Introduction
Peaches are one of the sweetest and juiciest fruits of summer. And when you mix them with a soft cake and a buttery crumb topping, you get something truly special—Southern Peach Crumb Cake! This cake is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. It’s soft, sweet, and filled with peachy goodness. Plus, it’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
Whether you have fresh peaches from the farmer’s market or canned peaches in your pantry, this recipe works great either way. You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull this off. Just follow the steps, and in no time, your kitchen will smell amazing! Ready to bake something delicious? Let’s get started.
Ingredients – Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake. We’ll break them into three parts: the cake, the crumb topping, and the peaches.
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter (cut into small cubes)
For the Peach Layer:
- 2 cups peeled and sliced peaches (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional if peaches are already sweet)
Step by Step Process – Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Let’s go step-by-step to make this tasty cake. Don’t worry—each step is easy to follow!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C) so it can warm up while you make the cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pan
Take an 8×8-inch baking dish. Grease it with butter or cooking spray so the cake doesn’t stick.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- In another bowl, beat the egg, then add milk, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients together. Stir until everything is blended. Don’t over-mix—just until you don’t see any dry flour.
- Pour the batter into the greased baking pan. Spread it evenly.
Step 4: Add the Peach Layer
- If using fresh peaches, peel and slice them. If using canned, drain the juice.
- Toss the peach slices with 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Spread the peaches evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping
- In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add the cold butter cubes.
- Use a fork or your fingers to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. (Like small pebbles.)
- Sprinkle this crumb topping all over the peach layer.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes. Then slice and serve! You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It also tastes amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280–300 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sugar | 23g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?
Yes! Canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed) both work well in this recipe. If they are already sweetened, you can skip the extra sugar.
Q2: How do I store leftover peach crumb cake?
You can keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day. For longer storage, place it in the fridge—it will last up to 4–5 days.
Q3: Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up before serving.
Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
Sure! Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Everything else in the recipe stays the same.
Q5: What else can I add to this recipe?
You can sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the crumb for extra crunch. A pinch of nutmeg in the batter also adds a nice flavor!
Final Thoughts
There’s something about the mix of juicy peaches, soft cake, and sweet crumb topping that feels like a warm Southern hug. This Easy Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a simple treat that brings comfort and joy in every bite. It’s great for family gatherings, weekend brunch, or even as a surprise for someone you love.
What’s even better? You don’t need any fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and belly-happy-friendly!
So next time you have some ripe peaches (or even a can of them), don’t let them go to waste. Bake this cake, pour yourself a cold drink, and enjoy a taste of Southern goodness right at home.
