Coffee Cake With Peaches Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, coffee cake – the beloved breakfast companion and the ultimate snack to enjoy with a steaming mug of your favorite brew. But what if I told you there’s a delightful twist that takes this classic treat to a whole new level? Enter: Coffee Cake with Peaches! Imagine the tender crumb of a buttery coffee cake infused with juicy, fragrant peaches that burst with every bite. It’s like summer and morning coffee had a delicious lovechild.

This recipe is perfect for those lazy weekend mornings when you want something a little special but still comforting. It’s a balance of soft, moist cake, sweet and slightly tangy peaches, and a crumbly cinnamon-sugar topping that makes you want to savor every morsel. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be your new go-to for brunches, afternoon tea, or anytime you crave something sweet yet homey.

Ready to bake? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty!

Coffee Cake With Peaches Recipe

Before we roll up our sleeves, here’s the overview of what this recipe entails:

• A moist, buttery cake base infused with vanilla and a hint of cinnamon
• Fresh peaches folded into the batter for juicy pockets of flavor
• A crunchy, crumbly streusel topping made with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg
• Baked to golden perfection – crisp on the outside, soft and tender inside
• Best served slightly warm, alongside your morning coffee or tea

Now, let’s break down everything you need to make this magic happen.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the full shopping list you’ll want to gather before starting. Nothing too exotic, but fresh peaches and good-quality butter will really elevate the final product.

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour – 2 cups (the base that gives structure)
• Granulated sugar – 3/4 cup (sweetens the cake perfectly)
• Baking powder – 2 teaspoons (to give the cake a lovely rise)
• Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (balances flavors)
• Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon (adds warm spice notes)
• Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup, softened (moisture and richness)
• Eggs – 2 large (binds and enriches the batter)
• Vanilla extract – 1 ½ teaspoons (flavor enhancer)
• Milk – 1/2 cup (adds moisture and tenderness)
• Fresh peaches – 2 medium, peeled and diced (star of the show!)

For The Streusel Topping

• Brown sugar – 1/2 cup (adds a caramelized sweetness)
• All-purpose flour – 1/2 cup (creates the crumbly texture)
• Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon (warm and aromatic)
• Cold unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons, cubed (creates those irresistible crumbs)
• Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts – 1/4 cup (for added crunch)

How To Make Coffee Cake With Peaches

Let’s get baking! Follow these detailed steps for a cake that’s out-of-this-world delicious.

1. Prep Your Oven And Pan

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix The Dry Ingredients

   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Cream Butter And Eggs

   • In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until creamy.
   • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
   • Stir in vanilla extract.

4. Combine Wet And Dry

   • Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined – don’t overmix or the cake will be tough!

5. Fold In Peaches

   • Gently fold in the diced peaches, distributing them evenly without breaking them apart.

6. Make The Streusel Topping

   • In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
   • Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • If using nuts, fold them in now.

7. Assemble And Bake

   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
   • Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter.
   • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool And Serve

   • Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
   • Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s a little nerdy deep dive into why these ingredients work so well together:

• Flour: Provides the structure through gluten formation, but be careful not to overmix – that can develop too much gluten and make the cake dense.
• Baking powder: A chemical leavening agent that releases carbon dioxide bubbles, helping the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Butter: Adds moisture and fat, which tenderizes the crumb and gives that rich flavor. Using softened butter ensures it mixes evenly without melting prematurely.
• Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and emulsification, helping blend fats and liquids smoothly.
• Peaches: Their natural juiciness adds moisture and subtle sweetness but also a slight acidity that balances the rich cake. Plus, their fibrous texture contrasts beautifully with the tender crumb.
• Streusel topping: The cold butter mixed into sugar and flour creates those irresistible crumbly bits. When baked, the sugar caramelizes slightly for a sweet crunch.

Expert Tips

Alright, now that you’ve got the basics, let me share some insider tips to get the best results:

• Use ripe but firm peaches – They’ll hold their shape during baking and provide juicy pockets without turning to mush.
• Don’t overmix your batter – Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and tender.
• Chill your butter for the streusel – This is key for that crumbly texture, so resist the urge to use room temp butter here!
• Try adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the peaches for an extra zing that brightens the whole cake.
• Bake in the middle rack – This promotes even heat distribution and prevents burning on the bottom.
• If peaches aren’t in season, substitute with nectarines or even blueberries for a fun twist.
• Allow the cake to cool a bit before slicing – It sets the crumb and keeps the topping from falling apart.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to tweak this recipe and make it your own:

• Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom to the batter for a more complex flavor profile.
• Nutty Delight: Stir chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the batter for a crunchy surprise inside.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for structure.
• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Peach Compote Swirl: Instead of diced peaches, swirl a peach compote into the batter for a jammy effect.
• Cream Cheese Layer: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese between two layers of batter for an indulgent surprise.

Final Words

This Coffee Cake with Peaches recipe is a warm hug on a plate – perfect for sharing or treating yourself. The combination of soft cake, fresh fruit, and crunchy topping makes every bite interesting and satisfying. It’s versatile, forgiving, and perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings and mix-ins. And above all, savor it slowly with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea – because food tastes best when enjoyed with a little calm and joy.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients For Making Coffee Cake With Peaches?

The key ingredients for coffee cake with peaches include all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, eggs, sour cream or buttermilk, fresh or canned peaches, and a cinnamon streusel topping made from flour, sugar, and butter.

Can I Use Frozen Peaches In A Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches. Be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake batter. You may want to toss them with a little flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

How Do I Prepare Peaches For A Coffee Cake?

Peel the peaches (if desired), remove the pit, and slice them into thin wedges or small chunks. If using fresh peaches, you may want to toss them in a bit of flour to help distribute them evenly in the batter.

Can I Substitute Sour Cream With Yogurt In A Coffee Cake With Peaches Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt in most recipes. The yogurt will provide similar moisture and tang, making it a suitable alternative. Greek yogurt can also be used for added thickness.

How Can I Make The Coffee Cake With Peaches Less Sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the coffee cake, you can decrease the amount of sugar in the batter and streusel topping. You can also use less sweet fruit or opt for a more tangy variety of peaches.

Is It Necessary To Add A Streusel Topping To The Coffee Cake?

No, a streusel topping is optional, but it adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the cake. You can skip the streusel if you prefer a simpler cake or use a glaze instead for a different texture.

Can I Make Coffee Cake With Peaches Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make coffee cake with peaches ahead of time. Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely and then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

How Do I Prevent The Peaches From Sinking To The Bottom Of The Cake?

To prevent peaches from sinking, toss the peach slices in a little bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps distribute the fruit evenly throughout the cake.

Can I Use A Different Fruit Instead Of Peaches In This Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute peaches with other fruits like apples, berries, or pears. Keep in mind that different fruits have varying moisture levels, so you may need to adjust the baking time or flour amount accordingly.

What Is The Best Way To Serve Coffee Cake With Peaches?

Coffee cake with peaches is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with coffee, tea, or a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.