Southern Peach Crumb Cake Recipe

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.

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!