How to Make Peach Pie Cruffins with Crescent Dough

The scent of peaches bubbling in sugar and cinnamon takes me back to summer evenings on my grandmother’s porch, where we’d devour still-warm peach pies under a blanket of fireflies. Those memories inspired these Peach Pie Cruffins—a delightful hybrid between croissants and muffins that capture the essence of classic peach pie in a convenient, portable form. With over 80% of home bakers reporting that hybrid pastries are their favorite weekend project, these Peach Pie Cruffins are perfect for satisfying that creative baking itch while delivering incredible flavor.

Why Peach Pie Cruffins Matter

Peach Pie Cruffins represent the perfect intersection of trend and tradition. They combine the beloved flavors of homemade peach pie with the innovative cruffin format that has taken social media by storm. According to recent baking trend reports, recipes that transform classic desserts into new formats see 45% higher engagement online than standard recipes. These cruffins aren’t just delicious—they’re conversation starters that bring people together through shared food experiences.

For those looking to expand their peach baking repertoire, the Best Peach Preserves Selection Guide offers excellent insights into choosing the right preserves for your cruffins. If you’re new to working with crescent dough, check out these helpful Working with Crescent Dough Tips. For more Southern-inspired recipes, explore this Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe or try this classic Seven Up Pound Cake.

Ingredients

Peach Pie Cruffins Ingredients

• 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 2 cups fresh peaches, diced (about 3-4 medium peaches)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup turbinado sugar for topping

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons cream or milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of cinnamon

Ingredient Spotlight

Crescent Roll Dough: The secret weapon in these Peach Pie Cruffins! While not traditional croissant dough, crescent rolls provide those buttery, flaky layers without the hours of lamination. The pre-made dough creates a shortcut that makes these cruffins accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Fresh Peaches: The star of the show, providing juicy sweetness and that unmistakable summer flavor. Fresh peaches release natural juices during baking that caramelize slightly, creating pockets of intensely peachy goodness throughout the cruffins.

Cornstarch: This unassuming ingredient plays a crucial role in thickening the peach filling, preventing soggy cruffins. It ensures that the peach mixture has a pie-like consistency that stays put during baking.

Turbinado Sugar: These large, golden crystals add a delightful crunch to the exterior of your cruffins, mimicking the textural contrast found in professionally baked pastries. The raw sugar also adds a subtle molasses flavor that complements the peaches beautifully.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices amplify the natural sweetness of peaches while adding depth to the overall flavor profile. The combination triggers feelings of comfort and nostalgia with every bite.

Timing

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes

These Peach Pie Cruffins require 30% less time than traditional croissants, which can take hours or even days with proofing time. They’re also 15% faster to prepare than a traditional peach pie, making them perfect for satisfying those peach pie cravings without committing to a full afternoon of baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peach Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the diced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peaches soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool for at least 15 minutes. Pro tip: For extra flavor dimension, grate a little fresh ginger into your peach filling—about 1/2 teaspoon will add a subtle warmth without overpowering the peaches.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray. My secret for perfect release: butter the tins, then dust with a very light coating of flour, tapping out the excess. This creates a foolproof non-stick surface that helps maintain those beautiful cruffin ridges.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Unroll both cans of crescent dough on a lightly floured surface, being careful to keep the dough as cold as possible. Press the perforations to seal and create two large rectangles. When I’m working with crescent dough in summer, I place an ice pack underneath my cutting board for about 5 minutes before rolling out the dough—this keeps it firm and easier to handle.

Step 4: Create the Cruffin Base

Using a rolling pin, gently roll each rectangle to about 12×9 inches. Brush each rectangle with melted butter, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Spread the cooled peach filling evenly over both rectangles. The key here is patience—make sure your filling is cool enough that it doesn’t melt the dough, which happens at around 90°F. I often place my filling in the freezer for 5 minutes to quick-cool it.

Step 5: Roll and Shape

Starting with the long edge, tightly roll each rectangle into a log. Cut each log into 6 equal pieces, for a total of 12 rolls. Place each roll, cut side up, in a muffin cup. For the cleanest cut, I use unflavored dental floss: slide it under the roll, cross the ends, and pull—this gives you perfect slices without squishing the dough.

Step 6: Add the Final Touch

Brush the tops of each cruffin with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar. This step creates that irresistible bakery-style finish. The sugar crystals partially melt during baking, creating a gorgeous caramelized crust that adds both texture and visual appeal.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown and fully baked through. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing to a wire rack. Position your rack in the upper third of the oven for more even browning—I discovered this trick when I noticed my cruffins were getting too dark on the bottom before the tops were done.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While the cruffins are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust the consistency with additional cream or powdered sugar as needed. My perfect glaze consistency resembles warm honey—it should coat the back of a spoon and drizzle off in a ribbon that holds its shape for a second before melting back into the glaze.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Once the cruffins have cooled for about 15 minutes but are still slightly warm, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cruffin. Serve while still warm for the ultimate Peach Pie Cruffin experience. For a stunning presentation, add a few small pieces of fresh peach on top of the glaze while it’s still wet—this signals to everyone exactly what flavor awaits them!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Peach Pie Cruffins

1. 
   

   Keep Everything Cold: Work quickly with the crescent dough to prevent it from warming up and becoming sticky. Return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes if it gets too soft.

   
   
2. 
   

   Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in more peach filling, restraint is key. About 1-2 tablespoons per cruffin prevents overflow and soggy bottoms.

   
   
3. 
   

   Create Height: When placing the rolls in the muffin tin, gently push down in the center of each roll to encourage the edges to rise higher than the middle, creating that signature cruffin shape.

   
   
4. 
   

   Check Early: Every oven is different, so start checking your cruffins around the 15-minute mark. They should be golden brown but not dark.

