Indulge in the rich flavors of Southern hospitality with this Southern Peach Crumb Cake. Combining a moist, tender cake base with a generous cinnamon-sugar crumb topping and juicy peach slices, this dessert is a true testament to Southern baking traditions. Whether served at brunch, as an afternoon treat, or as a sweet ending to a family dinner, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Why You’ll Love This Southern Peach Crumb Cake:
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Peachy Perfection: Fresh, ripe peaches provide a juicy contrast to the sweet, spiced crumb topping.
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Generous Crumb Topping: A thick layer of cinnamon-sugar crumbs adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.
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Moist and Tender: The cake base, enriched with sour cream, ensures each bite is soft and moist.
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Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.
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Southern Tradition: This recipe honors the rich baking heritage of the South, where peaches are a beloved staple.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup sour cream
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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4 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or one 15-ounce can of sliced peaches, drained)
For the Crumb Topping:
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1 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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⅛ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Ingredients Notes:
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Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal when in season, but canned peaches work well when fresh ones aren’t available. Ensure canned peaches are drained to avoid excess moisture.
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Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in the recipe.
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Sour Cream: Provides moisture and richness to the cake base.
How to Make Southern Peach Crumb Cake:
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Prepare the Cake Batter:
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In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the granulated sugar and melted butter until the mixture is 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 fold in the flour mixture and sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
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Gently fold in the peach slices.
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Prepare the Crumb Topping:
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In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
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Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms crumbly clumps.
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Assemble the Cake:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan
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Spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan.
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Crumble the topping evenly over the batter.
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Bake:
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Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
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If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
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Serve:
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
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Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
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Storage Options:
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At Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
Variations and Substitutions:
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Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.biggestidea.com
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Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the crumb topping for a unique flavor twist.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative and use plant-based butter.
Pairings and Accompaniments:
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Beverages: Pair the cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, black tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What goes well with peach crumble?
When serving a Southern peach crumb cake, complementary sides and flavors can elevate the experience. Creamy elements like vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a scoop of frozen yogurt pair exceptionally well. The cool contrast balances the warm, spiced crumb texture. If you’re hosting a brunch or tea-time gathering, pairing the cake with fresh fruit salads or a drizzle of honey is also a great idea. Moreover, beverages such as herbal teas or lightly sweetened lemonade create a refreshing counterpoint.
Additionally, if you prefer a bolder pairing, chai or cinnamon-infused beverages enhance the spice notes in the crumb topping. A Southern peach crumb cake also works well as a warm dessert after light lunches, such as grilled chicken salads or vegetable quiches, because the fruity sweetness rounds off the meal. In the following section, we’ll cover when to enjoy this dish best.
Best Time to Enjoy the Recipe
Southern peach crumb cake is versatile, allowing you to enjoy it at different times of the day. Firstly, it’s a perfect breakfast treat, particularly when served slightly warm with coffee. The crumb topping gives a muffin-like texture, while the peaches offer juicy contrast to start your day with comforting Southern flavors.
During brunches, especially in spring and summer, it makes a wonderful addition to the table, replacing typical breakfast pastries. The fruity freshness balances heavier breakfast foods like casseroles or omelets. At lunch, it acts as a light dessert following savory dishes. Its balance of fruit and crumb makes it satisfying but not too heavy.
In the afternoon, this cake is ideal as a tea-time treat or snack. A small square alongside tea or cold beverages refreshes without overwhelming the palate. Lastly, while it’s not a typical dinner dessert, it shines in casual family meals. Afterward, especially on warm days, a slice with chilled fruit or a light sorbet can be a fantastic finale. Now that we’ve discussed timing, let’s transition into how to present it beautifully.
Presentation Tips
Presentation can take a humble cake like the Southern peach crumb cake and make it table-worthy for any occasion. Start by baking it in a springform or decorative pan, which gives it a cleaner edge. Before serving, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar. This simple touch highlights the golden crumb and gives a “bakery-style” look.
For gatherings, consider cutting the cake into uniform squares and plating each with a small swirl of whipped cream and a peach slice on top. This adds elegance and lets each serving look thoughtful and deliberate. Alternatively, drizzle honey or peach syrup over the top to accentuate the fruitiness and make the dish more indulgent.
Serving it on rustic wooden boards or patterned ceramic plates evokes Southern charm. Use sprigs of mint or edible flowers like pansies for a colorful touch. If pairing with ice cream or yogurt, scoop on the side rather than on top to preserve the crumb texture. Presentation aside, what truly matters is the joy this cake brings. Let’s wrap things up.
Conclusion
The Southern peach crumb cake is more than a dessert—it’s a bite of nostalgia, comfort, and Southern charm. Its tender cake base, warm cinnamon-sugar crumb, and juicy peach layers create a balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a Sunday brunch, or just a quiet moment with tea, this cake will leave a lasting impression.
Moreover, it’s adaptable for various dietary needs, seasonally relevant, and easy to customize with creative add-ins. From early morning breakfasts to late-night snacks, this recipe is your go-to for versatility and crowd-pleasing sweetness. So, dust off your apron and bring a slice of the South to your kitchen today.
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