This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that combines soft cake with juicy peaches and a crunchy topping. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Honestly, the smell of peaches baking is enough to make anyone happy! I love enjoying a slice warm with a scoop of ice cream on the side—it’s a great summer treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for this cake, giving it great structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour which works well in this recipe!
Sour Cream: This ingredient keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang. If you don’t have sour cream, yogurt or buttermilk can work as a substitute.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star here, but if they’re out of season, canned peaches (drained) or even frozen ones (thawed) can be used. I personally love the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches, but don’t hesitate if you need to use another option!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter which will still provide richness to the cake.
How Do I Make the Perfect Crumb Topping?
The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft cake. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- First, combine the flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Next, cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers. Aim for a mixture that looks like coarse crumbs—the colder the butter, the better the topping!
- Don’t overmix; you want to see some small chunks of butter visible to create perfect crumbly bits when baked!
By following these steps, you’ll end up with a tasty crumb topping that really lifts your cake!
Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern Peach Crumb Cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake. Once it’s out of the oven, allow it to cool for about 20 minutes. So all in all, you’ll be looking at about 1 hour and 25 minutes before you can enjoy a slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan so your cake won’t stick!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agents. Once mixed, set it aside.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, grab your electric mixer (or a good old wooden spoon if you want a workout!) to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key for getting a nice texture in your cake!
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy now!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients and sour cream alternately to the butter mixture. Start with some dry ingredients, then add some sour cream, blending until just combined. Repeat this until everything is mixed in, aiming for a smooth batter without over-mixing.
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the sliced peaches. Be careful not to break them up too much; you want nice chunks of peach in your cake!
7. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out gently with a spatula for an even layer.
8. Making the Crumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crumb topping. Then, cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want it crumbly but not overly fine!
9. Topping the Cake:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter in the pan. This will give you that delicious, crunchy texture on top!
10. Baking Time:
Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready!
11. Cooling Down:
Once done, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. This waiting time will help it set up nicely for cutting!
12. Enjoying the Cake:
After cooling, you can slice and serve your Peach Crumb Cake. It’s delightful warm or at room temperature, and you can even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Enjoy your homemade delight!
FAQ for Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! This cake works wonderfully with other fruits such as cherries, blueberries, or even apples. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if using very tart fruits!
How Should I 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. Reheat slices in the microwave for a warm treat!
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature before serving.
What Can I Do If My Cake is Too Dry?
If you find your cake is a bit dry, serve it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also add a splash of milk or cream when rewarming slices to help moisten it up!
