This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a lovely dessert filled with juicy peaches and topped with a sweet, crunchy layer. It’s perfect for sharing at any gathering!
Honestly, the crunchy topping is so good, it could be a snack on its own! I love serving this warm with a scoop of ice cream on the side—who can resist that? 😋
### Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour
All-purpose flour is the base for this cake. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum for better texture.
Peaches
Fresh peaches are key for great flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches (in juice, not syrup) or frozen peaches. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before use to avoid excess moisture.
Sour Cream
Sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake. If you’re out, plain yogurt or Greek yogurt makes a great alternative. It will yield a similar texture without losing flavor.
Butter
Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, use a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil, though the flavor may change slightly.
Pecans/Walnuts
Optional nuts in the crumb topping add crunch. If you’re nut-free, you can skip them or use rolled oats for a similar crunch factor.
### What’s the Best Way to Fold Peaches into the Batter?
How to Fold Peaches Without Mashing?
When incorporating the sliced peaches into the batter, it’s important to be gentle. This ensures that the pieces stay intact and distribute evenly throughout the cake.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently lift the batter from the bottom and fold it over the peaches.
- Do this carefully in a circular motion until the peaches are evenly mixed in, just a few times should do!
Remember, over-mixing can break down the fruit and make your cake soggy. So take your time, and you’ll have a beautiful cake with lovely peach slices in every bite!
Southern Peach Crumb Cake with Sweet, Crunchy Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
For The Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (you can also use brown sugar for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for extra crunch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cake takes about 20 minutes for preparation and around 50-60 minutes to bake. After that, let it cool slightly before serving. So, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 20 minutes total until you can enjoy this scrumptious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks to it while baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will help combine the dry ingredients evenly.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream:
Next, slowly add your dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined (don’t overmix!).
5. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the sliced peaches into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to mash them as you want nice pieces of peach throughout the cake.
6. Spread the Batter:
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly so it bakes uniformly.
7. Make the Crumb Topping:
In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Cut in the cold diced butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. If you’re adding nuts, stir those in now!
8. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter, covering it well for that crunchy texture when baked.
9. Bake and Check for Doneness:
Place your cake in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the topping is golden and crisp.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. For an extra special treat, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy your delicious Southern Peach Crumb Cake, filled with juicy peaches and topped with a sweet, crunchy layer that everyone will love!
### FAQ for Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Cake?
Absolutely! While peaches are the star here, you can substitute them with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the quantity based on the fruit’s moisture content.
What If I Don’t Have Sour Cream?
No worries! You can replace sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar taste and texture. If you use yogurt, opt for full-fat for the best results!
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake by wrapping individual pieces in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
How Do I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Adjust baking time as needed since the texture might differ slightly.
