Description: A delightful fusion of a flaky croissant and a muffin, these Peach Pie Cruffins are filled with juicy, cinnamon-spiced peaches and topped with a sweet, buttery crumble. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients:
For the Cruffin Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Cruffin Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to evenly distribute the leavening agent (baking powder) and create a consistent base for the dough.
Step 2: Incorporate the Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The goal is to break down the butter into small pieces that are coated with flour. This process creates layers of fat within the dough, which will melt during baking and produce a flaky texture. Make sure the butter stays cold. If it starts to soften too much, refrigerate the mixture for a few minutes.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and large egg. This combines the wet ingredients, creating a smooth emulsion that will help bind the dry ingredients together. Whisking the egg ensures it is well-incorporated, which is important for the structure and texture of the cruffins.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the milk and egg mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cruffins. The dough should be shaggy and slightly sticky at this stage.
Step 5: Make the Peach Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced fresh peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the peaches evenly. The sugar will draw out some of the juices from the peaches, creating a flavorful syrup. The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, preventing the filling from becoming too watery during baking. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, while cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Lemon juice provides a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the peaches and preventing them from browning. Set the peach filling aside while you prepare the dough.
Step 6: Assemble the Cruffins: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin. Generously greasing the muffin tin will prevent the cruffins from sticking and make them easier to remove after baking.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Rolling the dough to an even thickness ensures that the cruffins will bake uniformly.
Step 8: Spread the Filling: Spread the peach filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This border will help seal the cruffins and prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Step 9: Roll and Cut: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. This creates the layers that are characteristic of cruffins. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. A sharp knife will ensure clean cuts, preventing the layers from being compressed.
Step 10: Place in Muffin Tin: Place each piece cut-side up into the prepared muffin tin, gently pressing down to fit. This allows the layers to expand during baking, creating a visually appealing and delicious cruffin.
Step 11: Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. This simple mixture adds a sweet and spicy crust to the cruffins. Brush the tops of the cruffins with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the cruffins and adds richness and flavor.
Step 12: Bake the Cruffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cruffins. They are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 13: Cool and Serve: Allow the cruffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cruffins slightly in the pan allows them to firm up, making them easier to remove. Once they are completely cool, they are ready to serve.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Peach Pie Cruffins are a delightful treat for several reasons:
- Unique Texture: The combination of a flaky, croissant-like dough with the soft, moist filling creates a unique and satisfying texture.
- Delicious Flavor: The sweet and tangy peach filling, combined with warm cinnamon and buttery dough, creates a harmonious and irresistible flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, these cruffins are relatively easy to make, requiring no special equipment or techniques.
- Versatile: These cruffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack any time of day.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade baked goods, and these cruffins are sure to impress your family and friends.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
- Pack them in a picnic basket for a sweet treat on the go.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Serve as a dessert after a light meal.
Tips:
- Make sure the butter is very cold when making the dough. This is crucial for creating a flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in tough cruffins.
- If the dough becomes too sticky, refrigerate it for a few minutes before rolling it out.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings. Apples, berries, or cherries would all be delicious.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the topping.
- Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: The following values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: 350-400 per cruffin
- Protein: 5-7 grams per cruffin
- Sodium: 200-250 mg per cruffin
Conclusion:
Peach Pie Cruffins are a delectable and unique treat that combines the best of croissants and muffins. With their flaky layers, juicy peach filling, and sweet cinnamon topping, these cruffins are sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast, a delightful dessert, or a sweet snack, these Peach Pie Cruffins are the perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh peaches?
A: Yes, you can use frozen peaches. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the filling.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow the dough to come to room temperature slightly before rolling it out.
Q3: Can I freeze the cruffins?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cruffins. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before reheating.
Q4: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour, such as pastry flour or bread flour. Keep in mind that the texture of the cruffins may vary depending on the type of flour used.
Q5: Can I add nuts to the topping?
A: Yes, you can add chopped nuts to the topping. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be delicious additions.
