This Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake is a lovely treat with sweet peaches nestled in a fluffy cake, topped with a delightful crumbly layer. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert!
What’s not to love about peaches and cake? 🍑 I enjoy serving it warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the cake’s structure. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works well in most recipes!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cake. If you want a healthier option, use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but keep in mind that it may affect texture.
Peaches: Canned peaches are convenient, but fresh ripe peaches will add a vibrant flavor. You can also use nectarines or even apricots if they’re in season.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth to the crumb topping. If you’re not a cinnamon fan, feel free to skip it or try nutmeg for a different flavor!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumb Topping?
The crumb topping is what makes this cake special, so getting it just right is key. The goal is to have it crunchy and not too dense. Here are some steps to achieve that perfect crumbly texture:
- Combine flour and sugar before adding melted butter. This helps the flour mix evenly.
- Drizzle the melted butter in little by little, using a fork to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid over-mixing!
- When sprinkling it on top of the cake, don’t pack it down. Let it stay loose for that lovely crust.
Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches, drained (or fresh peaches sliced)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake, for a total time of about 1 hour. Plus, it’ll need a few minutes to cool down before serving. It’s a straightforward recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for the cake to rise beautifully. While it’s warming up, grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This will blend all the dry ingredients and create a lovely base for your cake.
3. Making the Batter:
Now it’s time to add the wet ingredients! Add in the softened butter, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of milk. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat everything together until the batter is smooth and creamy. You’re doing great!
4. Pouring the Batter:
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Make sure it’s nice and level so it bakes evenly.
5. Adding the Peaches:
Now, take your sliced peaches and arrange them evenly over the batter. This will add a sweet and juicy layer that complements the crumb topping perfectly.
6. Preparing the Crumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, melted butter, and if you’re using it, the ground cinnamon. Mix until you get a crumbly texture.
7. Sprinkling the Crumb:
Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over the peaches and batter. Don’t worry about making it perfect; a rustic look adds to its charm!
8. Baking the Cake:
Pop your cake into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the topping is golden brown.
9. Cooling for Serving:
Once baked, take it out and let it cool slightly in the pan before serving. This is the hardest part—waiting to dig in!
10. Enjoying Your Cake:
Serve your delicious Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own, or you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dust it with powdered sugar for an extra treat!
Enjoy this scrumptious cake that will surely become a favorite!
FAQ for Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake
Can I Use Fresh Peaches Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches will add a delightful flavor to the cake. Just make sure they’re ripe and slice them evenly. You might need to adjust the sweetness slightly based on the peach’s ripeness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy it cold!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the cake up to the baking step, then cover it tightly and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter instead. Both will work well, but be sure to melt them first if using solid coconut oil!
