This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a warm, fruity treat topped with a delicious sweet cinnamon crust. It’s soft, buttery, and the perfect mix of peaches and crunchy crumbs!
Whenever I bake this, my house smells like a peach paradise. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s a little slice of heaven, and trust me, it disappears fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches are key to flavor in this cake. If they’re not in season, you can use frozen peaches (thawed and drained) or even canned peaches packed in juice. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Sour Cream: I love using sour cream for its richness and tang, but plain Greek yogurt works just as well! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use low-fat sour cream or yogurt.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of the cake. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute instead.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both are used here for leavening. Don’t swap them without knowing the difference! Baking soda requires acidic ingredients (like sour cream), while baking powder works on its own.
How Do You Create a Perfect Crumb Topping?
The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch to the soft cake. It’s important to get the right texture, so here are a few tips:
- Start by mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- When adding melted butter, drizzle slowly to ensure even distribution. Stir until you achieve a crumbly texture, not a dough.
- If it feels too wet, you can add a little more flour to achieve the right crumb consistency.
Sprinkling the topping evenly will give you a delicious crust baked to golden perfection! Enjoy the process; it’s all part of the fun!
Southern Peach Crumb Cake with Sweet Cinnamon Topping
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2-3 medium peaches)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Time Needed:
This delicious Southern Peach Crumb Cake will take approximately 20 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake, with a total time of about 1 hour and 10 minutes before it’s ready to enjoy. Just let it cool slightly before diving in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake will bake evenly. While the oven is heating, grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then sprinkle in some flour to coat it.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is important to distribute the leavening agents evenly. Once mixed, set it aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is nicely combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start with the dry ingredients, then add some sour cream, continuing this way until everything is fully combined. Make sure not to over-mix!
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced fresh peaches with a spatula, ensuring they’re distributed throughout the batter. The peaches will add a delicious juicy element to the cake.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out smoothly, making sure it’s even.
8. Make the Crumb Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt for the crumb topping. Drizzle melted butter over this mixture and stir until crumbs form. It should resemble small pebbles.
9. Add the Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the peach batter in the pan. It’ll bake up to be delicious and crunchy!
10. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
11. Let it Cool:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For a special treat, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream!
Enjoy this lovely Southern Peach Crumb Cake with family and friends! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
FAQ for Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake. Pat them dry with a paper towel before folding them into the batter.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Let it cool completely, then cover and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before serving for the best taste!
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 thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute! It provides the same tangy flavor and moisture as sour cream. Use it in a 1:1 ratio for best results.
