Rustic Peach Walnut Crumb Cake Recipe

Irresistible Peach Walnut Crumb Cake Recipe: Sweet Summer Joy

Dive into a delightful world of sweet indulgence with this irresistible peach walnut crumb cake recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Sunshine-kissed peaches mingle harmoniously with crunchy walnuts, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Soft, tender cake layers beneath a buttery, golden crumb topping make every bite a moment of pure bliss.

The rustic charm of this dessert brings warmth to any gathering, inviting everyone to savor its comforting embrace.

Each slice tells a story of summer’s bounty and homemade goodness.

Rich, nutty undertones complement the juicy peach fragments, ensuring a dessert that’s both elegant and approachable.

Get ready to fall in love with this mouthwatering treat that turns an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of flavor.

Tools for Making a Tender Crumb Cake

  • Large mixing bowl: For combining crumb topping and cake batter ingredients.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Specifically for preparing crumb topping mixture.
  • Small mixing bowl: For combining dry cake ingredients.
  • Electric mixer: To beat butter, sugar, eggs, and create fluffy texture.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • 13×9-inch baking pan: Standard size pan for cake preparation.
  • Paper towels: To drain peach pieces before placing on cake.
  • Wire rack: For cooling cake after baking.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: To mix and spread batter evenly.
  • Cutting tool: To cut butter into crumb topping mixture.

How to Assemble Peach Walnut Crumb Cake

  • Kitchen Preparation

Get your baking space ready with clean counters, essential tools, and a relaxed mindset for creating a delightful dessert.

  • Crumb Topping Creation

Blend crunchy walnuts with flour, rich brown sugar, and warm spices, then work butter into the mixture until it looks like delicate, sandy crumbs.

  • Cake Batter Mixing

Whip butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, pale cloud, then gently fold in eggs and creamy sour cream. Softly incorporate dry ingredients to create a smooth, silky batter.

  • Fruity Layer

Carefully place juicy peach pieces across the cake’s surface, nestling them gently into the soft batter like precious jewels.

  • Topping and Baking

Generously sprinkle the nutty crumb mixture over the peach-studded cake. Slide the pan into a warm oven and bake until the edges pull away and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

  • Cooling and Serving

Let the cake rest and cool completely, allowing flavors to meld and settle. Slice and serve this rustic, comforting dessert that celebrates seasonal fruits and homemade warmth.

Tips to Add More Crunch or Flavor

  • Peach Walnut Crumb Cake Secrets
  • Pat peaches thoroughly dry before adding to cake batter to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy. Fresh or canned peaches work wonderfully, but ensure they're well-drained.
  • Freeze butter for 10 minutes before cutting into crumb mixture to create more defined, crunchy crumbs that will hold their texture during baking.
  • Toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to crumb topping to enhance their nutty depth and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Replace peaches with other stone fruits like nectarines, plums, or apricots during different harvest seasons for a delightful variation that keeps the recipe exciting and fresh.

Serving Peach Crumb Cake at Any Time

  • Brunch Centerpiece: Serve this delightful cake as the star of your weekend brunch, accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice.
  • Dessert Delight: Elevate the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent after-dinner treat that'll impress your guests.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Slice into neat squares and pair with a hot Earl Grey tea, creating a perfect mid-afternoon snack that combines comfort and elegance.
  • Picnic Perfect: Pack individual slices in a portable container for a sweet outdoor treat that travels well and brings a touch of homemade goodness to your picnic spread.

Keeping Crumb Cake Fresh for Days

  • Maximize Freshness: Store cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping it moist and delicious. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
  • Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: Extend cake's life by refrigerating for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving to restore its soft, tender texture and vibrant flavors.
  • Freeze for Future Cravings: Slice cake into individual portions, wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months for a quick dessert emergency. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Smart Serving Tips: Cut cake when completely cooled to prevent crumbling. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices for neat, picture-perfect servings that showcase those juicy peaches and crunchy walnut crumbs.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 275 kcal

Servings: 13

Peach Walnut Crumb Cake Ingredient Breakdown

For Crumb Topping:
  • Walnuts: Bring nutty crunch and rich depth, select fresh, crisp nuts without discoloration or rancid smell.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates sandy texture for topping, choose unbleached flour for better flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps topping bind together, look for moist, clump-free sugar.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice that complements peaches and walnuts.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Introduces subtle, earthy warmth to enhance overall flavor profile.
  • Unsalted Butter: Binds ingredients and creates rich, tender crumb texture, use cold butter for best results.
For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb, sift to remove lumps.
  • Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes egg whites and adds slight tanginess, ensure freshness.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and creates light texture, check expiration date.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor, use fine kosher or sea salt.
  • Unsalted Butter: Contributes richness and helps create tender cake, soften at room temperature.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create soft texture, choose pure cane sugar.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds deep, complex flavor, opt for pure vanilla for best taste.
  • Large Eggs: Provide structure and moisture, use room temperature eggs.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and keeps cake moist, choose full-fat version.
Print
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Rustic Peach Walnut Crumb Cake Recipe

Rustic Peach Walnut Crumb Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade peach walnut crumb cake delivers a delightful blend of sweet fruit and nutty textures. Rich brown sugar streusel tops tender peach-studded cake, inviting bakers to savor each delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 cups (590 ml) diced fresh peaches
  • 1.5 cups (180 g) chopped walnuts
  • 1 container (8 oz / 226 g) sour cream
  • 2 eggs
  • 2.5 cups (313 g) flour
  • 0.5 cup (60 g) flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup (110 g) firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup (113 g / 1 stick) butter, softened
  • 0.33 cup (75 g) cold butter, cut into chunks
  • 2 tsps McCormick® Cream Of Tartar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1.5 tsps McCormick® All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1.5 tsps McCormick® Ground Allspice
  • 0.5 tsp McCormick® Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and position rack in the center for even baking.
  2. Crumb Topping: Blend walnuts, flour, dark brown sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse, pebbled texture.
  3. Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl, setting aside for later integration.
  4. Wet Mixture: Cream butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and airy, approximately 5 minutes. Gradually incorporate eggs and sour cream, mixing until just combined.
  5. Batter Assembly: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, creating a smooth, uniform cake batter. Thoroughly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  6. Fruit Layer: Pat peach pieces dry with paper towels. Spread cake batter evenly in the prepared pan, then strategically arrange peach pieces on top, gently pressing them into the batter.
  7. Topping and Baking: Liberally sprinkle the walnut crumb mixture over the peach-studded surface. Bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for golden-brown crumb topping and cake edges pulling away from pan sides.
  8. Cooling: Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely on a wire rack within the baking pan, allowing flavors to settle and texture to stabilize.

Notes

  • Moisture Management: Pat peaches thoroughly to prevent soggy cake texture and ensure crisp, defined layers.
  • Butter Temperature Tip: Use room temperature butter for smoother creaming and better cake structure, enhancing overall richness.
  • Crumb Consistency Technique: Cut cold butter into crumb mixture using a pastry cutter, creating delicate, clumpy topping with perfect texture.
  • Baking Precision: Check cake doneness by observing golden-brown crumb topping and edges slightly pulling away from pan sides.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 275
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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