This Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake combines juicy peaches with a buttery crumb topping. It’s sweet, moist, and perfect for breakfast or dessert!
I love how it makes my kitchen smell like a warm summer day. Plus, the soft peaches paired with that crunchy topping? Just delicious! 🍑
Making this cake is so simple! Just mix, layer, and bake. It’s perfect for sharing, but I usually keep it all for myself—no regrets here!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe to control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using vegan butter or coconut oil instead.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness. You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake, but the texture may change a bit.
Peaches: Fresh, juicy peaches are key! If they’re not in season, you can use canned or frozen peaches—just be sure to drain them well. Apples or pears might also work in a pinch if you want to switch things up.
Sour Cream: For richness, sour cream is fantastic. If you don’t have any, Greek yogurt is a great swap, and it adds a nice tang!
How Do I Make the Perfect Crumb Topping?
Creating that crunchy crumb topping is super important. The texture makes the cake! Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with cold butter—this keeps the crumbs from becoming too smooth.
- Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix cold butter with flour and brown sugar until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t over-mix!
- Make sure to sprinkle the topping generously over the peaches for that balance of soft cake and crunchy goodness.
Getting it just right takes practice, but it’s totally worth it for that delicious finish! Enjoy baking! 😊
Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2-3 ripe peaches, peeled and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Time Needed:
You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping the cake and another 45-50 minutes baking it. After that, let it cool for a bit before serving. Overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour total before this delicious cake is ready to enjoy!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan so nothing sticks!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft cake!
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract—it adds a lovely flavor!
4. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents in the cake.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix it just until combined—don’t overwork the batter!
6. Spread the Batter:
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. This layer will be the lovely base for our peaches.
7. Add Peaches:
Carefully arrange the peach slices evenly over the batter. The more, the merrier—these juicy fruits will make your cake taste amazing!
8. Prepare the Crumb Topping:
In a smaller bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will form a crunchy topping!
9. Sprinkle the Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the peach slices. Get a good layer on there for that delicious texture!
10. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the topping is golden brown. Your kitchen will smell fantastic!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack. After a bit of cooling, you can cut into it and enjoy a slice of southern goodness!
Happy baking! Enjoy your delicious Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake with family and friends. 🍑
FAQ about Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can substitute them with other fruits like plums, apples, or even blueberries. Just adjust the quantities based on the fruit’s moisture content to keep the cake from getting too soggy.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make this cake a day ahead. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. You can warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving if desired.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any 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 or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it well!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just check that the blend contains a binding agent (like xanthan gum) for the best texture. Enjoy your gluten-free version of this delicious cake!
