Indulge in the irresistible charm of peach pie cruffins—a decadent hybrid of the beloved croissant and muffin, packed with luscious peach pie filling and baked to golden, flaky perfection. These delightful pastries marry the buttery, layered texture of a croissant with the comforting sweetness of a homemade peach pie, all in a muffin-shaped treat that’s as stunning as it is scrumptious.
In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of making peach pie cruffins from scratch or with shortcuts, so you can bake this bakery-style pastry at home with confidence and ease.
What Are Cruffins?
Cruffins are a pastry invention that combines the flaky layers of a croissant with the shape and structure of a muffin. Traditionally, laminated dough (similar to croissant or puff pastry dough) is rolled up, sliced, and placed in a muffin tin, where it bakes into tall, spiraled pastries.
When you fill these with sweet, syrupy peaches, you get peach pie cruffins—a twist on the American classic that’s both nostalgic and gourmet.
Ingredients for the Best Peach Pie Cruffins
For the Dough (Homemade Option):
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
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1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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¾ cup warm milk
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1 egg
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1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, for laminating
OR Use Pre-Made Dough:
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1 pack store-bought crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheets, thawed
For the Peach Pie Filling:
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2 cups fresh or canned peaches, finely chopped
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¼ cup brown sugar
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Sugar Coating (Optional):
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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2 tbsp melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Peach Pie Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat:
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Combine the peaches, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
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Cook for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens and the peaches are tender.
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Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool completely.
2. Make the Dough (Skip if Using Pre-Made Dough)
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In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
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Add the egg, flour, and salt, and knead into a soft dough.
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Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
To laminate:
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Roll out the dough into a rectangle and place thin slices of cold butter on two-thirds of the dough.
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Fold like a letter (into thirds), rotate, and repeat this process 3 times, chilling between folds.
3. Assemble the Cruffins
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Roll out the dough into a large, thin rectangle.
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Spread an even layer of the cooled peach filling across the surface.
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Roll the dough tightly into a log.
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Cut the log in half lengthwise to expose the layers.
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Twist each half and coil into a muffin-like shape.
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Place in a greased muffin tin, cover lightly, and allow to rest for 30 minutes.
Shortcut Tip: If using pre-made puff pastry or crescent dough, follow the same rolling, filling, slicing, and shaping steps without the lamination.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until puffed and deep golden brown.
Let cool for 10 minutes in the tin before removing.
Optional: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
For an extra indulgent finish:
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Brush warm cruffins with melted butter.
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Toss in a mix of sugar and cinnamon for a crunchy, sweet crust.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm for gooey, peachy perfection.
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Drizzle with vanilla glaze or cream cheese icing.
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Pair with a latte, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk.
These cruffins are perfect for:
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Brunch gatherings
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Afternoon treats
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Holiday breakfasts
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Dessert displays
Storing and Freezing Tips
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Store at room temperature for 2 days in an airtight container.
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Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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Freeze baked cruffins individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Customization Ideas
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Peach-Raspberry Cruffins: Add a layer of raspberry jam for tart contrast.
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Cream Cheese Swirl: Spread sweetened cream cheese before adding peaches.
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Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds for crunch and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Versatile: Use fresh, frozen, or canned peaches based on availability.
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Effortless: Pre-made dough works beautifully for beginner bakers.
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Crowd-Pleaser: A unique twist that looks impressive and tastes unforgettable.
Peach pie cruffins embody the warmth of homemade pie and the sophistication of artisanal pastries. With every bite, you get layers of buttery pastry, spiced peach filling, and a crispy muffin edge—making them a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
