This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a sweet treat that combines soft peaches with a crunchy, cinnamon topping. It’s like a cozy hug in dessert form!
Every bite is filled with juicy peaches and a sprinkle of sweetness that makes it hard to stop at just one piece. Trust me, your friends will be asking for the recipe! 🍑
I love serving this cake warm, maybe with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a sunny day, and it makes your kitchen smell amazing too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are the star! If they’re out of season, use canned peaches packed in juice or unsweetened frozen peaches, thawed and drained. Just be sure to adjust the sugar if the canned option is sweetened.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and a hint of tanginess. You can swap it with plain yogurt or even buttermilk if you need a substitute. They work great while keeping the cake soft!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for baking; if you’re using salted butter, just reduce added salt a bit. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based butter alternative!
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal here. If you want a gluten-free version, consider using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend—it usually works well in this type of recipe.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Crumb Topping?
The crumb topping gives this cake its delightful crunch! To get it just right, you want to keep the butter cold. This helps create a nice texture after baking. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine your dry ingredients first—flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add cold, small butter pieces and work them in using a pastry cutter or two forks until you see coarse crumbs.
- Don’t over-mix! You want to keep some butter bits for that crunchy texture.
Sprinkle it evenly over the peach batter before baking, and you’ll have a delicious topping that contrasts nicely with the soft cake!
Southern Peach Crumb Cake With Sweet Cinnamon Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 2-3 medium peaches)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45-55 minutes to bake. You’ll spend some time mixing, folding in those juicy peaches, and layering the crumb topping before letting the oven do its magic. In total, set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes, plus a little time for the cake to cool before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking dish or pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then sprinkle a little flour to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This helps to combine the leavening agents with the flour and ensures a light texture.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is key for a fluffy cake!
4. Add in the Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to give your cake a lovely flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt. Start and end with flour. Mix gently until everything is just combined.
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the 2 cups of sliced peaches, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
7. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. It’ll be a thick batter, so take your time with this step!
8. Make the Crumb Topping:
To create the crumb topping, mix together 3/4 cup flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a separate bowl. Cut in the cold butter until you get a coarse crumb mixture. This adds a delightful crunch to your cake!
9. Top the Cake:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the peach batter. It doesn’t have to be perfect; the unevenness adds character!
10. Bake the Cake:
Pop the cake into the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and use a toothpick to check if it comes out clean from the center. You want the topping to be a beautiful golden brown.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely. You can enjoy it warm, or at room temperature, with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence!
Enjoy your delicious Southern Peach Crumb Cake with its sweet cinnamon topping! It’s a perfect treat for any gathering or just a cozy night in. 🍑
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding to the batter. This will help prevent the cake from becoming too soggy.
How To Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat slices in the microwave before serving!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. It works well in most baking recipes, including this delicious cake!
What Should I Serve With This Cake?
This cake is wonderful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of yogurt for a delightful contrast. A sprinkle of cinnamon or toasted nuts adds extra flavor too!
