Southern Peach Crumb Cake – Juicy, Buttery & Perfectly Baked

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of fruit-filled sweetness, soft buttery cake, and golden crumb topping, this Southern Peach Crumb Cake is exactly what your table needs. It’s the kind of bake that feels like a warm hug-simple, familiar, and completely irresistible.

Fresh, ripe peaches (or canned, when you’re short on time) melt into a tender vanilla-scented cake base, while a generous brown sugar crumb bakes up crisp and golden on top. It’s a dessert that works year-round but feels especially at home in the warmer months-perfect for weekend brunches, coffee dates, or lazy Sunday baking.

Serve it warm with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. However you slice it, this crumb cake delivers true Southern comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a cake-it’s a slice of sweet, peachy comfort. Here’s what makes it a favorite:

✔️ Juicy Peach Goodness

Fresh or canned, peaches add a tender, fruity layer that caramelizes slightly as it bakes into the soft cake.

✔️ Soft, Buttery Crumb

The base is rich and moist, with just enough structure to hold the fruit and topping without getting soggy.

✔️ Generous Crumb Topping

A thick layer of brown sugar crumble gives this cake its bakery-style flair and cozy texture in every bite.

✔️ Easy One-Pan Bake

No layering, frosting, or fussy steps. Everything goes into one pan-just mix, layer, bake, and enjoy.

✔️ Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing

Serve it for dessert, breakfast, or a sweet snack-it’s always a hit and easy to make ahead.

💡 Pro Tip – Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the crumb topping for extra warmth and depth.

Ingredients

Cake Batter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup whole milk

• 2–3 fresh peaches, sliced (or 1½ cups canned, drained)

Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish or round cake pan with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined-don’t overmix.

3️⃣ Layer the Cake

Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange peach slices over the top in a single layer (it’s okay if they overlap slightly).

4️⃣ Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the peaches.

5️⃣ Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the crumb is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a little moist from peaches is fine).

6️⃣ Cool & Serve

Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

👩‍🍳 Instructions (Short Version)

1. Cream butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour, salt, and milk to form batter.

2. Spread batter in pan. Top with sliced peaches.

3. Mix crumble topping and sprinkle over peaches.

4. Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes. Cool and serve.

Recipe Variations

Try these sweet spins to make it your own:

🔸 Almond Peach Crumb Cake

Add ½ tsp almond extract to the batter and top with slivered almonds for a nutty twist.

🌿 Perfect for: a more fragrant, bakery-style vibe.

🔸 Peach + Berry Mix

Toss in a handful of blueberries or raspberries with the peaches for a fruity blend.

🌿 Perfect for: peak summer fruit season.

🔸 Maple Crumb

Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the topping for a rich, earthy sweetness.

🌿 Perfect for: fall-inspired flavor.

🔸 Gluten-Free Option

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose. Check baking time for doneness.

🌿 Perfect for: gluten-free guests or lighter texture.

🔸 Peach Upside-Down Crumb Cake

Layer peaches on the bottom of the pan and flip after baking for a fun presentation twist.

🌿 Perfect for: special occasions or brunch tables.

💡 Pro Tip – Add lemon zest to the cake batter for a citrusy lift that balances the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These common questions will help you make the perfect Southern Peach Crumb Cake-whether you’re baking for the first time or fine-tuning your favorite version.

Can I use canned or frozen peaches❓

Yes! If using canned, make sure they’re drained well. For frozen peaches, thaw them completely and pat dry before layering to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

Can I bake this in a round pan or cast-iron skillet❓

Absolutely. An 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan or oven-safe skillet works beautifully. Just watch the baking time-it may be a few minutes shorter or longer depending on depth.

Can I make this cake gluten-free❓

Yes-just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum included). The texture will be slightly more delicate but still delicious.

What’s the best way to store leftovers❓

Store tightly covered at room temperature for 1–2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm individual slices slightly before serving for that fresh-baked feel.

Can I make this crumb cake ahead of time❓

Yes! It keeps well and actually gets more flavorful the next day. You can bake it the night before and serve it the next morning or afternoon-just let it come to room temperature or warm it gently before serving.

Can I freeze it❓

Definitely. Once fully cooled, wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven to refresh the crumb.

Conclusion – A Southern Slice of Sweet, Crumbly Comfort

This Southern Peach Crumb Cake is more than just a cozy dessert-it’s a moment. A moment of slow baking, of sweet seasonal fruit, of buttery richness and warm spice. With its soft vanilla base, juicy peaches, and crunchy brown sugar topping, every bite feels like home-whether you grew up on Southern classics or are baking them into your life for the first time.

It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple enough for a casual coffee catch-up but special enough to serve at brunch or bring to a family gathering. And it doesn’t need fancy plating or decoration-just a fork, a slice, and someone to share it with (or not!).

Whether you’re enjoying it warm from the oven with whipped cream or chilled the next morning with a hot cup of coffee, this cake delivers that just-right balance of comfort and freshness. It’s a timeless bake you’ll reach for again and again.

💡 Because when a cake can taste like sunshine, comfort, and tradition all at once-that’s worth baking.

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