This Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake is fruity and moist, with sweet peaches bursting through the fluffy cake. The crumb topping adds a delightful crunchy finish!
Baking this cake always reminds me of summer afternoons. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Just add a little whipped cream, and you’re all set! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star here! If they’re out of season, use canned peach slices. Just drain the syrup to avoid excess moisture in the cake. Frozen peaches could work too; let them thaw and drain before using.
Sour Cream: This gives moisture and richness. You can swap it with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor or full-fat plain yogurt. If you need a dairy-free option, try unsweetened almond or coconut yogurt.
Granulated Sugar: I like to use granulated sugar, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just keep in mind that it might alter the crumb texture slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my choice for the buttery taste. If you run low, you can use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option. The texture will change slightly but will still be delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Fold in Peaches Without Mushing Them?
Folding peaches into the batter is delicate work because you want to maintain their shape. Here’s how to do it right:
- After mixing your batter, use a rubber spatula to create a well in the center.
- Add your peach slices gently, then use the spatula to fold them into the batter, lifting from the bottom and turning.
- Avoid stirring vigorously; this keeps your peach pieces intact and prevents them from breaking apart.
Practice makes perfect! If you find some pieces break, don’t worry; they’ll still add flavor to the cake.
Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided into 2/3 and 1/3 cup)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 medium fresh peaches (or canned peach slices, drained)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Peach Crumb Cake takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll need just over an hour to enjoy this delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an easy release when it’s time to serve.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. In another bowl, mix together the sour cream, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined — be careful not to over-mix, as this could make the cake tough!
4. Add the Peaches:
Gently fold in your peeled and sliced peaches, making sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. This will add a burst of flavor in every bite!
5. Pour into the Pan:
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Now it’s time to make the crumb topping!
6. Make the Crumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon (if using) until crumbly. This will create a delightful topping to add some crunch to your cake.
7. Sprinkle the Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter in the pan. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover everything perfectly — it will melt and spread a bit while baking.
8. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly while it bakes!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Slice it up, serve it warm, and enjoy with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Enjoy every bite of this Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake — it’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh Ones?
Absolutely! Canned peaches work well in this recipe. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the cake. Fresh peaches will give a more vibrant flavor, but canned is a great alternative!
How Can I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture. The results may vary slightly, but it should still taste delicious!
What Other Fruits Can I Use in This Cake?
This cake is very versatile! You can use other fruits like blueberries, blackberries, or even chopped apples. Just be sure to adjust the quantity as needed to maintain the overall moisture of the batter.
