Peach Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, you’ve come to the right place! This Peach Coffee Cake is one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with warmth and a sweet aroma that makes everyone feel at home. It’s a recipe I hold dear because it reminds me of sunny summer days spent picking peaches and enjoying family gatherings around the table.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight dessert or serving it at a family brunch, this cake is sure to impress. It’s simple enough for a weekday but fancy enough to wow your guests. Trust me; once you take a bite of this moist, peach-infused cake topped with crunchy streusel, you’ll understand why it has earned a special spot in my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this Peach Coffee Cake comes together quickly, making it perfect for any level of baker.
• Family Favorite: The sweet peach flavor and crumbly topping are loved by both kids and adults alike, making it a hit at family gatherings.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the addition of sour cream or Greek yogurt, this cake is incredibly moist and rich without being overly heavy.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert after dinner—it’s delightful any time of day!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Peach Coffee Cake requires just a handful of wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather these simple staples so we can get started on this delicious adventure!

For the Cake

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups diced peaches (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)

For the Streusel Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

For the Glaze (Optional)

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

This recipe offers some flexibility if you want to mix things up! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Mix in Berries: Swap out half the peaches for fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Change Up the Spice: Experiment with adding nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based yogurt and butter for an equally delicious vegan version.

How to Make Peach Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and lightly flouring an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan will help ensure your cake comes out easily after baking. If you prefer less mess, lining it with parchment paper works wonders too!

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add in those cold butter cubes! Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial because keeping the mixture cold will give us that lovely crumbly texture we adore on top of our cake.

Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed so there are no salty surprises in your cake.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do it! Creaming incorporates air into our batter which is key for achieving that tender crumb.

Step 5: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Next up! Beat in each egg one at a time while scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then add vanilla extract and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until smooth. The sour cream not only adds moisture but also gives richness that takes this cake over the top!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually mix those dry ingredients into our wet mixture. Stir gently until no flour streaks remain—overmixing here could lead to a dense cake! The batter should be thick; that’s exactly what we want.

Step 7: Fold in the Peaches

Now comes the fun part—gently fold in those diced peaches using a spatula! If you’re using canned peaches, don’t forget to drain them well first so they don’t add excess moisture.

Step 8: Layer and Top

Spread that luscious batter evenly into your prepared pan. Smooth out the top gently with your spatula before sprinkling on that cold cinnamon streusel topping—don’t press it down; we want that lovely crumbly texture!

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If you notice it’s browning too quickly on top, tent it loosely with foil around the 35-minute mark.

Step 10: Cool and Glaze (Optional)

Once baked to perfection, let your cake cool in its pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing into squares. If you’re feeling fancy (and who wouldn’t?), whisk together powdered sugar with vanilla extract and milk until smooth for an optional glaze drizzle over each slice!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Peach Coffee Cake—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Peach Coffee Cake

Baking is an art, and with a few simple tips, you can create a masterpiece! Here are some helpful hints to ensure your Peach Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh peaches: Fresh peaches will provide the best flavor and texture. If they’re in season, go for ripe, juicy ones for that burst of sweetness in every bite.

• Don’t skip the cooling time: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan helps set the structure. This way, it won’t crumble when you cut into those delicious slices!

• Adjust sweetness as needed: Depending on your peach variety, you might need to tweak the sugar a little. Taste your batter before baking and adjust if necessary to achieve the perfect balance.

• Make it ahead of time: This cake actually tastes better on the second day! Bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. The flavors will develop beautifully overnight.

• Experiment with spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding nutmeg or cardamom to the streusel topping for an extra layer of flavor that complements peaches wonderfully.

How to Serve Peach Coffee Cake

Serving your Peach Coffee Cake can be just as delightful as baking it! Here are some creative ways to present this treat that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the cake.
• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a few sprigs of fresh mint not only enhances visual appeal but also provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet peaches.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea is a classic pairing that complements the sweet and fruity flavors of the cake.
• Fruit salad: A bowl of mixed seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cake, making for a lovely presentation.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a hearty side that contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of coffee cake.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside warm slices transforms this dessert into an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Peach Coffee Cake is a fantastic option for meal prep! Not only does it taste delicious fresh, but it also holds up beautifully, making it perfect to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer it chilled, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, microwave on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• For larger portions, place the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covering with foil if needed to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Peach Coffee Cake!

Can I use other fruits in this Peach Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can substitute peaches with other fruits such as apricots, plums, or even berries for a delightful twist.

How do I ensure my Peach Coffee Cake stays moist?

To keep your Peach Coffee Cake moist, make sure not to overmix your batter and use ingredients like sour cream or Greek yogurt. They add moisture that enhances the texture of your cake.

Can I make this Peach Coffee Cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free for the best results.

How long does this Peach Coffee Cake last?

When stored properly at room temperature, this Peach Coffee Cake lasts about 3 days and up to a week in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for longer storage!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Peach Coffee Cake! It’s a lovely treat that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving it at brunch or enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee. The combination of sweet peaches and buttery cake is truly something special. Enjoy creating wonderful memories and sharing this delicious dessert with loved ones!