Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a delightful blend of tender cake, juicy peaches, and a spiced crumble topping. This cake captures the essence of summer, with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches complemented by warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Perfect for dessert or as a special treat with coffee, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.
The combination of the moist cake base, fresh peach slices, and buttery crumb topping makes it irresistibly good. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this cake brings a touch of Southern comfort to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Bursting with Peach Flavor: Fresh peaches take center stage in this cake, adding natural sweetness and juiciness.
• Perfectly Balanced Textures: A soft, moist cake contrasts beautifully with the crumbly, spiced topping.
• Versatile Delight: Great as a dessert, afternoon snack, or even a special breakfast treat!
Ingredients:
Crumble:
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
Cake:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound fresh peaches, cored and sliced (about 4 medium peaches)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened slightly
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
Oven Preparation and Pan Setup
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a springform pan with cooking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
Preparing the Crumble
• In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly. Gradually pour in the melted butter, stirring until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Set aside.
Assembling the Cake Batter
• In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
• Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combining Liquid Ingredients
• In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and buttermilk until smooth.
Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients
• With the mixer on low, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture to the creamed butter. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, adding about 1/2 cup at a time. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
Layering and Baking the Cake
• Pour the cake batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the peach slices over the batter in an even layer. Sprinkle the crumble mixture generously over the peaches.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm for the best flavor, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips:
• Ripe Peaches: Choose peaches that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch for optimal flavor and texture.
• Crumb Topping: For an extra-crispy crumble, chill the topping in the fridge for 10 minutes before sprinkling it on the cake.
• Pan Choice: A springform pan makes it easier to remove the cake, but a regular 9-inch round pan works too—just line it with parchment paper.
Storage Options:
• Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring it’s well covered to prevent drying out.
• Freezer: Slice the cake and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven if desired.
Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a true celebration of summer’s bounty, marrying the sweetness of peaches with the warmth of spices in every bite.
