Peach Crumb Cake Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of sweet, juicy peaches and a golden, buttery crumb topping that makes peach crumb cake recipe the ultimate summer dessert. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping cake that's perfect for family gatherings, weekend brunches, or any time you want to celebrate the season's best fruit. As someone who's been perfecting this recipe for years, I can tell you that this peach crumb cake recipe delivers the perfect balance of moist, tender cake and irresistible crumb topping.

What makes this peach crumb cake recipe truly special is its foolproof approach that guarantees success every time. Unlike complicated desserts that require advanced techniques, this recipe uses straightforward methods that even beginner bakers can master. The secret lies in the carefully balanced ingredients and the simple techniques that create layers of flavor and texture. Whether you're using fresh peaches from your garden or store-bought fruit, this peach crumb cake recipe will become your go-to recipe for showcasing summer's sweetest bounty.

Why This Peach Crumb Cake Recipe Stands Out

This isn't just another fruit cake recipe; it's a carefully crafted balance of flavors and textures that makes every bite memorable. The tender, moist cake base provides the perfect foundation for sweet, caramelized peaches, while the cinnamon-spiced crumb topping adds that irresistible crunch everyone loves. What sets this peach crumb cake recipe apart is how it captures the essence of summer in every slice, with fresh peaches that become jammy and concentrated during baking, creating natural pockets of sweetness throughout the cake.

The beauty of this peach crumb cake recipe lies in its versatility and reliability. Unlike other fruit desserts that can turn out soggy or overly sweet, this recipe has been tested countless times to ensure consistent results. The crumb topping stays crispy even after cooling, and the cake maintains its moisture for days. This makes it perfect for meal prep, potluck dinners, or whenever you want to have a homemade dessert ready to serve. The combination of simplicity and sophistication makes this peach crumb cake recipe a true crowd-pleaser that works equally well for casual family dinners and special occasions.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Perfect Pairings: More Delicious Desserts to Try
• Related
• Pairing
• Peach Crumb Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Large eggs
• Whole milk
• Baking powder
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Fresh peaches, peeled and sliced

For the Crumb Topping:

• Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Cold butter, cubed
• Ground cinnamon

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Setup

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Wash and slice your peaches into thin wedges, removing pits and peeling if desired.
4. Set aside your sliced peaches while you prepare the cake batter.

Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
5. Mix just until combined; don't overmix to keep the cake tender.

Assemble the Cake

1. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
2. Arrange the sliced peaches on top of the batter in an even layer.
3. Gently press the peaches slightly into the batter.
4. Set aside while you prepare the crumb topping.

Create the Crumb Topping and Bake

1. Cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before serving.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping.
3. Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the peaches.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Choose the right peaches: Look for peaches that are ripe but still firm to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking
• Don't skip the parchment paper: This makes removing the cake much easier and prevents sticking
• Cold butter is key: Keep your butter cold when making the crumb topping for the best texture
• Test for doneness: The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched
• Let it rest: Allow the peach crumb cake recipe to cool slightly before cutting for cleaner slices

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-free version: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Dairy-free option: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter for traditional dairy ingredients
• Spice variations: Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg or cardamom to the crumb topping for extra warmth
• Fruit swaps: Try this recipe with apples, pears, or mixed berries when peaches aren't in season
• Reduced sugar: Cut the sugar by ¼ cup and add 1 teaspoon extra vanilla for sweetness
• Protein boost: Replace ¼ cup flour with almond flour for added protein and nutty flavor
• Make it a peach crumb cake coffee cake: Add 1 tablespoon instant coffee to the batter for a mocha twist

Equipment Recommendations

• 9x13-inch baking pan: Essential for getting the right thickness and even baking
• Electric mixer: Hand or stand mixer makes creaming butter and sugar much easier
• Pastry cutter: Perfect for creating the ideal crumb topping texture, though fingers work too
• Large mixing bowls: You'll need at least two for separating wet and dry ingredients
• Wire cooling rack: Allows air circulation for even cooling
• Sharp knife: Important for cleanly slicing peaches and serving the finished peach crumb cake recipe

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Serving suggestions: This peach crumb cake recipe tastes amazing with vanilla ice cream or whipped creamo freezing for X days/weeks/months.
• Room temperature storage: Cover tightly and store for up to 3 days at room temperature
• Refrigerator storage: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 1 week
• Freezing instructions: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheating tips: Warm slices in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the crumb topping up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator

FAQ

Perfect Pairings: More Delicious Desserts to Try

Now that you’ve mastered this incredible peach crumb cake recipe, it’s the perfect time to explore more desserts that use the same foolproof techniques. This peach crumb cake recipe teaches you how to cream butter and sugar to perfection, create that irresistible crumb topping, and balance fresh fruit with a soft, moist cake base. These foundational baking methods, highlighted throughout this peach crumb cake recipe, translate beautifully to other treats—like berry crumb bars, apple coffee cake, or even a spiced pear crumb loaf.

Speaking of expanding your dessert horizons, two recipes that pair wonderfully with the summery freshness of peach crumb cake recipe are Funfetti Cake Bars Recipe and Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe. The Funfetti Cake Bars bring that same comforting, homemade quality with a fun, celebratory twist that's perfect for birthdays and special occasions. Meanwhile, the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake offers a rich, indulgent contrast that's ideal for when you want something more decadent. Together, these three desserts give you a complete arsenal of go-to recipes that will make you the dessert hero at any event. Your peach crumb cake recipe will always hold a special place as the perfect summer dessert, but having these additional options ensures you're prepared for any season or celebration.

With love-By Lisa Johnson ✨

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