Homemade Peaches and Cream Coffee Cake: Your Ultimate Summer Treat Recipe
Indulge in the sweet, juicy goodness of summer with this delightful Peaches and Cream Coffee Cake. Featuring fresh peaches, a comforting cinnamon streusel, and a rich vanilla glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a cozy coffee break.
There’s nothing quite like the arrival of summer and the bounty of fresh, ripe peaches. Their vibrant color, sweet aroma, and succulent, juicy texture make them a true seasonal delight. Right now, farmers’ markets are overflowing with these golden treasures, and I simply can’t resist bringing a bag (or two!) home. If you’re wondering what to do with your generous peach haul, look no further than this incredible Peaches and Cream Coffee Cake recipe. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season and infuse your kitchen with the joyous flavors of summer, bringing a touch of sunshine to your table and a smile to every face.
Peaches are incredibly versatile, lending their sweet and tangy notes to both savory and sweet dishes. Just this week, I’ve been incorporating them into everything imaginable! From fluffy Peach Cobbler Muffins, which filled my kitchen with an irresistible aroma that drew everyone in, to a refreshing Peach Tea Punch, perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon, these fruits are proving to be the star of many culinary creations. But among all the peach-infused delights, this Peaches and Cream Coffee Cake quickly rose to the top as an absolute favorite. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requires minimal fuss, yet tastes incredibly decadent and special, making it a staple for your summer baking repertoire.
Why This Peaches and Cream Coffee Cake Will Be Your New Favorite
This recipe isn’t just about delicious flavors; it’s about creating cherished moments and spreading joy. The very first time I baked this coffee cake, I made an extra one to share with a friend who was hosting a house full of guests. I knew a crowd would appreciate a warm, homemade treat, and my intuition was spot on. Everyone absolutely raved about it! Hearing their glowing reviews later in the week was truly heartwarming and confirmed that this recipe was an undeniable winner. It has that perfect balance of comforting familiarity and elegant presentation that makes it ideal for any gathering, whether it’s an intimate family breakfast or a lively brunch with friends.
Coffee cake holds a particularly special place in our hearts at home. My son, in particular, is a huge fan of anything with cinnamon – a key, aromatic component of any classic coffee cake. It’s a cherished tradition that whenever he visits my parents, my mom lovingly bakes her signature coffee cake specifically for his breakfast. This heartwarming tradition started when he was just four years old and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, continuing to create sweet memories with every slice. It’s these simple, sweet moments that truly elevate a recipe, and I’m confident this peaches and cream version will quickly become another beloved family tradition, creating new delightful memories for years to come.
My personal love for coffee cake runs deep, rooted in a classic base recipe I grew up with, passed down through generations. A couple of years ago, I successfully experimented with this beloved foundational recipe to create a delightful Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake, which quickly became a huge hit with everyone who tried it. Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share yet another fantastic adaptation of that very same versatile base: this irresistible Peaches and Cream Coffee Cake. It perfectly showcases the juicy sweetness and bright flavor of fresh summer peaches, transforming a timeless classic into a truly seasonal masterpiece that captures the essence of peak summer produce.
Achieving Coffee Cake Perfection: Key Tips and Tricks
Choosing Your Ideal Baking Pan
While I often use a standard 8-inch square pan for my coffee cakes, which yields beautiful, neat slices, this time I opted for a springform pan. The good news is, both options work absolutely beautifully for this recipe, so don’t fret if you don’t have a springform pan on hand; a regular 8×8 inch square baking dish will do the trick and produce an equally delicious cake. The main reason I chose the springform pan this particular time was purely for aesthetic appeal – it allows the sweet vanilla glaze to artfully drizzle down the sides of the cake once it’s removed from the pan, creating a more professional, elegant, and appealing presentation. If you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply desire that extra touch of visual flair, a springform pan is a fantastic choice. Otherwise, your trusty square pan will deliver a consistently delicious result every time.
Selecting the Best Peaches for Baking
For the most vibrant flavor and ideal texture in your coffee cake, it’s crucial to choose ripe but still firm peaches. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed lightly and emanate a wonderfully fragrant, sweet aroma. If the peaches are too soft, they might become overly mushy and disintegrate into the cake batter during baking; if they are too hard, they won’t offer enough natural sweetness or flavor to the finished product. Peeling the peaches is generally recommended for a smoother, more refined texture in the cake, but if you prefer the rustic charm and added fiber, you can certainly leave the skin on for an extra pop of color. Just be sure to dice them into small, uniform pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the batter and cook thoroughly, ensuring every bite is bursting with peachy goodness.
Crafting the Perfect Streusel Topping
The streusel topping is an absolutely non-negotiable component of any truly great coffee cake, and this one is no exception, adding a crucial layer of texture and flavor. It’s a delightful combination of light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and aromatic cinnamon, cut together with cold butter to create those irresistible, buttery crumbly bits. The key to a perfect streusel is to use very cold butter, cut into small cubes, and work it into the dry ingredients with your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture generously resembles coarse sand. Avoid the temptation to overmix, as this can make the topping too dense and result in a less crumbly texture. The goal is a light, airy, and textured crumb that crisps up beautifully and golden brown in the oven, adding a delightful, crunchy contrast to every moist bite of cake.
