Brown Butter Peach Crumb Cake: A Delicious Summer Dessert Recipe

Brown Butter Peach Crumb Cake: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched orchard with every single bite! This isn’t just any cake; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Imagine the nutty, caramelized notes of browned butter mingling with the sweet, juicy burst of ripe peaches, all nestled beneath a blanket of golden, buttery crumbs.

Crumb cakes, in general, have a comforting, homespun quality, reminiscent of cozy kitchens and cherished family recipes passed down through generations. While the exact origins are debated, similar streusel-topped cakes have been enjoyed across various cultures for centuries. What makes this Brown Butter Peach Crumb Cake truly special is the addition of browned butter. This simple technique elevates the flavor profile, adding a depth and richness that is simply irresistible.

People adore this cake for so many reasons. The combination of the tender, moist cake, the soft, sweet peaches, and the crunchy, buttery crumb topping is a textural masterpiece. Plus, the browned butter adds a sophisticated, almost caramel-like flavor that complements the peaches perfectly. It’s also incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect dessert for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Trust me, once you try this Brown Butter Peach Crumb Cake, it will become a new favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Brown Butter:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• For the Cake:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Peach Filling:
• 4 medium peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4 cups)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the Crumb Topping:
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup (½ stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Preparing the Brown Butter

1. Melt the butter: In a light-colored saucepan (this helps you see the color change), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Brown the butter: Continue cooking the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a nutty brown color and has a fragrant aroma. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes. Watch it carefully, as it can burn quickly. You’ll see milk solids sinking to the bottom of the pan and turning brown. That’s what you want!
3. Cool the brown butter: Remove the pan from the heat and pour the brown butter into a heatproof bowl. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. You want it to be cooled but still liquid.

Making the Peach Filling

1. Prepare the peaches: Peel and slice your peaches. I like to slice them about ¼ inch thick.
2. Combine the filling ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced peaches with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Make sure the peaches are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices as the cake bakes.
3. Set aside: Set the peach filling aside while you prepare the cake batter and crumb topping. This allows the peaches to macerate slightly, releasing their juices and intensifying their flavor.

Creating the Crumb Topping

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pieces of butter throughout the mixture. This will create a nice, crumbly texture.
3. Chill the topping (optional): For an even better crumb topping, you can chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the cake batter. This helps the butter stay cold and prevents the topping from spreading too much during baking.

Preparing the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Cream the sugars and brown butter: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cooled brown butter. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
6. Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.

Assembling and Baking the Cake

1. Pour batter into pan: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Arrange the peach filling: Arrange the sliced peaches evenly over the top of the cake batter.
3. Sprinkle with crumb topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the peaches.
4. Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the edges should be slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
5. Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to cut.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm: This brown butter peach crumb cake is best served warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Dust with powdered sugar: For an extra touch of elegance, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
• Store leftovers: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer storage.

Tips for Success

• Use ripe peaches: Ripe peaches will have the best flavor and texture for this cake. Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
• Adjust baking time as needed: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Check the cake for doneness after 45 minutes and adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Let the brown butter cool slightly: Make sure the brown butter has cooled slightly before adding it to the sugar mixture. If it’s too hot, it could cook the eggs.
• Use cold butter for the crumb topping: Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly topping. If the butter is too soft, the topping will spread too much during baking.

Variations

• Other fruits: You can easily substitute other fruits for the peaches in this recipe. Apples, berries, or plums would all be delicious.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumb topping for extra flavor and texture.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices in the crumb topping, such as cardamom or ginger.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled cake for added sweetness and flavor. To make a glaze, whisk together powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until smooth.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Brown Butter Peach Crumb Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. The nutty depth of the brown butter, the juicy sweetness of the peaches, and the satisfying crunch of the crumb topping all come together in perfect harmony. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe, especially while peaches are at their peak. It’s the kind of cake that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s more than just the sum of its parts. The browning of the butter adds a complexity that elevates the entire cake, giving it a sophisticated, almost caramel-like flavor that you won’t find in your average peach cake. And the crumb topping? It’s not just there for texture; it’s a buttery, sugary blanket that complements the peaches beautifully. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Don’t let the “brown butter” part intimidate you; it’s a simple technique that yields incredible results.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I adore it exactly as written, there are so many ways you can customize this cake to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: This is my personal favorite. A scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice of cake is pure heaven.
* With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: For a lighter option, try serving it with freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top adds a nice touch.
* Add a Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze, made with a little milk or lemon juice, would add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
* Swap the Fruit: Not a peach fan? No problem! This recipe works beautifully with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even apples. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
* Add Nuts: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping would add extra crunch and flavor.
* Spice it Up: A pinch of cardamom or ginger to the cake batter would add a warm, spicy note that complements the peaches perfectly.
* Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

I’m confident that you’ll love this Brown Butter Peach Crumb Cake as much as I do. It’s the perfect dessert for a summer barbecue, a casual get-together, or even just a special treat for yourself. It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress, and it’s a fantastic way to showcase the deliciousness of fresh, seasonal peaches.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake! I promise you won’t regret it. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how your cake turned out, what variations you tried, and what your family and friends thought. Tag me in your photos on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this incredible Brown Butter Peach Crumb Cake!