Southern Peach Crumb Cake Recipe

Heavenly Southern Peach Crumb Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Summer’s sweet bounty bursts with flavor in this delightful southern peach crumb cake that captures the essence of Southern comfort.

Ripe, juicy peaches nestled perfectly in a tender, golden cake create a mouthwatering dessert that sings of warm afternoons.

The buttery crumb topping adds a delectable crunch that complements the soft, fragrant cake beneath.

Every bite tells a story of lazy summer days and cherished family recipes passed down through generations.

Freshly picked peaches transform this simple cake into a truly remarkable treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The aroma of baked peaches and warm spices will draw people from every corner of your home.

You won’t be able to resist this irresistible Southern classic that celebrates the pure joy of seasonal fruit.

Why Peach Crumb Cake Is Worth Baking

  • Savor Southern Comfort: Dive into a delightful dessert that captures the essence of homemade warmth and traditional Southern baking.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe offers simple steps and minimal technical skills required, making it an approachable kitchen adventure.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or casual family desserts, this peach crumb cake adapts beautifully to various occasions and brings smiles to everyone's faces.
  • Fresh Seasonal Delight: Celebrates ripe, juicy peaches at their peak, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat that showcases the natural sweetness of fresh fruit.

Ingredients for Southern Peach Crumb Cake

Main Ingredients:

Cake Base:
  • Flour: A soft and fine powder for the cake's foundation.
  • Sugar: Sweet crystals that add delightful flavor.
  • Butter: Creamy and rich ingredient for moisture.
  • Eggs: Rich protein that helps bind the cake together.
  • Sour Cream: Tangy dairy that keeps the cake tender.
Fruit Ingredient:
  • Peaches: Juicy summer fruit with a sweet and soft texture.
Crumb Topping:
  • Brown Sugar, Flour, Cinnamon: Sweet and warm spice blend for crumbly texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Magical ingredients that help the cake rise.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic liquid that adds warm sweetness.
Optional Serving Suggestions:
  • Whipped Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream: Delicious companions to complement the cake.

Steps to Make a Peach Crumb Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Grab a 9-inch round baking pan and generously coat it with butter or cooking spray.

Dust the pan with flour, tapping out any excess to create a non-stick surface for your cake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Cake Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Sift these ingredients together to eliminate any lumps and ensure a smooth cake texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, blend softened butter and sugar in a large bowl.

Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, creating a smooth base for your cake.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate vanilla extract into the butter mixture.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, cohesive batter.

Step 5: Combine Cake Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients and sour cream into the wet mixture.

Alternate between adding flour mixture and sour cream, mixing until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 6: Arrange Peaches

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Arrange fresh peach slices in a single, beautiful layer across the top of the batter.

Step 7: Create Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, mix:
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

Pour melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture forms delightful, crumbly clusters.

Step 8: Add Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the crumb mixture generously and evenly over the peach-topped batter, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Slice and serve as is, or top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Helpful Tips for Better Peach Crumb Cake

  • Select fragrant, slightly soft peaches at peak ripeness for the most intense flavor and sweetness in your cake.
  • Toss sliced peaches in a light dusting of flour before arranging them on the batter to prevent them from sinking during baking.
  • Work the butter into the crumb mixture using your fingertips for a perfectly textured, clumpy topping that browns beautifully.
  • Insert a toothpick at an angle through the center of the cake to ensure it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
  • Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain its moist texture and fresh flavor.

Storing Leftover Peach Crumb Cake

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
  • Wrap the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore its soft texture.
  • Enjoy the cake cold straight from the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer, more dense consistency.

What Goes Well with Peach Crumb Cake

  • Pair Perfectly with Sweet Sips: Serve this Southern Peach Crumb Cake alongside a chilled glass of peach iced tea, echoing the cake's fruity essence and providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery crumb topping.
  • Complement with Creamy Indulgence: Top the warm cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, smooth texture melt into the cake's warm crumbly surface and intensify the dessert's comforting southern charm.
  • Match with Aromatic Coffee: Brew a smooth, medium-roast coffee with subtle caramel notes that will beautifully highlight the cake's cinnamon undertones and provide a warm, sophisticated accompaniment to each delectable bite.
  • Enhance with Dessert Wine: Select a sweet late-harvest Riesling with hints of stone fruit, creating a delightful flavor harmony that mirrors the peach's natural sweetness and elevates the cake's rustic elegance.

Peach Crumb Cake Style Variations

  • Gluten-Free Peach Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
  • Vegan Peach Crumble: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and sour cream with dairy-free yogurt for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Peach Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining a sweet flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Peach Crumb Cake: Swap sour cream with coconut cream and use margarine instead of butter to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

  • What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have sour cream?

You can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as direct replacements for sour cream. Both options will provide similar moisture and tanginess to the cake.

  • How do I know if my peaches are ripe enough for the recipe?

Choose peaches that are slightly soft when gently pressed and have a sweet, fragrant aroma. Avoid peaches that are rock hard or have bruises and dark spots.

  • Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh peaches?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches. Just thaw and drain them completely before adding to the cake to prevent excess moisture. Pat the peaches dry with paper towels to remove extra liquid.

  • How can I prevent the crumb topping from sinking into the cake?

Make sure your crumb topping is cold and clumpy before sprinkling. Also, do not overmix the cake batter and ensure the peaches are placed in a single layer to help keep the topping on top during baking.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Southern Peach Crumb Cake Recipe

Southern Peach Crumb Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet southern peach crumb cake brings comfort straight from Georgia’s orchards, blending ripe fruit with buttery streusel. Warm spices and tender crumb promise a delightful dessert slice you’ll savor with pure Southern charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 fresh peaches, sliced (or 1 15-ounce / 425 grams can of sliced peaches, drained)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 stick / 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, softened

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and preparing a 9-inch round baking pan with butter and flour coating to ensure easy cake removal.
  2. Create the cake base by sifting flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whip sugar and butter until achieving a light, airy texture with a smooth consistency.
  4. Introduce vanilla extract and eggs into the butter mixture, incorporating them gently and thoroughly to maintain a smooth batter.
  5. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream, mixing just until ingredients are combined without overmixing.
  6. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a uniform base.
  7. Artfully arrange fresh peach slices across the batter’s surface in a single, decorative layer.
  8. Construct the crumb topping by blending brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
  9. Integrate melted butter into the dry mixture, stirring until the ingredients form delicate, craggy clusters.
  10. Generously distribute the crumb topping over the peach-adorned batter, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  11. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean and the surface turns a rich golden hue.
  12. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest and cool completely on a wire rack before cutting.
  13. Serve the cake as a standalone dessert or enhance with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Always use ripe, juicy peaches for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your crumb cake.
  • Room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter blend more smoothly, creating a more tender cake texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance the peach flavor by adding a splash of almond extract or sprinkling some ground nutmeg into the crumb topping for extra warmth.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star