How to Make Peach Pie Cruffins: A Summer Dessert Masterpiece

Peach Pie Cruffins are the flaky, fruity, and irresistibly delicious dessert you didn’t know you needed—until now. These trendy pastries combine the buttery, layered texture of croissants with the soft, handheld appeal of muffins. Add a luscious homemade peach pie filling to the mix, and you’ve got a bakery-worthy treat that’s surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just diving into dessert-making, this recipe walks you through every step, complete with tips, shortcuts, and must-know techniques. Plus, these cruffins are as Instagram-worthy as they are flavorful—perfect for brunches, potlucks, or a summer afternoon pick-me-up.

What is a Cruffin and Why You’ll Love This Peach Pie Version

The cruffin—a delightful mashup of croissant and muffin—was born in artisanal bakeries but has since made its way into home kitchens. The concept is simple: take flaky laminated dough (like croissant or puff pastry), roll it up with delicious filling, and bake it in a muffin tin. The result is a spiraled, pull-apart pastry that’s soft inside and golden crisp on the outside. What makes Peach Pie Cruffins stand out is the addition of a fresh, fruit-forward filling that adds sweetness and texture to every bite. The warm notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and peach bring nostalgic summer pie flavors to a modern format. It’s a brilliant dessert twist on a classic fruit pie, and you don’t even need to fuss with pie crusts or lattice tops.

To give you a deeper look into variations, check out this Strawberry Cheesecake Bars recipe for more fruity dessert inspiration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of 6–8 cruffins.

For the pastry:

• 1 package frozen puff pastry (thawed but cold)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

For the peach filling:

• 2 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches (or canned, drained)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (best thickener for a glossy, set filling)

Optional Toppings:

• Turbinado sugar for crunch
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Light vanilla glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk)

If you’re looking for more dessert bar ideas, Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars also blend pie flavors into easy, grab-and-go formats.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Peach Pie Cruffins

1. Prepare the Peach Filling

Start by cooking your peach filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced peaches, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla over medium heat. Let it cook for 5–7 minutes until peaches are soft and syrupy. Stir in cornstarch and continue cooking for 1–2 more minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.

2. Roll and Layer the Dough

Roll out each sheet of puff pastry into a 10×12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Brush with melted butter. Spread a thin, even layer of peach filling across the pastry, leaving a small border on all sides. Carefully roll it up like a jelly roll, then slice the log in half lengthwise to expose the layers.

3. Shape into Cruffins

With the cut sides facing out, twist each half into a spiral and coil it loosely into a muffin tin cavity. It’s okay if it looks rustic—the layers will expand beautifully in the oven. Repeat with the other pieces until your muffin tin is filled.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the muffin tin in the center rack and bake the cruffins for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough has puffed up nicely. Rotate the tin halfway through baking for even color. The peach filling may bubble out slightly—don’t worry, this adds to their rustic charm. Once baked, remove the tin and allow cruffins to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

5. Finishing Touches and Storage

Once the cruffins are cooled, you can top them in a few ways. Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish, drizzle with a vanilla glaze for added sweetness, or sprinkle with turbinado sugar before baking for a crisp top. These treats are best enjoyed the day they’re made but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and reheat gently in the oven to restore flakiness.

Want to learn more about working with puff pastry? Visit King Arthur Baking’s puff pastry guide for detailed techniques and tips.

Tips, Variations, and Mistakes to Avoid

Tips for Success

• Use well-chilled puff pastry to keep layers distinct.
• Let the peach filling cool completely before spreading—it prevents soggy dough.
• Don’t overfill—too much filling can cause leakage or poor baking rise.

Variations

• Swap peaches for apples or berries for a seasonal twist.
• Try a cinnamon sugar layer inside for a churro-like flavor.
• Use cream cheese for a peaches-and-cream version.

Common Mistakes

• Using warm dough: it gets sticky and hard to shape.
• Underbaking: results in doughy centers.
• Skipping the cooling step: cruffins are fragile when hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Peach Pie Cruffins are a creative way to combine the best elements of pie and pastry into a stunning summer dessert. With minimal prep and a handful of pantry staples, you can create a bakery-style treat right at home. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this recipe is a show-stopper worth making. Try it today and bring a little joy (and peachy goodness) to your kitchen!

Want more recipes like this? Explore other comforting summer bakes like our Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars and discover new favorites that are just as simple and satisfying.