This Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake is a sweet treat that combines juicy peaches with a buttery crumb topping. It’s soft, fruity, and perfect for any time of day!
When I make this cake, I can’t resist having a piece for breakfast. The smell of peaches baking is just heavenly! 🍑 Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, which is a big win in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is essential for structure. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works well in this recipe.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is perfect, but you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor. You could also substitute with coconut sugar for a less processed option.
Unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter for better control over the salt in the recipe. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a vegetable oil spread instead.
Sour cream: For tanginess and moisture, but if you don’t have it, plain yogurt works just as well. Greek yogurt can also be used, though it might make the cake denser.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal when in season, but canned peaches work too. If you’re in a pinch, you can use other fruits like sliced pears or plums.
How Do I Make Sure My Crumb Topping is Perfect?
The crumb topping can really elevate your cake. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use cold butter: This keeps the crumbs from blending too much into the mix. Cold butter creates a delightful crunch.
- Mix it just enough: Combine until you have pea-sized pieces. Over-mixing will make it too smooth.
- Sprinkle generously: Don’t be shy with the topping! A good coating on top will provide a beautiful texture contrast to the soft cake below.
Following these tips will make your crumb topping the star of the show! Happy baking!
Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches, drained (or 2 cups fresh peach slices)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake. Let it cool for about 15 minutes before slicing, making the total time around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dessert or an enjoyable weekend baking activity!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your cake doesn’t stick.
2. Make the Crumb Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, and cinnamon (if you’d like to add a hint of spice). Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until you get a crumbly mixture that looks like coarse crumbs. Set this aside for later.
3. Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 3/4 cup of sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to combine everything nicely.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, baking powder, and salt. This will give your cake a nice structure!
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—gentle is best!
6. Assemble the Cake:
Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Arrange the peach slices over the batter—feel free to get creative with the layout! Then gently spread the remaining batter over the peaches.
7. Add Crumb Topping:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter layer. This will create a delicious, crunchy topping once it’s baked!
8. Bake:
Pop the cake in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
9. Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, slice it up and serve warm or at room temperature. It’s lovely on its own, but if you want to make it extra special, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side!
Enjoy your moist, comforting Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake! 🍑
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh or Canned?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the cake. This prevents excess moisture from making the batter soggy.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving or gently reheat it in the oven for a short time!
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Yes! If you don’t have sour cream, you can replace it with plain yogurt (regular or Greek works well) or buttermilk. Both will maintain the moisture and flavor of the cake.
What Should I Serve with This Cake?
This Peach Crumb Cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate it, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness!
