This Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake is a sweet delight! With juicy peaches and a crunchy crumb topping, it’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
I love how the sweet peaches mix perfectly with the buttery crumb. You can enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or just on its own—either way, it’s super tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: The base for this cake. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum to help with texture!
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are best for this recipe, but feel free to use canned peaches if fresh ones are out of season. Just drain them well and pat them dry before adding to your batter.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture and richness. If you want, you can swap it for buttermilk or even a dairy-free yogurt if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, but you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Just use it in a melted state for smooth mixing.
How Can I Get a Perfect Crumb Topping?
Making a great crumb topping is all about the texture. You want it to be crumbly, not too wet. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Use cold butter! This helps the crumb stay light.
- Mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugars, and cinnamon) first, then cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- A little larger chunks in the topping can give a nice crunch when baked.
Just remember, don’t over-mix! Once you see crumbles forming, it’s ready to sprinkle on top of your peaches.
Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
For the Crumb Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. Allow 15 minutes of cooling time before serving. In total, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious creation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crumb Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter pieces using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set this delicious topping aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes of mixing.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to pack in more flavor.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help ensure that your cake rises perfectly.
6. Mix It All Together:
Now, alternately add the dry ingredient mix and the sour cream (or yogurt) to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Don’t over-mix!
7. Prepare the Cake Base:
Pour the batter into your greased baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula, so it’s nice and smooth.
8. Add the Peaches:
Evenly arrange the peeled and sliced peaches over the batter. This will give your cake a fruity and flavorful touch.
9. Top with Crumb Topping:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the peaches. This will give your cake a lovely crunchy texture.
10. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready. The crumb topping should also be golden brown.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This makes it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy your Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake warm or at room temperature!
Bon Appétit!
FAQ for Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! This crumb cake works well with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the quantity as necessary based on the fruit you choose.
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just warm it slightly in the microwave before serving for the best taste!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the batter and crumb topping in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator, and bake the cake fresh when you’re ready to serve. Just bring them to room temperature before baking for even results.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt works as a great substitute. You can also use buttermilk or a dairy-free yogurt if you need it to be lactose-free.
