Southern Peach Crumb Cake

Imagine biting into a warm, buttery cake bursting with juicy peaches and topped with a crispy, golden crumb. That’s exactly what you get with this Southern Peach Crumb Cake—a delightful treat that perfectly balances soft, moist cake with a crunchy, sweet topping. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a show-stopping dessert, this homemade Southern Peach Crumb Cake has you covered.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the ultimate Southern Peach Crumb Cake from scratch. We’ll cover everything from selecting the best peaches to achieving that perfect crumb texture. Plus, you’ll discover expert baking tips, serving suggestions, and storage advice to ensure your peach crumb cake is as delicious as possible.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Peach Crumb Cake Recipe

Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
Bursting with Flavor: Fresh, ripe peaches bring a natural sweetness and juiciness to this Southern-style crumb cake.
Perfect Texture: A light and fluffy cake base, combined with a crunchy, buttery crumb topping.
Versatile: Enjoy this Southern Peach Crumb Cake as a breakfast treat, dessert, or snack with a cup of coffee.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or canned if out of season)

For the Crumb Topping:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Substitutions:

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
Swap fresh peaches with frozen (thawed) or canned (drained) peaches.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Peaches

If using fresh peaches, peel and dice them. To peel easily, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath—the skins will slide right off.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
Fold in the diced peaches gently to avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture forms crumbs.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Expert Tips for the Best Southern Peach Crumb Cake

Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Use Ripe Peaches: The juicier the peach, the more flavorful your Southern Peach Crumb Cake will be.
Cold Butter for the Crumb: If you want a chunkier crumb, use cold butter instead of melted butter.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
A drizzle of caramel sauce or honey.
A dollop of whipped cream.
A warm cup of coffee or tea.

FAQs About Southern Peach Crumb Cake

What makes a Southern Peach Crumb Cake different from other fruit cakes?

A Southern Peach Crumb Cake is special because of its buttery crumb topping. It also uses fresh, juicy peaches. This dessert has a moist cake and a crunchy streusel topping. It’s a perfect mix of flavors and textures.

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh peaches?

Yes, you can use canned peaches as a substitute. Just make sure to drain and dry them well. This prevents the cake from getting soggy. Frozen peaches are also a good option when fresh ones are not available.

How long will the Southern Peach Crumb Cake stay fresh?

Your cake will stay fresh for 2-3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free. Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the cake and the topping. Choose a blend that’s good for baking to keep the cake’s texture and taste.

What are some good serving suggestions for Southern Peach Crumb Cake?

This cake is great on its own or with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce. Serve it warm with coffee or sweet tea for a Southern touch.

Can I substitute peaches with other fruits?

Definitely! You can use blueberries, raspberries, or nectarines in summer. Try apples or pears in fall. The crumb cake base works with many fruits, making it a year-round dessert.

What’s the secret to getting a perfect crumb topping?

To get perfect crumbs, mix the topping until it’s loose. Use cold butter and mix with your hands or a fork. This creates a crunchy, golden top.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Check with the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is done. The top should be golden, and the edges should be slightly pulled away. It usually takes 45-55 minutes to bake.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Now that you have everything you need to make the perfect Southern Peach Crumb Cake, it’s time to get baking! Try it out and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. If you loved this peach crumb cake recipe, share it on Pinterest and Instagram—we’d love to see your creations!

Looking for more Southern-inspired desserts? Check out our [Other Peach Recipes Here].

Happy baking!

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Why You’ll Love This Southern Peach Crumb Cake Recipe