This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a delightful treat with juicy peaches and a sweet crumble topping that adds a crunchy finish. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Every bite of this cake makes me smile, especially with that yummy crumble on top. I like to enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special touch! 🍑🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, but if you need a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum to help with texture.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star here! If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches (drained) or even frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture and richness. Can’t find these? Try using buttermilk or plain yogurt, but expect a slight change in flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the flavor balanced, but if you only have salted, just reduce added salt slightly. For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Cake is Moist and Fluffy?
Mixing the ingredients correctly is crucial to achieving that perfect texture. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. This helps incorporate air for a fluffy cake.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour; mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- When folding in the peaches, do it gently to prevent breaking them apart too much.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes to help it set properly before slicing.
These tips will help you create a light and moist crumb cake that’s bursting with peach flavor! Enjoy baking! 🍑
Southern Peach Crumb Cake with Sweet Crumble Topping
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 2 medium peaches)
For the Sweet Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious Southern Peach Crumb Cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 45 to 55 minutes to bake, with an additional 30 minutes of cooling time. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 40 minutes before it’s ready to serve. Perfect for a delightful afternoon treat or dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour to prevent sticking. Set it aside for later.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This will be the dry mixture that helps give your cake the perfect rise.
3. Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft and airy cake!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
One by one, add the eggs to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Once incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, delightful flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to combine! Gradually add the flour mixture and the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter mixture. Start and end with the flour to help keep the batter fluffy. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it!
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the freshly sliced peaches into the batter, being careful not to smash them. You want lovely chunks of peach throughout your cake.
7. Transfer to the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. It should look inviting already!
8. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Then, add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you like, throw in some chopped nuts for extra crunch!
9. Top the Cake:
Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the peach batter, making sure to cover it evenly.
10. Bake:
Place your cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the topping is beautifully golden brown.
11. Cool Down:
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This will help it set perfectly and make it easier to slice.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
The cake can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy every delicious bite of your Southern Peach Crumb Cake!
Happy baking! 🍑🍰
FAQ About Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture to avoid making the cake soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before folding them into the batter.
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. To keep it fresh, you can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or warm it up in the oven for about 10-15 minutes.
What Other Fruits Can I Use in This Recipe?
This crumb cake is versatile! You can substitute peaches with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or berries. Just adjust the amount based on the juiciness and sweetness of the fruit you choose.
