This Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a delightful treat! With juicy peaches and a crumbly topping, it’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Honestly, who can resist warm cake with sweet fruit? I love serving it with a scoop of ice cream for an extra yummy touch. Give it a try, and your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake. If you’re gluten-free, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve used almond flour for a nutty flavor, and it works well too!
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star! If they’re out of season, canned peaches work too. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid extra moisture in your cake.
Unsalted butter: This helps create a moist cake. You can substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just remember that it might change the flavor slightly!
Granulated and brown sugar: Both sugars add sweetness and moisture. For a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or honey. If using honey, reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
How Do I Achieve a Perfect Crumb Topping?
Getting the right texture for your crumb topping is key to making it delicious. You want it to be crumbly, not too wet or overly dry.
- Start by mixing the dry ingredients (flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon) in a bowl.
- Then, drizzle in the melted butter while mixing gently with a fork or your hands. You’re aiming for a combination that looks like wet sand with some larger clumps.
- A tip: Avoid overmixing! You want those lovely crumbly pieces to stay intact for the best crunch on your cake.
Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3-4 fresh ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach crumb cake requires about 15 minutes for preparation and 50-60 minutes to bake, making the total time around 1 hour and 15-20 minutes. Plus, allow about 15 minutes for cooling before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan or a similar round baking pan to ensure your cake comes out easily.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt with a whisk. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Then add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition, and then incorporate the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, alternately add the flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until everything is combined; be careful not to overmix!
4. Layer the Cake with Peaches:
Spread half of the cake batter evenly into your prepared pan. Next, distribute the sliced peaches evenly over this bottom layer, and gently spread the remaining batter on top of the peaches.
5. Prepare the Crumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using) for the crumb topping. Pour in the melted butter and mix until you achieve a crumbly consistency.
6. Bake and Cool the Cake:
Now it’s time to sprinkle your crumb topping evenly over the top of the cake batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the topping is a lovely golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. After that, remove the sides of the springform pan. You can serve the cake warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, consider serving it with whipped cream or a delicious scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!
Enjoy this classic Southern favorite with tender cake, juicy peaches, and a satisfyingly crunchy crumb top!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Can I Use Frozen Peaches?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the cake to prevent excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels for the best results!
Can I Substitute the Butter?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that coconut oil may add a slight coconut flavor to the cake.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cake 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. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Certainly! You can prepare the cake batter and easily store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. If you combine everything and bake it in advance, just wait until it cools completely before storing it. Reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
