Peach Pie Cruffins: A Delicious Twist on Classic Baking

Peach Pie Cruffins: Prepare to be amazed by this delightful fusion of two beloved desserts! Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery croissant, but instead of a plain interior, you’re greeted with the sweet, juicy, and comforting flavors of a classic peach pie. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of the cruffin are relatively modern, dating back to the early 2010s in San Francisco, the concept of combining pastry techniques with familiar fillings is timeless. Think of it as a delicious evolution, taking the best elements of French viennoiserie and American pie traditions. The peach, of course, has a rich history of its own, cultivated for centuries and celebrated for its delicate sweetness and vibrant color.

What makes these Peach Pie Cruffins so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures – the crisp, layered exterior gives way to a soft, almost custardy peach filling. The warmth of the spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, complements the natural sweetness of the peaches, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, they’re surprisingly convenient to make, especially if you use store-bought croissant dough as a shortcut. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping brunch treat or a unique dessert to impress your guests, these cruffins are guaranteed to be a hit. I know you’ll love them!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 500g (about 4 cups) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 10g (2 teaspoons) instant dry yeast
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 10g (2 teaspoons) salt
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) lukewarm milk
• 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• For the Lamination (Butter Block):
• 250g (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, very cold
• For the Peach Filling:
• 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 80g (1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon) granulated sugar
• 30g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• For the Sugar Coating:
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted

Preparing the Dough:

Okay, let’s get started with the dough. This is the foundation of our amazing Peach Pie Cruffins, so we want to treat it right. Don’t be intimidated by the lamination process; I’ll guide you through it step by step!

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures the yeast activates properly and the flavors are balanced.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk, melted butter, and egg. The milk should be warm to the touch, but not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 6-8 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the cruffins.

Preparing the Butter Block (Lamination):

Now for the fun part – creating those flaky layers! The key here is to keep the butter cold. This prevents it from melting into the dough and ensures distinct layers of butter and dough.

1. Shape the Butter: Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, pound and roll the butter into a 6×8 inch rectangle. The butter should be pliable but still cold and firm. If it starts to melt, pop it back into the refrigerator for a few minutes.
2. Chill the Butter: Place the butter rectangle in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up completely. This is essential for the lamination process.

Laminating the Dough:

This is where the magic happens! We’re going to encase the butter block in the dough and create those beautiful, flaky layers that make cruffins so irresistible.

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the risen dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle.
2. Place the Butter: Place the chilled butter rectangle in the center of the dough.
3. Fold the Dough: Fold one side of the dough over the butter, and then fold the other side over, creating a “book fold.” The butter should be completely enclosed in the dough.
4. First Turn: Gently press down on the dough to seal the edges. Roll the dough out into a 10×20 inch rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. This is your first turn.
5. Chill: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up.
6. Second Turn: Repeat the rolling, folding, and chilling process two more times, for a total of three turns. Remember to always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes between each turn. This is crucial for creating those distinct layers.

Preparing the Peach Filling:

While the dough is chilling, let’s get that delicious peach filling ready. The combination of sweet peaches, warm spices, and a touch of lemon juice is simply divine!

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Mix Gently: Gently toss the ingredients together until the peaches are evenly coated. Be careful not to bruise the peaches.
3. Set Aside: Let the peach mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the juices to release. This will create a more flavorful and saucy filling.

Assembling and Baking the Cruffins:

Almost there! Now we’re going to shape the cruffins, fill them with that amazing peach mixture, and bake them to golden perfection.

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
2. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the peach filling over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
4. Cut into Slices: Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Each slice will be a cruffin.
5. Shape the Cruffins: Gently stretch each slice and place it cut-side up in a greased muffin tin. The layers should be visible and facing upwards.
6. Second Proof: Cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and let the cruffins proof in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have slightly puffed up.
7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake: Bake the cruffins for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Cool Slightly: Let the cruffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Sugar Coating:

This final touch adds a delightful sweetness and a beautiful sheen to our Peach Pie Cruffins.

1. Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and melted butter.
2. Coat the Cruffins: While the cruffins are still warm (but not too hot), dip the tops of each cruffin into the sugar mixture, coating them evenly.
3. Enjoy! Let the sugar coating set slightly before serving. These Peach Pie Cruffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! These Peach Pie Cruffins are truly something special, and I genuinely believe they deserve a spot on your baking bucket list. From the flaky, buttery layers of the cruffin dough to the sweet, juicy burst of peach pie filling, every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture. It’s the kind of treat that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

But why are these Peach Pie Cruffins a must-try? It’s simple: they’re a delightful twist on two classic desserts, combining the best of both worlds. You get the comforting familiarity of peach pie with the sophisticated elegance of a cruffin. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, especially if you use store-bought puff pastry (no judgment here!). The homemade peach pie filling elevates the entire experience, but even with a shortcut, you’ll end up with a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress.

And the best part? They’re incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to recipe, feel free to get creative with your fillings. Imagine these with apple pie filling for a fall treat, or maybe a mixed berry compote for a summery twist. You could even add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions:

These Peach Pie Cruffins are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few simple accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a winner, adding a cool and creamy contrast to the warm, flaky pastry. A dollop of whipped cream is another classic choice, or you could try a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. For a more sophisticated presentation, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Variations to Explore:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the peach pie filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
* Add some zest: A little lemon or orange zest can brighten up the filling and add a touch of citrusy freshness.
* Get boozy: A splash of bourbon or rum to the peach pie filling can add a sophisticated depth of flavor.
* Go nuts: As mentioned before, chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds can add a delightful crunch to the filling.
* Chocolate chips: For the chocolate lovers out there, a handful of chocolate chips in the filling is always a good idea.

I truly hope you’ll give these Peach Pie Cruffins a try. They’re a fun and rewarding baking project, and the results are absolutely delicious. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some magic! And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to see your creations and hear about any variations you try. You can tag me on social media or leave a comment below. I can’t wait to see your Peach Pie Cruffin masterpieces! Happy baking!

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