar, you can experiment with using a sugar substitute or adjusting the amount of sugar in the peach filling. The cruffins are also quite customizable based on your taste preferences, allowing you to enjoy a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
Peach Pie Cruffins are a delightful blend of flaky pastry, juicy peaches, and aromatic cinnamon that will leave everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re making them for brunch, dessert, or just a treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, these cruffins are sure to impress. With their golden, puffed-up layers and sweet, tender filling, they offer a wonderful mix of textures and flavors that make them a must-try recipe. Easy to prepare and wonderfully indulgent, Peach Pie Cruffins are the perfect pastry to enjoy any time of year.