Description: These Peach Pie Cruffins are a delightful hybrid of flaky pie crust and tender muffin, bursting with juicy peaches and a hint of cinnamon, all topped with a sweet, simple glaze. Imagine the comforting flavors of a classic peach pie transformed into a portable, utterly irresistible treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these cruffins are sure to become a new family favorite. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, using readily available ingredients and simple techniques, making it a breeze for bakers of all skill levels. Get ready to experience the joy of peach pie in a brand new, utterly delicious form!
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust (or puff pastry), approximately 14.1 ounces (400g)
- 1 cup canned or fresh peaches, diced (if using fresh, peel and pit them first)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Icing Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or cream, for extra richness)
Preparation:
This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, perfect for those times when you crave a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. The use of pre-made pie crust simplifies the process considerably, allowing you to focus on the delicious peach filling and the fun of assembling these delightful cruffins. While using a pre-made crust is convenient, you can certainly use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe if you prefer. The key is to ensure the crust is pliable and easy to work with. For the peaches, fresh, ripe peaches are ideal when in season. However, canned peaches in syrup (drained well) work beautifully and are a great option when fresh peaches are unavailable. Just be sure to pat the canned peaches dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the pie crust bakes through properly without burning. Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin. You can use cooking spray, melted butter, or even muffin liners, depending on your preference. Greasing the tin thoroughly is crucial to prevent the cruffins from sticking and ensuring easy removal after baking. Even if using muffin liners, a light spray of cooking spray on the inside of the liners can further prevent sticking, especially if the liners are made of paper.
Step 2: Crust Preparation: Unfold the refrigerated pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out to even out any creases and create a slightly thinner, more uniform surface. Brush the entire surface of the pie crust with the melted butter. This adds richness and helps create those desirable flaky layers as the cruffins bake. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the buttered crust, followed by the ground cinnamon. The sugar and cinnamon mixture adds sweetness and warmth to the cruffins, complementing the flavor of the peaches beautifully. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other spices as well! A pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
Step 3: Add the Peaches and Roll: Spread the diced peaches evenly over the sugared and cinnamon-covered crust. Try to distribute the peaches in a single layer, ensuring that each bite of the cruffin will be filled with juicy peach goodness. Gently press the peaches into the crust to help them adhere. Starting from one end, tightly roll the pie crust into a jelly-roll style log. The tighter the roll, the more defined the layers will be in your finished cruffins.
Step 4: Slice and Shape: Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled-up log in half lengthwise. This will create two long strands of filled dough. Carefully twist each piece into a spiral shape, resembling a cinnamon roll or a swirled bun. Tuck the end of each spiral underneath itself to secure it. This helps maintain the shape of the cruffin during baking. Place each twisted spiral into a prepared muffin cup.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown and bubbly. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. A toothpick inserted into the center of a cruffin should come out clean (or with a few moist crumbs). While the cruffins are baking, prepare the icing glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or cream) until smooth. Add more milk if needed to achieve the desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to cling to the cruffins but thin enough to drizzle easily. Once the cruffins are out of the oven, let them cool slightly in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle the warm cruffins generously with the icing glaze. The warmth of the cruffins will help the glaze to melt slightly and adhere beautifully.
Why you will love this recipe:
These Peach Pie Cruffins are incredibly appealing for several reasons. Firstly, they offer a delightful textural contrast between the flaky, buttery pie crust and the soft, juicy peaches. The cinnamon-sugar filling adds a warm, comforting sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of the peaches. Secondly, they are incredibly easy to make, using readily available ingredients and simple techniques. The use of pre-made pie crust saves time and effort, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Thirdly, they are incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding different spices, using different fruits, or experimenting with different types of glaze. Finally, they are simply irresistible! The combination of flavors and textures is so satisfying that you’ll find yourself reaching for one after another.
Cooking Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Taste: Delicious
- Overall: Highly Recommended
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm, straight from the oven, for the ultimate indulgence.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
- Enjoy as a sweet treat with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a special midday treat.
- Bring them to potlucks or picnics as a crowd-pleasing dessert.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a more elegant presentation.
Tips:
- For the flakiest cruffins, use cold pie crust and cold butter.
- If using fresh peaches, make sure they are ripe but still firm.
- Don’t overbake the cruffins, or they will be dry.
- If the cruffins start to brown too quickly, tent them with foil.
- Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the peaches for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use different fruits such as apples, berries, or cherries for a variety of flavors.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract to the icing glaze for extra flavor.
- Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut cold butter into the flour mixture for a flakier crust if making your own.
- Refrigerate your homemade dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent the dough from shrinking.
- A dash of lemon juice brings a welcome brightness to the peaches.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per cruffin, will vary based on ingredients used)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion:
These Peach Pie Cruffins are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that is sure to impress. With their flaky crust, juicy peach filling, and sweet glaze, they offer a delicious combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast, a sweet afternoon snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these cruffins are the perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of peach pie in a brand new, utterly irresistible form! This recipe is a testament to the fact that deliciousness doesn’t have to be complicated.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh or canned? A: Absolutely! Frozen peaches work perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing and adding them to the pie crust. You might want to pat them dry with a paper towel as well, to prevent the cruffins from becoming soggy.
Q2: I don’t have pie crust on hand. Can I use something else? A: Yes, you can! Puff pastry is an excellent substitute for pie crust in this recipe. It will result in a slightly different texture, with even more flaky layers. You could also try using crescent roll dough, but keep in mind that it will be sweeter and less flaky than pie crust or puff pastry.
Q3: I’m not a fan of peaches. What other fruits could I use? A: The possibilities are endless! Apples, berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries), cherries, or even a combination of fruits would all work beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar as needed, depending on the sweetness of the fruit you choose. For example, if using tart berries, you might want to add a little extra sugar.
Q4: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the cruffins ahead of time, but they are best enjoyed fresh. If you want to prepare them in advance, bake them as directed and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven or microwave and drizzle with the icing glaze just before serving.
Q5: My icing glaze is too thick/thin. How can I adjust it? A: If your icing glaze is too thick, simply add a little more milk (a teaspoon at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar (a tablespoon at a time) until it thickens up. The perfect consistency should be thick enough to cling to the cruffins but thin enough to drizzle easily. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract, almond extract or lemon zest to the glaze to change the flavor.
