Peach Pie Cruffins

The irresistible fusion of a croissant and a muffin gets a summery twist with these Peach Pie Cruffins. Each bite boasts delicate buttery layers swirled with cinnamon sugar and brightened by juicy peach preserves and slices. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or craving something sweet with your coffee, these beauties deliver indulgence without fuss.

Made with store-bought puff pastry, they come together quickly and bake into a stunning, golden spiral of flavor. The fresh peach slices add a pop of seasonal sweetness that elevates the cruffin to something truly special. A dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze brings the whole thing together, perfect for both casual mornings and elegant dessert tables.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 cup peach preserves

• 1 fresh peach, thinly sliced

• Powdered sugar for dusting

• Optional: vanilla glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp milk + 1/4 tsp vanilla)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin generously.

2. Roll out puff pastry into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

3. Brush melted butter evenly over the surface of the dough.

4. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over buttered pastry.

5. Spread peach preserves evenly on top, followed by a few thin peach slices.

6. Roll the pastry tightly into a log, slice in half lengthwise, and twist each half into a spiral.

7. Coil each twisted strip into a muffin cup, cut-side facing up.

8. Bake for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.

9. Let cool in tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with vanilla glaze if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 6 cruffins

The Ultimate Summer Treat: Peach Pie Cruffins

When warm, flaky pastry meets sweet summer peaches, something magical happens in the kitchen. The Peach Pie Cruffin is a glorious fusion of comfort and elegance, a hybrid of croissant and muffin, infused with cinnamon-spiced peach filling, and baked to golden perfection. These bakery-worthy treats are the kind of dessert that make people close their eyes on the first bite. They’re rustic, indulgent, and perfect for nearly any occasion, from weekend brunches to celebratory gatherings.

This isn’t just another muffin recipe. The cruffin combines the best parts of a buttery croissant; those flaky, laminated layers with the cozy structure of a muffin. The addition of peach transforms the cruffin into a mini pie-like pastry, offering a juicy, sweet center surrounded by crispy golden layers. Whether you’re new to cruffins or already obsessed, this peach version will take your baking game to the next level.

A Brief History of the Cruffin

The cruffin originated in the world of experimental pastries, where innovation thrives and hybrid desserts reign supreme. While its exact origin is debated, many credit its popularization to Lune Croissanterie in Melbourne, Australia. Since then, cruffins have become a phenomenon across bakeries worldwide, often stuffed with custards, jams, or fruit compotes.

Bringing peaches into the mix is a nod to classic American peach pie, a timeless dessert known for its comforting, syrupy filling and warm spice profile. By pairing this nostalgic flavor with the cruffin’s structural sophistication, you get the best of both worlds: something familiar yet fresh, indulgent yet approachable.

Why Peach?

Peaches are the ultimate summer fruit; juicy, fragrant, and lusciously sweet. When baked, they become tender and syrupy, offering rich depth and aroma. In this recipe, we use both peach preserves and fresh slices, which means you get bold flavor and beautiful texture in every layer of the cruffin.

Not only do peaches add natural sweetness, but they also balance out the richness of the puff pastry and melted butter. Paired with brown sugar and cinnamon, they evoke the cozy flavors of peach cobbler, pie, and jam all in one.

Flavor Profile & Texture

What makes Peach Pie Cruffins so irresistible? It’s the layers both in flavor and texture.

Texture:

• The outside is crisp and flaky, thanks to the puff pastry’s buttery magic.

• The interior remains soft and gooey, especially near the center, where peach preserves and fresh slices melt into a jammy filling.

• Each bite gives a delightful crunch followed by a rich, moist chew, almost like a warm fruit Danish.

Flavor:

• The peach preserves offer a deep, caramelized sweetness.

• Fresh peach slices add brightness and subtle tartness.

• Cinnamon and brown sugar bring warmth, spice, and coziness.