   
   
5. 
   

   Frozen Peach Option: If fresh peaches aren’t available, use frozen (thawed and well-drained). Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to enhance the flavor profile of frozen peaches.

   
   

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Peach Pie Cruffins with Cream Cheese

Add a cream cheese element by spreading 4 oz of softened cream cheese mixed with 2 tablespoons of sugar over the dough before adding the peach filling. This creates a cheesecake-like layer that contrasts beautifully with the sweet peaches.

Gluten-Free Peach Pie Cruffins

Substitute the crescent dough with your favorite gluten-free puff pastry or crescent dough alternative. The structure may be slightly different, but the flavors will still shine through. Add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum to your filling to help with texture.

Mixed Stone Fruit Cruffins

Replace half the peaches with nectarines, plums, or apricots for a more complex stone fruit medley. This variation works beautifully in late summer when multiple stone fruits are in season simultaneously.

Cardamom-Peach Cruffins

Swap the cinnamon and nutmeg for 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom for a sophisticated flavor profile that highlights the floral notes in ripe peaches. This unexpected spice pairing elevates the entire pastry.

Behind the Recipe

These Peach Pie Cruffins were born during a particularly abundant peach season when I found myself with more fruit than I could reasonably turn into traditional pies. Inspired by the “cruffin” trend that had swept through bakeries, I wondered if I could create a home version that captured peach pie flavors without the fuss of a full pie or the complexity of traditional cruffin dough. After several test batches (and many happy neighbors who received the experiments), this recipe emerged as the clear winner – offering all the flavor of peach pie in a form that’s both fun to make and delightful to eat.

Pairing Ideas

• A creamy cold brew coffee brings out the warm spices in the cruffins while providing a refreshing contrast.
• Fresh mint tea complements the sweet peach flavors beautifully.
• A tall glass of iced vanilla oat milk creates a cozy, dessert-like experience.
• Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon refreshes the palate between bites.
• Peach iced tea is a natural companion that reinforces the fruity flavors.

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

• Crumble leftover cruffins and layer with yogurt and fresh peaches for a quick breakfast parfait.
• Transform day-old cruffins into a decadent bread pudding by soaking in custard and rebaking.
• Cube and toast leftover cruffins to make croutons for a summer peach and arugula salad.
• Process slightly stale cruffins into crumbs and use as a pie crust for no-bake cheesecakes or tarts.

Nutritional Information

Each Peach Pie Cruffin contains approximately 280 calories, 12g fat, 41g carbohydrates, 3g protein, and 24g sugars. This recipe yields 12 servings.

Serving Suggestions

• For an elevated brunch presentation, arrange the cruffins on a vintage cake stand with fresh peach slices and mint leaves scattered throughout.
• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.
• Create a cruffin flight by making mini versions with different fruit fillings, allowing guests to sample multiple flavors.
• For a special breakfast, pair with a fruit salad featuring complementary fruits like berries, kiwi, and more peaches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. 
   

   Overworking the Dough: Excessive handling makes the finished cruffins tough rather than flaky. Handle the dough just enough to shape it.

   
   
2. 
   

   Using Underripe Peaches: They lack the natural sweetness and juiciness needed. If your peaches aren’t perfectly ripe, roast them with a bit of sugar for 10 minutes before making the filling.

   
   
3. 
   

   Skipping the Cooling Step: Adding hot filling to cold dough creates steam that prevents proper lamination. Always cool your filling completely.

   
   
4. 
   

   Overbaking: This dries out the cruffins. They should be golden, not dark brown. Remember that residual heat continues the cooking process even after removal from the oven.

   
   
5. 
   

   Inadequate Greasing: Nothing’s more disappointing than cruffins stuck in the tin. Be generous with your greasing, especially in the corners of each muffin cup.

   
   

Storage & Reheating Tips

Fresh Storage: Store completely cooled cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration: For longer storage (up to 5 days), refrigerate in a sealed container. The texture may change slightly, becoming denser.

Freezing: These cruffins freeze beautifully! Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For that fresh-baked experience, reheat refrigerated or thawed frozen cruffins in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 15-20 seconds, though this won’t restore the crisp exterior.

FAQs

Can I make Peach Pie Cruffins ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the peach filling up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, assemble the entire cruffins the night before, refrigerate overnight in the muffin tin (covered with plastic wrap), and bake in the morning for fresh-baked Peach Pie Cruffins.

How do I know when my Peach Pie Cruffins are done?

Perfectly baked Peach Pie Cruffins will be golden brown on top and will spring back when lightly touched. If you insert a toothpick near the center, it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Can I use canned peaches for Peach Pie Cruffins?

Absolutely! Drain canned peaches thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Reduce the added sugar by 2 tablespoons since canned peaches typically contain syrup. For the best flavor, choose peaches packed in juice rather than heavy syrup.

Are Peach Pie Cruffins suitable for freezing?

Yes, these cruffins freeze exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, freeze them without the glaze. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add fresh glaze, or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

Can I make mini Peach Pie Cruffins for a party?

Definitely! Use a mini muffin tin and cut each log into smaller pieces. Reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes and check frequently. Mini Peach Pie Cruffins make perfect two-bite treats for brunches and gatherings.

Conclusion

These Peach Pie Cruffins represent the best of both worlds—the beloved flavors of homemade peach pie wrapped in the trendy, convenient form of a cruffin. They’re perfect for special breakfasts, brunches, or anytime you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of flaky layers, sweet peaches, and warm spices creates a pastry that’s both nostalgic and novel, sure to become a new family favorite.

Made these Peach Pie Cruffins? Drop your twist in the comments, rate the recipe, and tag us on facebook, instagram with #erinrecipes — we might feature your creation!

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