This Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake is a delightful treat with a soft, buttery base topped with sweet peaches and a crunchy crumb mix. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert!
I love serving this cake with a nice cup of coffee. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Plus, who can resist the wonderful smell of peaches baking? Yum! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor to the cake. If you’re watching your salt intake, you can use unsalted as it allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness, but you can swap half with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use a sugar alternative like coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches add a juicy sweetness. If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines, apricots, or even canned peaches (drained) work great too!
Flour: All-purpose flour is essential for texture. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Mixed Batter?
Mixing the batter properly is key to a fluffy cake. Start by creaming the butter and sugar until it’s light and airy. This helps incorporate air, making your cake rise beautifully.
- Beat the eggs in one at a time; this helps achieve a smoother batter.
- Add dry ingredients gradually, alternating with milk. This prevents lumps and keeps the batter consistent.
- Avoid over-mixing; just mix until combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake.
By following these tips, you’ll create a tender, flavorful crumb cake that’s sure to impress!
Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3-4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, it’s best to let it cool for about 20 minutes before serving, making the total time about 1 hour 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy gathering or a sweet family treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key because a properly preheated oven helps the cake rise beautifully. Next, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. It’s important to incorporate air for a soft cake!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
One by one, beat in the eggs into the butter-sugar mix, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This will enrich the batter with flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to break up any lumps and mix the ingredients evenly for a uniform cake texture.
5. Mix Everything Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mix, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay!
6. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. This ensures a nice, even bake. Now, it’s time to add the peach slices.
7. Add the Peaches:
Gently arrange the sliced peaches on top of the batter. Don’t worry if they overlap; they will bake down into the cake and add moisture and sweetness.
8. Prepare the Crumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, granulated sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Mix with a fork until it forms a crumbly texture. This will create a deliciously crunchy topping!
9. Sprinkle the Crumb Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the peaches and batter. The crumb layer will become beautifully golden and crunchy as it bakes.
10. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
11. Cool the Cake:
After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps the flavors meld beautifully.
12. Slice and Serve:
Once cooled, slice the cake into generous pieces and serve as desired. Enjoy your scrumptious Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake with family and friends—it makes a lovely dessert or a delightful breakfast treat!
FAQ for Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! You can substitute peaches with other fruits such as nectarines, plums, or apricots. Just remember to adjust the sweetness slightly depending on the fruit’s natural sugar content.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this crumb cake gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for better structure.
What Should I Serve With This Cake?
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top also adds a nice touch when serving!