Mixing the Batter with Gentle Care
For a coffee cake that boasts a tender, light, and wonderfully moist crumb, it is absolutely crucial not to overmix the batter. Once you have combined the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until they are *just* combined. You might notice a few small lumps, which are perfectly acceptable and even desirable; overmixing can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, which will inevitably lead to a tough, rubbery cake. Gently folding in the peeled and diced peaches at the very end of the mixing process ensures they remain largely intact and are distributed evenly throughout the batter, without being bruised or breaking down prematurely. This careful technique will result in a coffee cake that is both tender and packed with juicy peach flavor.
More Than Just Breakfast: Versatile Serving Options
This Peaches and Cream Coffee Cake truly excels at covering all culinary bases, making it an incredibly versatile treat. Whether you’re searching for a delightful breakfast to kickstart your day, a satisfying and flavorful snack to curb your midday cravings, something special and comforting to enjoy with your morning or afternoon coffee, or even an impressive, crowd-pleasing dessert to elegantly round off a meal, this recipe has you perfectly covered. It’s remarkably easy to throw together, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings when you need a quick yet delicious option, or for those spontaneous baking sessions when inspiration strikes. Its simple elegance and irresistible flavor profile ensure it will be a hit no matter when or how it’s served.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
- Breakfast/Brunch: Serve a warm slice with an extra dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla yogurt, or a side of complementary fresh berries for a truly indulgent start to your day.
- Coffee Break: A generous slice pairs perfectly with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, a calming cup of tea, or even a tall, refreshing glass of iced peach tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
- Dessert: Elevate this coffee cake to a sophisticated dessert by serving it warm with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, a light drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for added crunch.
- Gift Idea: Thoughtfully package a small, whole cake or beautifully wrap individual slices for friends, family, neighbors, or as a thoughtful hostess gift. It’s a homemade present that’s sure to be deeply appreciated.
Peaches and Cream Coffee Cake
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Ingredients
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cup peaches, peeled and diced
Streusel Topping
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 4 Tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 -2 Tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly spray an 8-inch springform pan, or an 8×8 inch square baking pan, with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside, ensuring the pan is ready for the batter.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until they are thoroughly combined and no lumps remain. In a separate 2-cup liquid measuring cup, combine the canola oil, milk, and egg, whisking until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and even preferred for a tender cake.
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Gently fold in the peeled and diced peaches into the batter. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture to ensure every slice has delicious peach pieces.
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In a small bowl, prepare the delightful streusel topping. Combine the light brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter, which should be cut into small cubes. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand, ensuring a crumbly texture.
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Evenly spread the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over the entire surface of the cake batter, creating a beautiful and flavorful crust.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be beautifully golden brown and the streusel fragrant.
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Remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. If you are using a springform pan, carefully run a knife around the edge of the cake before releasing the sides and removing it from the pan. If using a regular square pan, allow it to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
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While the cake is cooling, prepare the luscious vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency), and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
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Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the slightly cooled coffee cake just before serving. Enjoy this fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delightful Peaches and Cream Coffee Cake!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Storage and Reheating Tips for Freshness
To keep your Peaches and Cream Coffee Cake wonderfully fresh and delicious for as long as possible, store any leftover slices or the entire cooled cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. If your kitchen tends to be particularly warm, or if you prefer a slightly firmer cake texture, you can extend its freshness by storing it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the absolute best taste and texture, always remember to bring the refrigerated cake back to room temperature before serving.
When it comes to reheating, individual slices can be quickly warmed in the microwave for approximately 15-30 seconds, or gently heated in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and fragrant. For longer-term storage, this coffee cake freezes beautifully! Simply wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, and then again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it up as desired for a taste of summer any time of year.
Creative Variations to Inspire Your Baking
While this Peaches and Cream Coffee Cake recipe is absolutely perfect and delightful as is, you can always unleash your creativity and customize it to your personal liking or to suit what you have on hand. Here are a few inspiring variations to try:
- Other Fresh Fruits: No peaches on hand? Or perhaps you’re eager to try a different seasonal fruit? Nectarines, apricots, sweet blueberries, tart raspberries, or even a vibrant mix of berries would be utterly fantastic in this recipe. Just ensure the fruit is diced or prepared similarly to peaches for even distribution and cooking.
- Enhanced Spiced Cake: For an extra layer of warmth and complexity, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg, a dash of allspice, or a hint of cardamom to the cake batter, complementing the comforting cinnamon already present in the streusel.
- Nutty Topping Addition: Introduce a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor profile by folding some finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or even slivered almonds into the streusel topping before sprinkling it over the cake.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: For an even richer and more decadent “cream” element, you could easily incorporate a luscious cream cheese swirl into the batter. To do this, mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Dollop this creamy mixture over the cake batter before adding the streusel, then gently swirl it in with a knife for a beautiful marbling effect.
- Citrus Brightness: A teaspoon of fresh lemon zest or orange zest added to the cake batter or even stirred into the vanilla glaze can wonderfully brighten the overall flavors and beautifully complement the sweetness of the peaches.
This Peaches and Cream Coffee Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the simple yet profound pleasures of homemade baking, especially during the peak of peach season. Its remarkable ease of preparation, combined with its universally crowd-pleasing flavors and comforting aroma, makes it an instant classic in any home baker’s repertoire. So, gather your freshest peaches, embrace the joy of baking, and get ready to create not just a delicious treat, but also beautiful, lasting memories!
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