This Peach Crumb Cake is an easy summer dessert made with fresh peaches, a tender cake base, and a thick cinnamon crumb topping. A simple secret ingredient keeps the cake extra moist, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert all season long.
Peach Crumb Cake is one of those recipes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. It’s packed with fresh summer peaches, layered with a soft cake base, and finished with a generous buttery crumb topping that bakes up golden and crisp. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or enjoy it later in the day, this cake always disappears fast.
What really sets this Peach Crumb Cake apart is the secret ingredient. Instead of oil or butter in the cake batter, this recipe uses mayonnaise. It might sound unusual, but mayonnaise adds moisture and richness without making the cake heavy. You don’t taste it at all. You just end up with a perfectly soft, tender crumb that stays moist for days.
This recipe has three easy parts. First is the simple cake batter that comes together quickly. Next is a layer of fresh peaches, which add natural sweetness and juiciness. Finally, there’s the crumb topping. It looks impressive but is very forgiving as long as you take your time and avoid overmixing.
I love baking this cake in the summer when peaches are at their peak, but it also works well with other fruits if peaches aren’t available. It’s great for brunch, potlucks, casual gatherings, or even as a snack cake with coffee. If you like crumb cakes, this one is a must-try.
What I Love About This Recipe
- It uses simple pantry ingredients with fresh peaches to create a bakery-style crumb cake at home.
- The mayonnaise makes the cake incredibly moist without adding any noticeable flavor.
- The thick cinnamon crumb topping bakes up golden and slightly crisp for the perfect texture contrast.
- It works just as well for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
- The recipe is easy to customize with different fruits depending on the season.
Equipment You May Need
- 13×9-Inch Baking Dish – For baking the crumb cake evenly.
- Mixing Bowls – One for the cake batter and one for the crumb topping.
- Electric Mixer – Helps combine the cake batter smoothly.
- Rubber Spatula or Large Spoon – For gently forming the crumb topping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurements.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients –
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cake.
Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise.
Salt – Balances the sweetness.
Mayonnaise – The secret ingredient that keeps the cake moist.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the batter.
Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and flavor.
Eggs – Bind the batter together.
Milk – Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
Fresh Peaches – Provide natural sweetness and juicy texture.
Crumb Topping Ingredients –
All-Purpose Flour – Creates the crumb structure.
Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
Cinnamon – Adds warm spice.
Butter – Brings everything together into thick crumbs.
How to Make Peach Crumb Cake
Step One: Prepare the Pan and Dry Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step Two: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, beat the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs and mix until combined. With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step Three: Add the Peach Layer
Arrange the peach slices evenly over the cake batter. Press them gently into the batter so they sit flush with the surface.
Step Four: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour the cooled melted butter over the mixture. Using a spoon or spatula, gently lift the dry mixture over the butter until large crumbs form. Do not stir aggressively.
Step Five: Bake the Cake
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the peaches. Bake in the top third of the oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil and continue baking.
(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy summer dessert.
- Enjoy a slice with coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a simple presentation.
- Cut into squares for potlucks or casual gatherings.
- Serve chilled for a firmer, snack-style cake.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use ripe but firm peaches so they hold their shape while baking.
- Avoid overmixing the crumb topping to keep it crumbly instead of mushy.
- Bake the cake in the upper third of the oven for a crisp topping.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing so the layers set.
- Cover loosely with foil if the topping browns before the center is done.
Peach Crumb Cake FAQ
How should I store Peach Crumb Cake?
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze Peach Crumb Cake?
Yes, the cake freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
How long will Peach Crumb Cake last?
When stored properly, it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
Substitutions?
You can substitute other fruits like apples, berries, or nectarines. Adjust baking time as needed.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Low-fat mayonnaise and milk can be used, but the texture may be slightly less rich.
What else can I add to this recipe?
Chopped nuts, a pinch of nutmeg, or a drizzle of glaze are great additions for extra flavor.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – You’ll need to substitute at least the mayonnaise, eggs, milk, and butter.
Vegetarian – It’s vegetarian.
Low-Carb – You can try a sugar substitute for a little less carbs.
Gluten-Free -You can try using a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Hope you enjoy this Peach Crumb Cake! You might also like this delicious Tex-Mex Sheet Cake that feeds a crowd! For a fun drink to go along with this Peach Crumb Cake, try my Peaches & Vanilla Cream Smoothie or my Peach Crisptini.
Peach Crumb Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cup milk
- 5 peaches peeled, pits removed, and each cut into 8 wedges
Crumb Topping:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 cup melted butter cooled
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or spray with nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Add eggs and beat on low until combined.
- While beating on low, add half the flour mixture to the large bowl, then half the milk, then the remaining flour, then milk. Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Top cake batter with an even layer of peach slices, pressing the peaches slightly into batter.
- In another large bowl prepare crumb topping by mixing together 3 cups flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Pour cooled melted butter on top. With a large spoon or rubber spatula, gently lift the flour mixture from the bottom of the bowl to the top. Repeat until crumbs form. (Note: Do not mix vigorously or overmix because mixture will turn to mush. It’s ok if not all the flour is incorporated.) Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over peaches and cake batter.
- Bake cake in top third of oven at 375 degrees F for about 35-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. If the crumb topping starts to darken before cake is done baking, cover the top loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Notes
- I like to bake the cake towards the top of the oven so the crumb topping gets browned and slightly crunchy.
- Instead of peaches, other fruits may be substituted. Some fruit, such as apples, may take longer to cook so precook fruit as necessary.
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
Michelle says
I’ve never heard of Duke’s mayonnaise, but I’m intrigued now! Thanks for the introduction! Your peach crumb cake looks so delicious…I absolutely love crumb desserts!
Valerie Szlatenyi says
Oh, yes, peaches…looks wonderful!
Merry Graham says
Your recipe is exactly what I’ve been craving with all of the fresh peaches around!!! Thanks for posting! I will make it in the morning!
Selmin says
Yum!!
Selmin says
Mmmmmm!!!!
Kelly Ongley says
This looks so delicious and perfect for a summer night with a little vanilla ice cream on top! Can’t wait to try it!
Jennifer says
oohhh,crumb cake! looks divine!
Michelle says
Yummy, yummy cake! I lovery old fashion cake recipes with Mayo (my secret ingredient on my chocolate cake) ♡
Shirley DeSantis says
Sounds looks great … and I did buy some great local white peaches today; maybe I can whip up a half recipe as in our new life-style I don’t have lots of equipment! I think I’ll add a few nuts to the crumb topping.
Dawn says
I’m sold! I love mayo, worth a try in dessert!
Kim H says
As a fellow Southerner, I grew up on chocolate flavored mayonnaise cake and peach cobbler. This looks like best of both worlds. Sounds perfect for summer. Can’t wait to try it.
Coleen @ The Redhead Baker says
This looks FABULOUS! Perfect crumb topping. Peaches are my favorite fruit!
Sunny says
Love peaches and they are in peak season here. And love Duke’s – always have a spare in case I run out. Going to have to try it this week.
Love Bakes Good Cakes says
Whhhhaaaatt?! Mayonnaise in a crumb cake recipe?! I would never have guessed! I bet it keeps the cake tender and moist! I’ve gotta try it soon – I’m a big fan of peaches!
Amanda says
From a fellow (former) AL girl, I know Dukes! Can’t wait to try this recipe! I love crumbs and peaches!