Peach Crumb Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping. Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a comforting treat after dinner, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Introduction
Peach Crumb Cake offers a harmonious blend of tender cake, juicy peaches, and a crunchy topping. Whether you’re using fresh, canned, or frozen peaches, this recipe is versatile and easy to prepare. Its delightful aroma and taste make it an ideal choice for various occasions.
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 50 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 9 slices
Why You’ll Love This Peach Crumb Cake
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Versatility: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert.
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Seasonal Delight: Perfect for showcasing fresh summer peaches.
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Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
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Crowd-Pleaser: A dessert that appeals to all ages.
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Customizable: Adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
For the Crumb Topping
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/8 teaspoon salt
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cake
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 pound fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 3 medium peaches)
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/3 cup sour cream
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1/3 cup buttermilk
For the Vanilla Glaze (Optional)
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 tablespoon milk
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Peach Crumb Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping
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In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt.
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Add the melted unsalted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
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Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour an 8-inch square or round baking pan.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In another bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Mix in the vanilla extract.
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Alternately add the dry ingredients and the sour cream and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
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Fold in the sliced peaches gently.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
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Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
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Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
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Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Optional Vanilla Glaze
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In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.
Storage Options
To keep your Peach Crumb Cake fresh:
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigeration: If the cake contains dairy-based fillings or frostings, refrigerate to prevent foodborne illnesses.
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Freezing: Wrap slices individually and place in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Variations and Substitutions
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
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Spices: Add ground cloves or allspice for a different flavor profile.
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Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter or topping.
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Fruit Variations: Replace peaches with nectarines or apricots for a unique twist.
Pairings and Accompaniments
Peach Crumb Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages. Its delicate sweetness and warm spices offer a lot of flexibility.
Ideal Beverage Pairings:
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Tea: Earl Grey, chamomile, or a cinnamon-spiced chai highlight the warm undertones of the crumb topping.
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Coffee: A light roast or vanilla-flavored brew balances the cake’s sweetness.
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Milk Alternatives: Almond or oat milk complements the peach flavor well.
Perfect Sides:
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Greek Yogurt: Add a scoop on the side to contrast the sweetness with a tangy creaminess.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A chilled fruit medley adds freshness and color to the plate.
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Honey-Roasted Nuts: A small handful of almonds or pecans brings crunch and enhances the nutty undertones.
Complementary Dishes:
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For brunches, serve Peach Crumb Cake with savory egg muffins or a vegetable frittata.
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As a dessert, pair it with vanilla or coconut milk ice cream for an indulgent twist.
The versatility of this cake means it can shine in multiple roles, whether as the centerpiece or a sweet finishing touch.
Comparison with Similar Recipes
Peach Crumb Cake shares similarities with other fruit-based cakes like peach cobbler and peach dump cake. However, it also stands apart in several ways.
Texture Comparison
Unlike cobblers, which often have a biscuit-like topping, this crumb cake features a buttery, crunchy streusel that creates a delightful contrast with the soft cake and tender peaches. The base is fluffier than a dump cake, which tends to be gooier due to its layered nature.
Taste and Flavor Profile
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Peach Crumb Cake is more balanced in sweetness than dump cakes.
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The cinnamon and nutmeg spices make it warmer and more complex than the typically simpler cobbler.
Preparation Style
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Cobblers are often “dump and bake,” while this cake requires a few more steps, including creaming and layering.
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It’s ideal for bakers who enjoy a structured recipe with homemade flair.
Altogether, Peach Crumb Cake offers a more refined and bakery-style experience than its more rustic cousins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to refrigerate peach crumble?
Yes, if your peach crumble contains dairy like cream, milk, or butter, refrigerate it. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If the room is especially warm, refrigeration helps preserve the texture and prevents spoilage.
What is the history of crumb cake?
Crumb cake, also known as streuselkuchen in Germany, originated as a simple yeast cake topped with sugary crumbs. Over time, it evolved in the U.S., particularly in areas with German immigrants. American versions often use baking powder instead of yeast and include fruits like peaches or apples for added flavor.
Should peach dump cake be refrigerated?
Yes. While it may seem shelf-stable, peach dump cake contains perishable ingredients like butter and fruit. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of baking and consume within 3–4 days.
Can you use canned peaches for peach cake?
Absolutely! Canned peaches are a convenient option. Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry. This helps reduce excess moisture and prevents the cake from becoming soggy. You can also find tips for baking with canned fruits for more ideas.
Best Time to Enjoy the Recipe
Peach Crumb Cake is one of those rare treats that fits almost any time of day:
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Breakfast: Serve warm with a mug of tea or coffee.
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Brunch: A fantastic addition to weekend spreads.
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Afternoon Snack: Pair with herbal tea for a refreshing midday treat.
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Dessert: Add a scoop of non-dairy vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream.
It’s especially great during summer when peaches are in season, but it adapts well year-round using canned or frozen fruit.
Presentation Tips
The visual appeal of Peach Crumb Cake adds to its charm. Here’s how to make it stand out:
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Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a rustic look.
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Use a drizzle of glaze in a criss-cross pattern for bakery-style flair.
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Serve in slices on pastel or wooden plates to highlight its golden color.
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Garnish with fresh peach slices or mint leaves for a refreshing pop of color.
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Use a cake stand for a classic and elegant display during brunches or events.
Photography tip: Shoot the cake in natural light with a fork next to the slice to convey approachability and texture.
Conclusion
Peach Crumb Cake is more than just a seasonal dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition. With its moist cake, juicy peaches, and golden crumb topping, it bridges comfort and elegance in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a weekend brunch, a celebration, or a cozy evening snack, this cake is bound to impress.
Equally important, it adapts effortlessly to dietary needs, storage solutions, and seasonal variations, ensuring it remains a go-to favorite all year long.
Don’t wait for peach season—this timeless recipe will earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation.
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