Dive into the delicious simplicity of Southern Peach Crumb Cake, a delightful blend of juicy peaches, a moist cake base, and a crunchy cinnamon crumble topping.
My grandma's kitchen always smelled of cinnamon and sugar, especially in the summer when peaches were in peak season. One of her specialties was a Southern Peach Crumb Cake, which she often made when I came over. Each bite of this cake was a taste of summer bliss, packed with juicy peaches and a crunchy crumble that was to die for. It wasn't just a cake; it was a slice of childhood nostalgia. Every time I bake it now, I'm transported back to those golden afternoons, sitting by grandma’s side, watching her magic hands turn simple ingredients into something spectacular.
Why You'll Love Southern Peach Crumb Cake
The Southern Peach Crumb Cake isn’t just your average dessert. It's a delectable treat that combines the sweetness and slight tartness of ripe peaches with the rich, buttery texture of the cake, all topped off with a perfectly spiced crumble that adds a delightful crunch. This cake is a showstopper with its visual appeal and mouth-watering layers, making it perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday dinners. Its ability to be served warm with ice cream or at room temperature also makes it versatile and convenient for any gathering.
Ingredients Notes
Creating this Southern Peach Crumb Cake involves a delightful ensemble of ingredients that come together to form a true symphony of flavors. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how each component contributes to the dish:
- Flour, Baking Powder, and Baking Soda: These provide the structure and fluffiness to the cake, ensuring it rises beautifully and offers a light, tender texture.
- Peaches: The star of the show, peaches add natural sweetness and moisture, infusing every slice with summer flavors.
- Butter and Sugars: Unsalted butter enriches the cake and crumble with a melt-in-your-mouth quality, while the blend of brown and granulated sugars sweetens the deal, adding depth and a caramel-like undertone.
- Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg give the crumble a warm, spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
- Sour Cream and Buttermilk: These add tanginess and creaminess to the batter, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the cake’s moisture content.
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How To Make Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Ready to whip up a Southern Peach Crumb Cake that’ll wow your friends and family? Follow these meticulously detailed steps to ensure a flawless dessert:
- Oven Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare a springform pan by lightly coating it with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Crumble Creation: In a small bowl, combine the flour, both sugars, spices, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients until well blended. Add melted butter and fold the mixture until it forms even crumbs. This crumble will add a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the soft cake.
- Cake Batter Assembly: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla, ensuring each ingredient is well integrated. Combine sour cream and buttermilk in another bowl. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to the creamed butter, mixing just until incorporated. This method helps maintain a light texture without overworking the batter.
- Assembling the Layers: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the sliced peaches evenly on top of the batter, then generously sprinkle with the prepared crumble. The peaches will partially sink into the batter as it bakes, creating beautifully moist layers.
- Baking and Serving: Bake the cake for about 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack. For a truly indulgent experience, serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage Options
Southern Peach Crumb Cake can be kept fresh and delicious long after it has cooled. For short-term storage, cover and keep at room temperature for up to two days. If you'd like to extend its life, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you're ready to enjoy a slice, simply warm it in the microwave for a few seconds for that just-baked taste. The cake can also be frozen for up to three months, tightly wrapped. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving or warming.
Variations and Substitutions
Whether due to dietary restrictions or simply to spice things up, here are some variations and substitutions for the Southern Peach Crumb Cake:
- Gluten-Free Flour: Easily make this cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Vegan Adaptations: Use vegan butter and a suitable egg replacement, along with plant-based sour cream and buttermilk, to cater to vegan diets.
- Different Fruits: Although peaches are traditional, feel free to use nectarines, apricots, or mixed berries for a different twist.
- Spice Variations: Experiment with cardamom or allspice instead of cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.
These adjustments ensure that the cake remains a versatile dessert option, adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs.
Southern Peach Crumb Cake
Ingredients
Crumble:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup 4 ounces unsalted butter, melted
Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound fresh peaches cored and sliced (approximately 4 medium peaches)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup 4 ounces unsalted butter, slightly softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Oven Preparation and Pan Setup: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a springform pan by lightly coating it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Preparing the Crumble: In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed. Gradually pour the melted butter over the mixture, folding it together until it forms an evenly crumbled texture. Set this mixture aside.
- Assembling the Cake Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are well mixed. Place this bowl aside.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Utilize a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment to cream together the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each is well integrated before adding the next.
- Combining Liquid Ingredients: In a separate, small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and buttermilk until smooth.
- Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Add about half a cup at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
- Layering and Baking the Cake: Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased springform pan. Evenly arrange the sliced peaches on top of the batter. Generously sprinkle the previously prepared crumble mixture over the peaches. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cooling and Serving: After baking, allow the cake to cool on a wire rack until it is mostly cool. Serve the cake warm, optionally accompanied by ice cream, to enhance the flavor. Enjoy your meticulously prepared Southern Peach Crumb Cake.
