Are you dreaming of warm summer days filled with the sweet scent of ripe peaches? Then let's bring that sunshine to your kitchen with this incredibly delicious and easy peach crumb cake recipe! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a delightful balance of moist, tender cake and a crunchy, buttery crumb topping. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade treat, the perfect addition to brunch, dessert, or even a delightful afternoon tea. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. It's one of those healthy meals that feels incredibly indulgent, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious without the fuss.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4 medium)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures even baking and easy removal of your delicious cake.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Setting up your dry ingredients first makes the mixing process smoother.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
Assembling and Baking the Cake
- Gently fold in the sliced peaches. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crumble topping ingredients using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
Baking and Cooling
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from crumbling.
Tips for Peachy Perfection:
- Peach Selection: Use ripe but firm peaches for the best results. Overripe peaches can make the cake too mushy.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Crumb Topping Variations: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 18-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55g
- Protein: 5-6g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Variations:
- Berry Crumb Cake: Replace the peaches with your favorite berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Apple Crumb Cake: Use sliced apples instead of peaches for a delicious autumnal twist.
This easy peach crumb cake recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of summer. It's a simple yet elegant dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!