This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a warm, tasty treat with juicy peaches and a crispy cinnamon topping. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert, and it’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Every bite is like a hug from grandma! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. If you have extra peaches, don’t worry, they’ll just make it even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is your go-to for this cake, giving it structure. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free baking blend with similar measurements.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are essential for flavor. If they’re out of season, canned peaches can be used. Just make sure to drain and dry them before adding to prevent excess moisture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, as it allows you to control the salt in the recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter instead.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture and richness. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with almond yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumb Topping?
The crumb topping is what makes this cake special! To achieve that perfect crumbly texture, follow these steps:
- Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the dry mixture. The key is to stir gently until you get a mix that looks like wet sand.
- Don’t overmix, or you’ll lose the crumbly texture. You want it to remain lumpy and crumbly for that nice topping!
Sprinkling this topping evenly over the cake batter right before baking will create a beautifully crunchy surface. Enjoy!
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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 3 medium ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
For the Cinnamon Crumb Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 45 to 50 minutes to bake, plus a little time for cooling. So, total time is around 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. You’ll have a delicious, warm cake ready to enjoy soon!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients for Cake:
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to ensure everything is evenly mixed!
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Don’t forget to mix in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to mix everything together! Gradually add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined; you don’t want to overdo it!
6. Layer Peaches and Batter:
Spread half of the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Then, arrange half of your sliced peaches on top. Pour in the remaining batter and top with the rest of the peaches. Yay for layers!
7. Prepare Crumb Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crumb topping. Pour the melted butter over the dry mixture and stir until it looks crumbly.
8. Add Topping and Bake:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter. It’s going to make that lovely crunchy top we all love!
9. Bake:
Pop the cake in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the topping looks golden brown, it’s done!
10. Cool and Serve:
Let your cake cool for a little while before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, serve with some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your delicious Southern Peach Crumb Cake!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them first. Drain any excess moisture to prevent the cake from becoming soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the batter.
How Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the batter up to a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just layer the peaches and crumb topping just before baking to maintain freshness. You can also bake the cake ahead and store it at room temperature covered for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy them cold!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binder. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
