Peach Coffee Cake

The Peach Coffee Cake is a warm, comforting treat that brings together the richness of buttery cake, the juiciness of ripe peaches, and the irresistible crunch of a cinnamon streusel topping. Ideal for a summer brunch or cozy breakfast, it’s one of those cakes that feels nostalgic yet indulgent, and can be served warm or at room temperature.

Whether you enjoy it with your morning cup of coffee or as a late-night sweet craving, this cake strikes the perfect balance between moist texture and crumbly topping. Using fresh seasonal peaches elevates its flavor, but it’s equally delicious with high-quality canned or frozen fruit, making it a versatile dessert to bake year-round.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups diced fresh peaches (or canned peaches, drained)

For the Streusel Topping:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.

6. Gently fold in the diced peaches.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

8. For the streusel, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

9. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cake batter.

10. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

11. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 9 slices

The Ultimate Peach Coffee Cake Guide: A Sweet Twist for Brunch and Beyond

Peach coffee cake is a delightful fusion of sweet, fruity goodness and warm, buttery cake, making it a beloved classic across breakfast tables and dessert trays alike. Whether served warm with a drizzle of cream, topped with whipped topping, or enjoyed plain alongside your morning cup of coffee, this cake brings together simple ingredients in the most delicious way. This version of peach coffee cake blends soft, tender crumb with juicy peach bites and a cinnamon-scented streusel topping, the kind of cake that’s hard to stop at just one slice.

In this guide, we’ll dive deeper into what makes this peach coffee cake recipe a standout, from the choice of ingredients and substitutions to the best serving tips and storage suggestions. If you’re new to baking or simply looking for a versatile fruit cake that works across seasons, this is a must-try addition to your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Peach Coffee Cake

There’s something truly nostalgic about coffee cakes, maybe it’s the comforting aroma wafting from the oven or the inviting crumb topping that feels like a warm hug. Add peaches into the mix, and you elevate this experience with summery sweetness, juiciness, and a soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the crumbly streusel.

Here are a few reasons you’ll love this recipe:

• Easy to make: This cake requires no special skills or equipment. It’s perfect for beginner bakers.

• Seasonally adaptable: Use fresh peaches in the summer, canned or frozen during the colder months.

• Versatile for any occasion: Serve it for brunch, dessert, snack time, or even gift it during the holidays.

• Customizable: You can swap out fruit, play with spices, or add a glaze for extra flair.

The Key Ingredients That Make It Special

This cake may look simple, but every ingredient plays an essential role in creating its signature flavor and texture.

• Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star. Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best texture. If they’re out of season, canned or frozen peaches work beautifully too.

• Butter and Sour Cream: The duo of butter and sour cream adds richness, moisture, and that signature tender crumb. Sour cream also lends a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.

• Streusel Topping: A crumbly mix of brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon gives the cake its classic coffee cake topping: a golden, crunchy finish that contrasts with the soft interior.

• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla brings warmth and enhances the flavor of the peaches.

• Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: This pairing gives the cake that cozy flavor you’d expect from a coffee cake, complementing the fruity peach notes.

Fresh vs. Canned vs. Frozen Peaches

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Whether it’s peak peach season or the middle of winter, you can still enjoy this cake.

• Fresh Peaches: Ideal when in season. Peel and dice before folding into the batter.

• Canned Peaches: A pantry staple. Choose those packed in juice (not syrup) for best results. Drain well before using.

• Frozen Peaches: Great for off-season baking. Thaw and pat dry before adding to avoid excess moisture.

Tips for Perfect Peach Coffee Cake

Getting that bakery-quality texture and flavor at home is easier than you might think. Here are a few tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temp for easier mixing and a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing leads to a denser cake.

• Use Cold Butter for Streusel: Cold butter helps create those irresistible crumbs in the topping.

• Cool Before Cutting: Let the cake rest before slicing to allow the crumb to set. This prevents it from falling apart when you serve.

Creative Variations to Try

While this peach coffee cake is delicious on its own, you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or occasion:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts in the streusel for crunch.

• Try a glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice for a simple drizzle.

• Spice it up: Add cardamom or nutmeg for extra warmth.

• Use other fruits: Swap in blueberries, apples, or nectarines for a fun twist.

• Make it whole wheat: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, slightly denser version.

Serving Suggestions

This peach coffee cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Morning or brunch: With hot coffee or tea.

• Dessert: Warmed and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

• On-the-go: As a midday snack or in lunchboxes.

• For guests: Serve on a brunch table with eggs, fresh fruit, and yogurt.

You can even make this into muffins by dividing the batter among a muffin tin and adjusting the baking time, perfect for individual servings or grab-and-go treats.

How to Store and Freeze

Leftovers (if any!) store wonderfully:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic, then foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.

For best results, don’t freeze the streusel unbaked. The texture won’t hold up the same way. If making ahead, bake fully first, then freeze.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per slice)

• Calories: 290

• Total Fat: 14g

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Sugars: 22g

• Protein: 4g

When to Make Peach Coffee Cake

This cake works for practically any occasion:

• Summer gatherings with fresh fruit

• Holiday brunches where a sweet and cozy dish is needed

• Gifting, wrap slices in parchment for a homemade treat

• Weekend baking, a great recipe to involve kids or enjoy on a lazy Sunday

Conclusion

Peach coffee cake is the epitome of easy elegance, a recipe that blends seasonal fruit with a warm, comforting crumb and irresistible topping. Whether you’re baking it for a quiet morning at home, a celebratory brunch, or to share with neighbors, this cake delivers. It’s adaptable, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.

With its rich history and flexible ingredients, coffee cake continues to be a beloved part of the home baker’s repertoire, and adding peaches gives it a juicy, summery twist you’ll return to again and again. Once you bake it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a permanent part of your recipe collection.