This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a sweet treat made with juicy peaches and a buttery crumb topping. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form—perfect for any occasion!
The best part? It’s super easy to make! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream—you might want to save some for later, but it’s hard not to finish it all at once! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If fresh ones aren’t available, you can substitute with canned peaches—just drain and pat them dry first. I’ve even tried this cake with blueberries, and it turned out great too!
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and richness to the cake. If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt works just as well. For a lower-fat option, use Greek yogurt—it gives a nice tang too!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, but if you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt a little. I personally love using European-style butter for its extra creaminess.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Crumb Topping?
The crumb topping is what makes this cake special! It should have a nice, crumbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake below. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use cold melted butter for the topping to achieve the right crumbliness.
- Mix the dry ingredients well—make sure the sugar and spices are evenly distributed before adding butter.
- Add the melted butter gradually and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect; some bits can be larger.
This topping will create a crispy layer on top once baked. Trust me, it’s the highlight of the dish! Enjoy baking this delicious cake!
Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 3 medium peaches)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Southern Peach Crumb Cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45-50 minutes to bake. Make sure to give it a little time to cool before digging in—if you can wait that long!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, let’s get that oven going! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and grease and flour it so your cake doesn’t stick. You can use cooking spray or butter and a sprinkle of flour.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This will help make sure everything is well combined. Once done, set it aside.
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. It’s the secret to a soft cake!
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. It’ll smell amazing!
5. Combining Dry and Wet Mixes:
Gradually add in your dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of sour cream or yogurt. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Folding in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the sliced peaches, being careful not to overmix. You want those juicy bites of peach in every slice!
7. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
8. Making the Crumb Topping:
In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (plus nutmeg if you’re using it). Then stir in the melted butter until it becomes crumbly. This is what makes the topping so scrumptious!
9. Adding the Topping:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter in the pan. This is where all the deliciousness comes together!
10. Baking the Cake:
Pop the cake in the oven and bake it for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and test with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
11. Cooling and Serving:
Once it’s done, let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing it up. It’s delicious served warm, or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like.
Enjoy your Southern Peach Crumb Cake with family and friends—it’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ About Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This will help prevent the batter from getting too soggy.
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 individual pieces in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Absolutely! If you don’t have sour cream, plain or Greek yogurt works just fine. You could also use buttermilk or a non-dairy yogurt if you prefer a dairy-free option.
How Can I Make the Crumb Topping Extra Crispy?
For an extra crispy crumb topping, ensure that the butter is melted but not hot when mixing it in. You can also add a handful of rolled oats to the crumb mixture for added texture!
