How to Make Southern Peach Crumb Cake

Southern Peach Crumb Cake – A Classic Taste of Sweet Southern Comfort
Few desserts capture the warmth of Southern baking like a freshly baked peach crumb cake. Buttery, soft, and layered with juicy peaches under a golden cinnamon crumble, this cake brings together everything we love about homemade comfort. With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, and a tender crumb enriched with sour cream, it’s the kind of treat that feels right at home on a porch swing, picnic blanket, or Sunday brunch table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average coffee cake—it’s a celebration of peaches at their peak. Inspired by Southern farmhouse kitchens, this crumb cake features a moist, velvety base, a juicy fruit layer, and a crisp, buttery topping that melts in your mouth. Whether you use fresh, frozen, or canned peaches, every bite bursts with sunshine and nostalgia.

Perfect for summer mornings, family gatherings, or potlucks, this recipe is easy to make and even easier to love.

Ingredients for Southern Peach Crumb Cake

For the Cake Batter
½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (120g) sour cream or plain yogurt
1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Peach Layer
2 cups (300g) sliced peaches (fresh, frozen, or canned – drained if canned)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the Crumb Topping
½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup (56g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch pan and dust with flour, or line with parchment for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
Beat butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and sour cream until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet just until combined—don’t overmix.

Step 3: Prepare the Peach Layer
In a small bowl, toss sliced peaches with cinnamon and sugar. Set aside to let the flavors mingle.

Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Spread cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange peaches over the top in a single layer. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the peaches.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The peaches should be soft and bubbling slightly around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee, tea, or cold lemonade.

Baker’s Tips for Success

Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter. Drain canned or thawed peaches well to avoid sogginess. Sour cream is key—it gives the cake richness and moisture. The flavor deepens overnight, making it even better the next day. This cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Storage Tips

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes for the perfect texture. Freeze the whole cake or individual slices tightly wrapped and thaw overnight before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Peaches: Substitute with nectarines, plums, apples, or mixed berries.
Sour Cream: Use Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tang.
Butter: Swap for plant-based butter or ghee for a dairy-free twist.
Flour: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.
Eggs: Replace with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water).

Serving Suggestions

Serve family-style on a cake stand or bring the pan straight to the table for a rustic touch. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert, or enjoy plain with a cup of coffee for breakfast. It’s a versatile treat for any time of day.

Cultural Context

This cake embodies the spirit of Southern baking—simple ingredients, homemade comfort, and the joy of sharing. Traditionally made with seasonal fruit, it’s a reflection of the Southern love for hospitality and homegrown flavors. Whether served at a church potluck or a summer picnic, it’s a dessert that connects generations through flavor and memory.

Pro Tips

Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan—add 5–10 minutes to the bake time. Add nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth. Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate overnight for easy baking the next day. Always label your dish—people will ask for the recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned peaches? Yes—just drain them thoroughly and pat dry.
Q: Why did my cake sink in the middle? It may have been underbaked or overmixed. Always test with a toothpick and mix gently.
Q: Is this gluten-free? Only if using a certified GF flour blend.
Q: Can I make cupcakes instead? Yes! Bake in lined tins for 20–24 minutes at 350°F.
Q: Can I reheat it in an air fryer? Yes, reheat slices at 350°F for 6–8 minutes for a crisp topping.

Allergy Information

Contains: dairy (butter, sour cream), eggs, and wheat. Naturally nut-free. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use certified substitutes and check ingredient labels.

Estimated Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Final Thoughts

Southern Peach Crumb Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a warm memory baked into every slice. The buttery crumb, spiced topping, and sweet peaches come together in a way that feels both nostalgic and timeless. Whether shared at brunch or enjoyed in the quiet of the afternoon, this cake proves that the simplest recipes often hold the most joy. So grab your peaches, preheat your oven, and bake a taste of Southern sunshine right into your kitchen.