This Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a perfect treat for peach lovers! It’s fluffy, sweet, and topped with a crunchy crumb that makes it hard to resist.
Honestly, who can say no to peaches? I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—pure bliss! 🍑❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star of this cake! You can also use frozen peaches when fresh ones are out of season. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using them to keep the cake from getting soggy.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds moisture and richness. If you need a substitute, plain yogurt works great, or even a mix of milk and a bit of lemon juice can do the trick.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the salt level. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter instead. It imparts similar creaminess without the dairy.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a lovely caramel flavor. Dark brown sugar can be used too for a richer taste. If you need a healthier option, coconut sugar is a fine substitute.
How Can I Get the Perfect Crumb Topping?
The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch, and getting it just right is key for this recipe! Here are the steps to achieve that perfect crumbly texture:
- Use cold butter straight from the fridge; this helps keep the crumbs from becoming too soft.
- Mix the dry ingredients together before adding in the cold butter, ensuring even distribution of sugar and spices.
- Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend the butter into the dry mix. Stop when it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t over-mix!
Sprinkling it evenly on the batter before baking ensures every bite has that crunchy goodness. Enjoy baking!
Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped (about 2 large peaches)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs around 45-50 minutes to bake. After that, let it cool for a bit before slicing and serving. Total time: about 1 hour, plus cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray. Finally, lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. This may take about 2-3 minutes!
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients (flour mixture). Mix everything together until just combined; be careful not to over-mix!
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold the chopped peaches into the batter using a spatula. The peaches will add moistness and flavor that you’re going to love!
7. Pour the Batter into the Pan:
Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. It should look nice and even.
8. Make the Crumb Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients for the crumb topping: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut the cold butter into this mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs.
9. Sprinkle the Topping:
Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the cake batter. This will create a delicious crunchy layer on top!
10. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Enjoy the wonderful smell filling your kitchen!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once done, allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. After a good cool-down period, slice it up and enjoy your delicious Southern peach crumb cake!
This cake is perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy every bite! 🍑
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches, but make sure to drain them well and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the cake. Fresh peaches usually give the best flavor and texture, but canned can work in a pinch!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, or add it separately to maintain the cake’s texture.
What Should I Serve With This Cake?
This peach crumb cake is delightful on its own, but for an extra treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also great with a cup of coffee or tea!
