This Southern Peach Crumb Cake combines a soft, tender cake base with juicy peach slices and a cinnamon-spiced crumb topping for a deliciously nostalgic dessert. It’s ideal for family gatherings or cozy afternoons and pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Peach Crumb Cake:
Juicy Peach Goodness: Each slice has the perfect balance of moist cake and juicy peach slices.
Heavenly Crumb Topping: The spiced brown sugar crumble adds a buttery, crunchy layer that’s the highlight of every bite.
Perfect Texture: The sour cream in the batter creates a tender, soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this cake comes together quickly.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm, topped with whipped cream, or even paired with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Key Ingredients:
1. Fresh or Canned Peaches
Fresh Peaches: When in season, fresh peaches are ideal as they add a juicy, sweet flavor. Be sure to slice them thinly for even distribution.
Canned Peaches: If fresh peaches aren’t available, canned peaches work well. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent extra moisture in the cake.
2. Sour Cream
Adds Moisture: Sour cream is key to creating a tender and moist crumb. It also adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Substitutions: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream if needed, but choose full-fat for the best texture.
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3. Brown Sugar in Crumb Topping
Depth of Flavor: Light brown sugar adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the peaches.
Alternative Sugars: For a more robust flavor, you can use dark brown sugar, which has a deeper molasses taste.
4. Cinnamon
Classic Spice: Cinnamon is the perfect spice to bring out the sweetness in the peaches and adds warmth to the crumb topping.
Additional Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can also be added for a hint of extra warmth.
5. All-Purpose Flour
Structure for Cake and Crumble: The all-purpose flour gives the cake structure and helps create a crumbly topping.
Sifting for Texture: Sift the flour before adding to ensure a light, lump-free batter.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan, using butter or non-stick spray, and dust with flour, tapping out any excess.
Prepare the Cake Batter
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and a smooth texture.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1/2 cup sugar and 1 stick of softened butter until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 2 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Combine with Dry Ingredients: Alternately fold in the flour mixture and 1 cup sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Gently fold until just combined, using a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid overmixing.
Assemble the Cake
Spread Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface.
Add Peaches: Arrange the sliced peaches in a single layer on top of the batter, which will add a burst of sweetness to each slice.
Make the Crumb Topping
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup light brown sugar, 1 cup flour, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
Add Butter: Pour in 1/2 cup melted butter and stir until the mixture forms moist clumps. This will become the crumbly, spiced topping.
Bake the Cake
Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the peaches for a crunchy, flavorful layer.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown and crisp.
Cool and Serve
Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack to help it set for easy slicing.
Serve: Slice and enjoy as is, or pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat—perfect for any gathering or cozy afternoon.
Serving Suggestions:
This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, crumbly cake.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice with vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that’s perfect for summer.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce complements the spiced crumb topping and adds a touch of decadence.
Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
Here’s how to store this cake to keep it fresh and flavorful:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: To extend freshness, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy within 2 months.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the cake batter and crumb topping separately up to a day in advance. When ready to bake, assemble and add fresh peach slices for the best results.
Variations to Try:
Experiment with these fun variations to create your own twist on this Southern Peach Crumb Cake:
Mixed Fruit Crumb Cake: Add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries along with the peaches for a mixed berry cake.
Spiced Crumb Topping: Add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice to the crumb topping for extra warmth.
Nutty Addition: Mix in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts with the crumb topping for added crunch and flavor.
Glaze Drizzle: For a bakery-style finish, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cake once it’s cooled.
Conclusion:
This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is the ultimate dessert for peach season and beyond. With a buttery crumb topping, tender cake, and juicy peaches, each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, brunch, or just because, this cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every slice of this sweet, spiced treat!
Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour for cake batter
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar for creaming with butter
- 1 stick butter softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 peaches sliced, or one 15-ounce can, drained
- 1 cup light brown sugar for crumb topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for crumb topping
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon for crumb topping
- 1/8 teaspoon salt for crumb topping
- 1/2 cup butter melted, for crumb topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan, tapping out any excess flour.
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, mixing well after each addition. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients and sour cream, alternating and beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Arrange sliced peaches over the top in a single layer.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture forms clumps.
- Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the peaches. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. Serve as is or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.