Peach Pie Cruffins: A Sweet, Flaky Treat with the Heart of a Summer Dessert
There’s something timeless about a sweet, fruit-filled pastry. From the warm scent of baking cinnamon to the golden, buttery layers of flaky dough, few things evoke comfort and nostalgia quite like a homemade pastry. Among the growing number of hybrid pastries that have become household favorites in recent years, the cruffin stands out for both its creativity and simplicity. A delightful fusion of a croissant and muffin, cruffins are layered, sweet, and satisfying — but without the hours of lamination and folding that croissants typically demand. In this recipe, we’re giving the classic cruffin a summer-inspired twist: sweet, syrupy peach pie filling swirled into buttery crescent dough and baked into golden, spiraled perfection. These Peach Pie Cruffins are warm, juicy, and flaky — a bite of late summer sunshine, no matter the season.
This recipe was created with ease and indulgence in mind. Using just a few pantry and fridge staples — like store-bought crescent roll dough and canned peach pie filling — you can create an impressive, bakery-style treat in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting brunch, looking for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or simply craving the nostalgic flavor of peaches and sugar, this cruffin recipe is sure to hit the mark.
But before we dive into the full recipe, let’s talk a bit about what makes a cruffin so special and why peaches are the perfect complement for this kind of pastry.
What Is a Cruffin?
The cruffin — part croissant, part muffin — first gained popularity in artisanal bakeries across San Francisco and Melbourne, where pastry chefs combined the laminated dough of a croissant with the muffin shape and baking technique. The result was a tall, swirled pastry with a crispy outer edge and a soft, layered interior. Though the original version involved homemade croissant dough, which requires multiple rounds of folding, buttering, and chilling, home cooks quickly found that crescent roll dough was an excellent shortcut. It mimics the layered effect beautifully when rolled up and baked in a muffin tin.
The beauty of the cruffin lies in its versatility. It can be sweet or savory, filled or plain, glazed or dusted with sugar. This peach pie version brings the juicy fruit flavors of summer into every bite, making it both seasonal and universally appealing. The soft, spiced filling melts into the layers of dough as the cruffins bake, creating a tender, jammy center with crisp, golden edges.
Why Peaches?
Peaches are one of the most beloved fruits in American baking. Their natural sweetness, soft texture, and ability to hold up well under heat make them ideal for pies, cobblers, tarts, and now, cruffins. The addition of brown sugar and cinnamon in the filling only enhances their flavor, giving that classic peach pie taste without the need for a pie crust or hours of work.
Peach desserts also strike the perfect balance between richness and brightness. While many pastries can feel heavy or overly sweet, peaches bring a light, fresh contrast that keeps each bite satisfying without being overwhelming. This makes peach pie cruffins a perfect pairing with coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Using Canned vs. Fresh Peaches
This recipe is designed for flexibility, which is why it calls for canned peach pie filling. It’s easy, consistent, and available year-round. That said, if you find yourself in peak peach season with access to fresh fruit, by all means use it. Simply peel and thinly slice about 2 fresh peaches, toss them with a tablespoon of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon, and let them sit for 10 minutes before using. The result will be slightly less syrupy but more vibrant in flavor.
The Role of Crescent Dough
Refrigerated crescent roll dough is a staple in many kitchens for good reason. It’s buttery, flaky, and incredibly easy to work with. When unrolled, it’s perforated into triangles for crescent rolls, but those seams can be gently pressed together to form a solid sheet — perfect for rolling and slicing like you would a jelly roll.
In this recipe, crescent dough gives you the structure you need for the cruffin shape, while also delivering a melt-in-your-mouth texture after baking. The melted butter and brown sugar brushed onto the dough before the filling is added help create layers of flavor that caramelize slightly in the oven.
Recipe: Peach Pie Cruffins
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (preferably seamless, or press the seams together to form a rectangle)
- 1 cup canned peach pie filling (or substitute with 2 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced, tossed in sugar and cinnamon)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your taste)
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Simple vanilla glaze (made from powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract)
- Chopped pecans or almonds for texture
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 6-cup muffin tin or line with muffin wrappers.
- Unroll the crescent dough on a clean surface. If it has perforated triangle lines, gently press the seams together to form one even sheet. You should have a long rectangle.
- Brush the entire surface with melted butter. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar across the dough.
- Spoon the peach filling across the dough in a thin, even layer, leaving a slight border around the edges. If using fresh peaches, spread them thinly so they don’t weigh the dough down.
- Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log, jelly-roll style. Keep the roll tight, but don’t squeeze so hard that the filling escapes.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 6 even pieces.
- Place each piece into a muffin cup, cut side facing up, like you would with cinnamon rolls.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark to avoid over-baking.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If desired, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze.
Serving Suggestions
These Peach Pie Cruffins are best enjoyed warm, when the layers are crisp and the filling is gooey. They pair wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or even a splash of bourbon cream if you’re entertaining adults. You can also serve them as part of a brunch spread with eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
For dessert, serve them with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel drizzle. Their slightly sticky, syrupy base makes them naturally indulgent.
Storage Tips
Cruffins are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds until warm. You can also freeze them (unglazed) for up to a month. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cruffins Every Time
- Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to add extra peaches, but too much filling can make the dough soggy and prevent the cruffins from rising properly. Stick to about 1 cup total.
- Use a serrated knife: When slicing the rolled dough, a serrated knife helps you cut cleanly without squishing the spiral.
- Work quickly: Crescent dough is sensitive to warmth, so keep your hands and workspace cool.
- Customize the spice: If you like warm spice flavors, feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brown sugar layer.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered this version, feel free to explore new combinations. Here are a few ideas:
- Apple Pie Cruffins: Substitute the peach filling with apple pie filling. Add a touch of caramel sauce before rolling.
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Cruffins: Spread softened cream cheese and strawberry preserves before rolling the dough.
- Savory Cruffins: Skip the sugar and use pesto, shredded cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a savory version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of this Peach Pie Cruffin recipe is how effortlessly it delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation. It’s a shortcut recipe that doesn’t taste like one. Using refrigerated dough makes it beginner-friendly, while the peach filling adds a sophisticated touch that feels homemade and seasonal. Whether you’re baking for guests or just treating yourself, these cruffins offer the best of both worlds — the ease of a quick recipe and the richness of a bakery-style pastry.
From the flakey, golden edges to the soft, warm center bursting with peaches, every bite is a little celebration of comfort, sweetness, and simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again, especially when you want to impress without the fuss.
So roll up your sleeves, open that can of peaches, and preheat your oven. Your next favorite treat is just a few simple steps away.