Southern Peach Crumb Cake Recipe

The Perfect Southern Peach Crumb Cake Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Southern peach crumb cake represents the ultimate sweet celebration of summer’s bounty.

Fresh, ripe peaches nestle into a tender cake base, promising pure deliciousness in every slice.

Soft, moist layers create a delectable foundation for the irresistible crumbly topping that adds delightful texture and crunch.

Warm spices and sweet fruit intertwine, creating a dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Home bakers of all skill levels can master this southern classic with ease and confidence.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of fruity sweetness and buttery richness that feels like a warm embrace.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet elegant dessert that crafts ordinary ingredients into something magical.

Different Takes on Southern Peach Crumb Cake

Different Takes on Southern Peach Crumb Cake
  • Berry Blast Crumb Cake: Swap peaches with a vibrant mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The berries will add a tangy burst of flavor and beautiful color to the classic cake.
  • Tropical Paradise Variation: Replace peaches with diced mango and pineapple chunks. Sprinkle shredded coconut into the crumb topping for an island-inspired dessert that transports you to a sunny beach.
  • Autumn Spice Remix: Switch fresh peaches for thinly sliced apples and increase cinnamon in the crumb topping. Add a pinch of nutmeg and ground ginger to create a warm, comforting fall-themed cake that screams cozy weekend treats.
  • Nutty Caramel Decadence: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping and drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cake. This variation adds rich, complex layers of texture and sweetness that elevate the original recipe.

Reasons to Fall for Southern Peach Crumb Cake

Reasons to Fall for Southern Peach Crumb Cake
  • Burst with Southern Sweetness: This peach crumb cake delivers an authentic taste of Southern comfort, capturing the essence of ripe, juicy peaches in every delightful bite.
  • Textural Wonderland: Enjoy the perfect contrast between soft, moist cake layers and the crunchy, buttery crumb topping that adds an irresistible textural dimension to each slice.
  • Quick and Effortless Baking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe allows even novice bakers to create a stunning dessert that looks and tastes professionally crafted in under an hour.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: Perfect for summer gatherings, afternoon tea, potlucks, or as a comforting treat that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pantry Picks for Southern Peach Crumb Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and backbone for the cakes tender crumb.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents to help the cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Offers rich, creamy texture and adds depth to the cakes flavor.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a soft, moist cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to complement the peaches.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cakes structure.
  • Sour Cream: Ensures moistness and adds a subtle tangy richness.
Topping and Fruit Ingredients:
  • Fresh Peaches: Juicy, ripe summer fruit that adds natural sweetness and texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a caramel-like, deep sweetness in the crumb topping.
  • Flour (for topping): Helps create a crumbly, crunchy texture.
  • Cinnamon Powder: Warm spice that pairs perfectly with peaches and adds depth.
  • Melted Butter: Binds the crumb topping and adds richness.

How to Put Together Southern Peach Crumb Cake

How to Put Together Southern Peach Crumb Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan thoroughly and dust with flour, shaking out any excess.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Create Cake Batter

In a separate large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture and sour cream, stirring until smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Arrange Peach Layer

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Carefully layer sliced fresh peaches across the top of the batter.

Step 5: Prepare Crumb Topping

In another bowl, mix together:
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

Add melted butter and stir until the mixture forms delightful crumbly clusters.

Step 6: Add Crumb Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the crumb mixture generously over the peach-topped batter. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: 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.

Smart Hacks for Southern Peach Crumb Cake

Smart Hacks for Southern Peach Crumb Cake
  • Select Ripe Peaches: Choose firm, fragrant peaches at peak ripeness for maximum sweetness and juicy flavor in your crumb cake.
  • Prevent Peach Browning: Toss sliced peaches with a splash of lemon juice to maintain their beautiful color and prevent oxidation.
  • Create Perfect Crumb Texture: Use cold butter and mix topping ingredients with fingertips to develop those delightful, chunky crumb clusters.
  • Test Cake Doneness Accurately: Insert a toothpick near the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Allow eggs, butter, and sour cream to sit at room temperature for smoother batter and more consistent baking results.

Store and Reheat Peach Crumb Cake Like a Baker

Store and Reheat Peach Crumb Cake Like a Baker
  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. Carefully wrap the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and protect its delicate crumb. Properly stored, your Southern Peach Crumb Cake will remain fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Want to enjoy the cake later? Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake can maintain its quality for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Reheat: Bring refrigerated cake back to life by warming it gently in the oven. Preheat to 300°F and place cake slices on a baking sheet, covering loosely with foil to prevent drying. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

What Goes Well with Peach Crumb Cake

  • Sip Southern Comfort: Pair this delightful peach crumb cake with a chilled glass of sweet tea or bourbon-infused cocktail to complement the cake's rich, fruity flavors and bring out the Southern charm.
  • Scoop Creamy Companions: Top the warm cake with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream to enhance its soft texture and create a heavenly contrast between the warm cake and cool, smooth topping.
  • Match Fruity Refreshments: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Riesling or a peach bellini to highlight the cake's natural peach sweetness and add a sophisticated touch to your dessert experience.
  • Brew Perfect Pairings: Enjoy with a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee or herbal chamomile tea to balance the cake's sweetness and provide a comforting, aromatic finish to your dessert.
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Southern Peach Crumb Cake Recipe

Southern Peach Crumb Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Peach crumb cake brings Southern summer sweetness to your dessert table with juicy peaches nestled in a buttery cake base. Delicate crumble topping crowns this classic Southern treat, offering rich layers of flavor that invite you to savor each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 peaches (sliced, or one drained can of peaches, about 15 ounces / 425 grams)
  • 1 ½ cups (188 grams) all-purpose flour (for cake batter)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 1 stick (113 grams) butter (softened)
  • ½ cup (100 grams) sugar (for creaming with butter)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Crumb Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113 grams) melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9-inch round baking pan with butter, then dust with flour, carefully removing any excess.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure smooth integration of dry ingredients.
  3. In a separate large bowl, cream granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
  4. Incorporate vanilla extract into the butter mixture, then add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent texture.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream to create a smooth, well-combined batter.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  7. Arrange fresh peach slices in a decorative pattern across the top of the batter, gently pressing them slightly into the surface.
  8. Prepare the crumb topping by combining brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
  9. Pour melted butter into the dry crumb mixture, stirring until small, irregular clumps form.
  10. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously and evenly over the peach-covered batter.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top achieves a golden-brown color.
  12. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.
  13. Serve at room temperature, optionally accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Capture summer’s sweetness with this Southern-style dessert that transforms ripe peaches into a mouthwatering crumb cake.
  • Perfectly balanced between tender cake and crunchy topping, each slice promises a delightful texture explosion of flavors.
  • Fresh peaches are the star, creating juicy pockets that burst with natural sweetness throughout the entire cake.
  • Crumb topping adds a delectable cinnamon-kissed crunch that elevates this classic Southern treat from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Baking this cake fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of warm spices and caramelized fruit that promises pure comfort.
  • Serve warm for maximum enjoyment, letting the soft cake and crisp topping create a sensational dessert experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 27g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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