If you have a soft spot for all things sweet, flaky, and utterly irresistible, then the Peach Pie Cruffins Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine perfectly laminated, buttery cruffins bursting with luscious spiced peach filling, each bite delivering that magical pie-inspired flavor wrapped up in a croissant-muffin hybrid. It’s a delightful twist on classic favorites that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave something truly special that feels both elevated and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peach Pie Cruffins Recipe depends on simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in creating the flaky pastry layers, the sweet and spicy peach filling, and that golden, melt-in-your-mouth finish you’ll adore.
- All-purpose flour: This staple flour forms the backbone of the dough and helps develop that desirable chewy structure.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough and peach filling.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for the dough to rise and develop a tender crumb.
- Lukewarm milk and water: Hydrate the yeast gently and create a smooth dough consistency.
- Large egg: Incorporates richness and helps bind the dough.
- Unsalted butter (softened and very cold): Key for that flaky, layered pastry texture with bursts of buttery goodness.
- Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg): Infuse the filling with warm, comforting notes that complement the peaches perfectly.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the filling and balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
- Cinnamon sugar: A final coating that gives the cruffins a sweet, crunchy crust.
How to Make Peach Pie Cruffins Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, setting a balanced base for your dough.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In a separate bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in lukewarm milk and water. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this signals your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, guaranteeing lightness in the final cruffin.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the yeast mixture and beaten egg into the flour mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. This initial mix creates the foundation of your dough before butter enrichment.
Step 4: Add Softened Butter
Incorporate the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well to fully absorb the fat into your dough, which will contribute to tenderness and richness.
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten structure that’s essential for flaky, layered pastry.
Step 6: First Rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat, then cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size. This lets the yeast create air pockets that will lighten the texture.
Step 7: Prepare the Butter Block
Let your cold butter soften just enough to be pliable, then pound and roll it into a rectangle layered with flour on parchment paper. Chill this block so it’s ready to laminate into the dough, creating those signature, flaky layers.
Step 8: Roll and Fold for Lamination
Roll your risen dough out, place the butter block in the center, and fold the dough around it. From here, perform a series of “turns” involving rolling and folding the dough into thirds, followed by chilling. Repeat this three times to create beautiful layers.
Step 9: Prepare the Peach Filling
While the dough chills, toss the sliced peaches with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Dot with small butter pieces—this filling is where all the luscious, tender peach flavor comes alive.
Step 10: Assemble the Cruffins
Roll out the laminated dough, spread the peach filling evenly over it, then roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place each into a greased muffin tin, cut side up.
Step 11: Second Rise and Bake
Let the cruffins rise again in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed. Then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbling with aroma.
Step 12: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
After baking, while still warm, dip the tops in melted butter and then into cinnamon sugar. This final touch adds a delightful crunchy, sweet crust that perfectly complements the flaky layers and peach filling.
How to Serve Peach Pie Cruffins Recipe
Garnishes
For a luscious finish, serve your cruffins with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Fresh peach slices on the side can brighten the presentation and reinforce that fruity theme.
Side Dishes
These Peach Pie Cruffins make a fantastic centerpiece for brunch alongside fresh fruit salad, creamy yogurt with honey, or a refreshing iced tea. They also pair wonderfully with a mild cheese plate if you want to balance sweet with savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving cruffins in individual dessert cups with a drizzle of caramel sauce or warm peach compote for added elegance. You can also slice them horizontally and turn them into decadent sandwich-style treats with mascarpone and thin peach slices inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cruffins left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry layers tender without drying out the filling.
Freezing
To save for later, wrap cooled cruffins individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months. When you want to enjoy one, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Rewarm cruffins gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the buttery flakiness and warms through the peach filling perfectly, restoring that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches for this Peach Pie Cruffins Recipe?
Fresh peaches provide the best texture and flavor, but if fresh aren’t available, well-drained canned peaches can work. Just make sure to pat them dry to avoid soggy dough.
