Heavenly Southern Peach Crumb Cake: A Delightful Treat for All Occasions

Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of the South with our Southern Peach Crumb Cake recipe. This delectable dessert combines the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches with a buttery crumb topping, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something delicious, this peach crumb cake is sure to impress. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of making this irresistible dessert, along with variations to suit different preferences, including keto and low-carb options.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
1 stick butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
4 peaches, sliced (or 1 15-ounce can sliced peaches, drained)

For the Crumb Topping:

1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, and mix until just combined.
Layer the Peaches: Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Arrange the sliced peaches evenly over the batter.
Make the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt for the crumb topping. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Top with Crumb Mixture: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the peaches and cake batter in the pan.
Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations

Fresh vs. Canned Peaches: While fresh peaches are preferred when they’re in season, you can also use canned peaches as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the cake.
Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the cake batter and crumb topping according to your taste preferences. If using canned peaches, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar to account for the sweetness of the fruit.
Adding Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds to the crumb topping.
Gluten-Free Version: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Dairy-Free Option: To make the cake dairy-free, substitute the butter and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan butter and coconut cream.

Keto Versions and Low-Carb Options

Almond Flour Substitute: Replace the all-purpose flour in the cake batter and crumb topping with almond flour for a keto-friendly version of the recipe.
Sugar Substitute: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of sugar to reduce the carb content of the cake.
Low-Carb Topping: Instead of the traditional crumb topping, you can make a low-carb version using a combination of almond flour, butter, and a keto-friendly sweetener.

Indulge your taste buds with the delightful flavors of our Southern Peach Crumb Cake. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert for a chilly evening or looking for the perfect treat to share with family and friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With its tender cake base, juicy peaches, and irresistible crumb topping, every bite is a heavenly delight. Plus, with the option to customize the recipe to suit different dietary preferences, including keto and low-carb variations, everyone can enjoy this classic Southern dessert. Give it a try and savor the taste of summer all year round!