This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a lovely treat! It’s filled with juicy peaches and topped with a sweet cinnamon crumble that makes it feel like a big hug in dessert form.
Honestly, I can never resist the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Pure bliss! 🍑🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are key for this cake, bringing a juicy sweetness. If peaches aren’t in season or you can’t find them, feel free to use canned peaches (drain them well) or even apples for a different fruity twist.
Butter: I always use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with a plant-based butter. The texture won’t change much!
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly, but whole wheat flour can be fun for added nutrition. The cake may be slightly denser with whole wheat.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a bit of caramel richness. If you don’t have it, you can use granulated sugar only, but the flavor won’t be as deep.
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar?
This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the butter, making your cake fluffy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature; it should feel soft but not greasy.
- Beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. You might see it change color slightly!
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times to ensure everything is combined evenly.
The better you cream the butter and sugar, the lighter your cake will be!
How Do You Layer the Cake Without Making a Mess?
Layering the cake can seem tricky, especially with the peach slices. Here’s a quick strategy:
- Pour half of the batter first and gently spread it to the edges. Use a spatula for even spreading.
- Arrange the peach slices close together but not overlapping too much. This keeps them from sinking!
- Carefully dollop the remaining batter on top of the peaches and spread gently to cover them without disrupting the fruit.
With practice, you’ll get the hang of it, and it’ll look beautiful when baked!
Southern Peach Crumb Cake with Sweet Cinnamon Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 large ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
For the Cinnamon Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake will take about 20 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need around 50-60 minutes to bake it. So, set aside about 1 hour and 20 minutes in total to create this scrumptious Southern Peach Crumb Cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan to prevent sticking. This will make transferring the cake later super easy!
2. Make the Crumb Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crumb topping. Then add the melted butter, stirring with a fork until the mixture is crumbly. Set it aside while you prepare the cake batter.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to give it a lovely flavor!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to distribute the baking powder and salt evenly throughout the cake.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now it’s time to combine everything! Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the cake dense, and we want it fluffy!
6. Assemble the Cake:
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Next, arrange the peach slices on top of the batter. Gently pour the remaining batter over the peaches and smooth the top carefully. The peaches add so much deliciousness!
7. Add the Crumb Topping:
Sprinkle the cinnamon crumb topping evenly over the batter. Don’t be shy; it’s the best part!
8. Bake:
Place the cake in your preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for a bit. After that, slice it up and serve. It’s delicious warm or at room temperature, so enjoy it any way you like!
Enjoy this decadent Southern Peach Crumb Cake as a delicious dessert or a sweet breakfast treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Cake?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the cake. This will help prevent the batter from becoming too soggy!
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and crumb topping a day ahead. Just cover them separately and refrigerate. Assemble and bake the cake when you’re ready to enjoy it for the freshest taste!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Southern Peach Crumb Cake?
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh fruit or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top also makes for a pretty presentation!