• A dusting of powdered sugar or vanilla glaze rounds out the sweetness without overwhelming the palate.

This balance makes the cruffin not just a dessert, but also a beautiful brunch item, afternoon tea treat, or even a giftable baked good.

Ingredients Breakdown & Why They Matter

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role. Here’s why they’re chosen and how they contribute:

Puff Pastry

This is the heart of the cruffin. Store-bought puff pastry is a shortcut to laminated dough without the hours of folding and chilling. Choose a quality brand with real butter for the best flavor and flakiness.

Butter

Brushing melted butter between the pastry layers enhances the richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick. It also promotes browning during baking.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and a slight chewiness. It caramelizes as it bakes, intensifying the crust’s flavor and texture.

Cinnamon

This classic spice complements peaches beautifully. It adds warmth and brings a nostalgic note, reminiscent of holiday baking or peach cobbler.

Peach Preserves

These act as the binding agent and flavor enhancer. They infuse the cruffin with sticky-sweet depth and a gooey center.

Fresh Peach

Using fresh slices adds texture and freshness, cutting through the sweetness of the preserves with bright flavor and a slight tang.

Vanilla Glaze or Powdered Sugar

Optional, but highly recommended. A light drizzle or dusting elevates presentation and adds another layer of sweetness and elegance.

Tips for Success

Making cruffins can feel fancy, but this recipe is surprisingly beginner-friendly. Follow these tips to get perfect results:

1. Thaw the Puff Pastry Properly:
   Let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 30–40 minutes. Don’t force it in the microwave, or it may get gummy.

2. Don’t Overfill:
   A little peach preserve goes a long way. Too much filling can cause overflow during baking.

3. Grease Generously:
   Butter or oil the muffin tin well to prevent sticking, especially around the edges where sugar can caramelize.

4. Cool Before Removing:
   Allow the cruffins to cool in the tin for at least 10 minutes. This helps them firm up and release cleanly.

5. Use a Serrated Knife to Slice the Dough:
   This prevents squishing and preserves those beautiful layers.

Customization Ideas

These cruffins are amazing as-is, but you can play around with flavors and textures depending on the season or your mood:

• Swap the Fruit: Try apple butter, apricot jam, or berry preserves.

• Add a Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts inside before rolling.

• Zest It Up: Add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the cinnamon sugar mix.

• Go Boozy: Mix a teaspoon of bourbon or amaretto into the preserves for an adult twist.

• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based puff pastry and vegan butter and skip the glaze or use a dairy-free milk alternative.

Pairing Suggestions

Wondering what to serve with your Peach Pie Cruffins? Here are some pairing ideas for every occasion:

Morning Brunch

• A cup of dark roast coffee or cinnamon chai latte

• Fresh fruit salad with mint

• Yogurt parfaits with granola

Afternoon Tea

• Earl Grey or peach-infused black tea

• Mini cucumber or chicken salad sandwiches

• Light lemon cookies or shortbread

Dessert Spread

• Vanilla bean ice cream

• Whipped cream with a pinch of cinnamon

• Spiced rum cocktail or peach sangria

Whether you’re serving them warm out of the oven or packing them for a picnic, Peach Pie Cruffins fit the bill perfectly.

Storage & Reheating

Cruffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store quite well.

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• In the Fridge: Extend freshness to 4–5 days, but expect the crust to soften slightly.

• To Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes to restore flakiness.

Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crisp outer texture intact.

Conclusion

Peach Pie Cruffins are a deliciously creative way to embrace seasonal flavors while keeping things simple. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a stunning pastry that looks like it came from a high-end bakery. It’s the kind of treat that brings smiles, invites conversation, and fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and summer fruit.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to impress guests, this recipe is approachable, rewarding, and endlessly customizable. It’s proof that with a little inspiration and some good ingredients, anyone can make something beautiful.

So, roll out that puff pastry, slice those peaches, and get ready to bake your way into pastry heaven.