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

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until crumbly. Set aside.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

4. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy for 2-3 minutes.

5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

7. Spread half of the batter in the prepared dish and arrange sliced peaches evenly over it.

8. Spread the remaining batter over the peaches and sprinkle with crumb topping.

9. Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.

10. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before serving. Optionally serve with vanilla ice cream or 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.