How long does the dough need to chill between folds?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes between each fold keeps the butter cold and helps maintain distinct, flaky layers. Patience here really pays off!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substituting with plant-based butter and milk alternatives can work, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly since traditional dairy butter is key for flaky layering.
What’s the difference between a cruffin and a croissant?
A cruffin is a hybrid between a croissant and a muffin. The dough is laminated like a croissant but baked in a muffin tin and often filled with sweet fillings like fruit or cream.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time and bake cruffins fresh in the morning?
Absolutely! You can complete the dough preparation and do the final rise for the cruffins overnight in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature before baking for fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the full scoop on this Peach Pie Cruffins Recipe, I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try it out. There’s something truly special about biting into flaky, buttery layers wrapped around warm, spiced peach filling—it’s a hug in pastry form. Whether for a weekend brunch or an anytime treat, these cruffins will surely become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
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Peach Pie Cruffins Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 cruffins 1x
Description
Peach Pie Cruffins combine the flaky, buttery layers of croissants with the sweet, comforting flavors of peach pie in a delightful muffin-shaped pastry. This recipe uses laminated dough to create tender, layered cruffins filled with a spiced peach filling, then dusted with cinnamon sugar for an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups (400g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (180ml) lukewarm milk (about 105-115°F)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) lukewarm water (about 105-115°F)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened
Butter Block
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks, 340g) unsalted butter, very cold
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
Peach Filling
- 6 medium ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Finishing
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Activate the Yeast: In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk and water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the yeast mixture and beaten egg into the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
- Add Softened Butter: Incorporate the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully combined.
- Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Soften the Butter Slightly: Let the very cold butter sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes until pliable but still cold.
- Combine Butter and Flour: Place cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to pound and roll butter into an 8×10-inch rectangle. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the butter surface.
- Shape and Chill Butter Block: Fold the parchment over the butter, sealing it completely. Even out the butter and flour mixture with the rolling pin. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
- Place the Butter Block: Unwrap the chilled butter block and set it in the center of the dough rectangle.
- Fold the Dough: Fold one side of the dough over the butter, covering half; then fold the other side over to enclose the butter completely.
- First Turn: Press the dough flat gently, then roll out into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Book Fold: Fold the dough into thirds like a letter, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Second Turn: Repeat rolling into a 12×18-inch rectangle and folding into thirds. Wrap tightly and refrigerate another 30 minutes.
- Third Turn: Repeat rolling and folding once more, then chill an additional 30 minutes.
- Combine Peach Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced peaches with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Add Butter to Filling: Dot the peach mixture with small pieces of butter for richness.
- Set Aside Peach Filling: Keep the peach filling on the side while shaping the dough.
- Roll Out Laminated Dough: Remove dough from the refrigerator and roll into a 12×24-inch rectangle approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Spread Peach Filling: Evenly distribute the peach filling over the dough surface.
- Roll Up Dough: Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log to enclose the filling.
- Slice the Log: Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter; each slice forms a cruffin.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Grease a 12-cup muffin pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Place Cruffins: Arrange each cruffin cut-side up into the muffin cups.
- Second Rise: Cover the tin with plastic wrap and let the cruffins rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes until puffed slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) in preparation for baking.
- Bake Cruffins: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly and cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the cruffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Combine Sugar and Cinnamon: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl for coating.
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a small bowl for dipping.
- Coat Cruffins: While slightly warm, dip the tops of each cruffin into melted butter, then immediately into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Peach Pie Cruffins warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure yeast activation by using the correct lukewarm temperature for milk and water (105-115°F) to avoid killing the yeast.
- Keep butter cold during laminating to produce flaky layers.
- The folding and chilling steps are crucial for a flaky texture similar to croissants.
- Best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Reheat in a warm oven to refresh flakiness before serving.
- For easier peeling, blanch peaches briefly in boiling water then ice bath.
- If peaches are out of season, frozen peaches thawed and drained can be used but may release more juice.
- Glazing with cinnamon sugar adds a sweet, crunchy finish that complements the peach filling.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American