Description

If you're craving a dessert that embodies the warmth and charm of Southern hospitality, look no further than this Southern Peach Crumb Cake. Bursting with sweet, juicy peaches and complemented by a buttery, cinnamon-infused crumb topping, this cake is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you're serving it as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or offering it as a show-stopping dessert at a family gathering, this peach crumb cake is sure to impress.

Peaches have long been a symbol of Southern cuisine, and when they are in season, there’s nothing quite like the sweetness they bring to desserts. This recipe takes full advantage of the fruit’s natural juiciness, while the crumb topping adds the perfect contrast of buttery crunch. Together, these elements create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and simply irresistible.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
• For the Crumb Topping:
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Preparation Method

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Make the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly. Set aside.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract.

Add the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Layer the Peaches: Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the sliced peaches evenly over the batter.

Top with Remaining Batter: Gently spread the remaining batter over the peaches, then sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the cake.

Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. If the crumb topping is browning too quickly, cover the cake loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before serving. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips and Conclusion

How to Pick the Perfect Peaches: The quality of your peaches will make or break this recipe. Look for peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch, but not mushy. If you can't find fresh peaches, canned peaches in their own juice or frozen peaches can be used as a substitute, but be sure to drain or thaw them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is a delightful homage to the comfort and richness of Southern desserts. Its buttery crumb topping and the sweet, juicy peaches come together in perfect harmony, creating a cake that’s just as enjoyable with a morning coffee as it is after dinner. The texture is moist yet crumbly, and the flavor of fresh peaches shines through with every bite. It's a dessert that’s simple to make but impressive to serve, offering that homey feel with a dash of Southern charm.

Serve this cake at your next gathering, and it will surely be the star of the dessert table. And if you want to elevate it even further, try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice before serving. This cake is a wonderful way to celebrate the peach season or to bring a taste of the South into your kitchen year-round.