This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a warm and cozy dessert, bursting with juicy peaches and topped with a sweet cinnamon crumb. It’s like a hug in cake form!
Honestly, the cinnamon topping makes it feel like a celebration every bite! I like to enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Who can say no to that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are key for great flavor. If they aren’t in season, try using canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed) in a pinch. Just remember to adjust sugar if you use sweetened canned peaches.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and tang. Plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute if you’re out of sour cream. It’ll keep the cake rich and delicious!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for baking, but if you only have salted, just cut back on the added salt in the recipe. I love using grass-fed butter for its flavor!
Crumb Topping: For the crumb mixture, you can swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
How do I Get My Cake Light and Fluffy?
Getting a light and fluffy cake can be tricky but totally doable! The trick is in how you mix the butter and sugar. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; it should be easy to cream.
- When mixing, beat until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
- When mixing dry ingredients with wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
With these tips, your cake will rise beautifully and be a hit at any gathering!
How to Make Southern Peach Crumb Cake with Sweet Cinnamon Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful peach crumb cake will take you about 20 minutes to prepare and then 45-50 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for a bit before serving. Total time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes—perfect for a cozy afternoon treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it with some butter or cooking spray, then dust it with a little flour to prevent sticking. This will make removing the cake a breeze!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This combined mixture will help create a light and fluffy cake base.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes for it to get nice and airy.
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition until fully blended. Stir in the vanilla extract for that wonderful flavor.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Start adding the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating it with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy!
6. Folding in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the sliced peaches, careful not to overmix. You want those peaches to stay intact for yummy bites in your cake.
7. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Exciting, right?
8. Making the Crumb Topping:
In another bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will create that delightful topping!
9. Adding the Crumb Topping:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter. You want to cover it well, so every slice will have that delicious crunch!
10. Baking the Cake:
Now, pop the baking pan into the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
11. Enjoying the Cake:
Once it’s done baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for a few minutes, then slice it and serve. It’s delicious warm or at room temperature. I love to top mine with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Enjoy your delicious Southern Peach Crumb Cake! 🍑
FAQ for Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can substitute with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or chopped apples. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose!
What If My Peaches Are Not Ripe Enough?
If your peaches aren’t quite ripe, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. If they’re still a bit firm, you can bake them a minute or two longer until they soften in the cake.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake batter and place it in the baking pan the night before. Cover and refrigerate it. Just add the crumb topping right before baking the next day for a fresh taste!
