If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both delicious and effortless to make, this Italian Peach Crumb Cake is the perfect choice. Made with fresh or canned peaches, a buttery crumb crust, and a simple filling, it’s a cake that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with a delightful crumbly texture. This cake is great for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations.

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Why You’ll Love This Italian Peach Crumb Cake
This Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake is not only quick to prepare but also offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The buttery crumb crust, combined with the sweet peach filling, creates a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast, it’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s an ideal choice for using fresh seasonal peaches or canned peaches when they’re not in season.
Ingredients for Italian Peach Crumb Cake
Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering cake:
Crumb Crust Ingredients:
• All-purpose flour: Provides the base for the crumbly texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crumb mixture.
• Baking powder: Helps the crumb mixture rise slightly.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cake.
• Butter: Cold butter is essential for the crumbly texture.
• Egg: Binds the crumb mixture together while maintaining its texture.
Peach Filling Ingredients:
• Sliced peaches: Fresh, peeled peaches are best, but canned or frozen peaches work as well (make sure to drain them well).
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the peach filling, bringing out the natural flavors of the fruit.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you don’t have fresh peaches, you can substitute with canned or frozen peaches. Just ensure you drain the canned peaches thoroughly before using them. Frozen peaches can either be thawed or added directly while still frozen—just keep in mind that if you use frozen peaches, you may need to extend the baking time by about 10 minutes. Another option is to switch up the fruit entirely, using fresh or frozen berries for a different twist on this Italian Peach Crumb Cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Peach Crumb Cake
Here’s how to make this Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan, or line it with parchment paper. A springform pan works wonderfully for easy removal of the cake later.
- Prepare the peach filling: In a medium bowl, mix the sliced peaches with sugar. Set aside to allow the peaches to release their natural juices.
- Make the crumb crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or fork to combine until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add the egg to the crumb mixture and mix gently until the dough is still crumbly but comes together.
- Assemble the cake: Add about half to two-thirds of the crumb mixture to the prepared cake pan. Press it down lightly to form a base. Spoon the peach mixture evenly on top, and then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the peaches.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden and the cake is set. Let it cool before serving.
Enjoy your cake warm, or let it cool completely and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Italian Peach Crumb Cake
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Peach Crumb Cake turns out just right:
- Butter Tips: If you don’t enjoy cutting in cold butter, freeze the butter for 15-20 minutes before grating it into the flour mixture. This will make it easier to work with and result in a perfect crumbly texture.
- Drier Crumb Mixture: If the crumb mixture feels a bit dry, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of butter to improve the texture.
- Frozen Peaches: If using frozen peaches, either thaw them or add them directly to the cake while frozen. If you go the frozen route, you may need to bake the cake a little longer and cover the top with foil to prevent it from over-browning.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Italian Peach Crumb Cake
This Italian Peach Crumb Cake can be paired with a variety of items, making it versatile for any occasion:
- Toppings: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Variations: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you want a slightly more tart flavor, you can mix in some fresh raspberries or blueberries along with the peaches.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Seasonal Appeal of the Italian Peach Crumb Cake
This cake is especially perfect during the summer months when fresh peaches are in season. Peaches have a natural sweetness and juiciness that make them a delightful addition to any dessert. If you have an abundance of peaches, this cake is a great way to use them before they go to waste. The simplicity of the recipe means that anyone can whip it up quickly, even on busy summer days.
Conclusion
This Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake is the perfect dessert to showcase the sweet, juicy flavors of fresh peaches. With its buttery crumb topping and tender peach filling, it makes for a simple yet impressive treat that works for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoying it as an afternoon snack, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your home. It’s easy to make, versatile with ingredient substitutions, and guaranteed to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. Try it today and enjoy the delicious combination of Italian baking traditions and the natural sweetness of peaches.
FAQ About Italian Peach Crumb Cake
Can I use canned peaches for this Italian Peach Crumb Cake?
Yes, you can absolutely use canned peaches for this recipe. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly before using them to avoid excess liquid in your cake. If you prefer, you can also use frozen peaches, though this may require extending the baking time by 10 minutes.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this Italian Peach Crumb Cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free to ensure the entire cake remains suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time. You can store it at room temperature for 1-2 days, covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Alternatively, store it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage. If frozen, wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
More Relevant Recipes
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Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake is a delightful dessert that combines fresh or canned peaches with a buttery, crumbly topping. Perfect for any occasion, it offers a wonderful balance of sweet peach filling and rich crumb crust. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat, it is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2¼–2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ cup butter (very cold)
- 1 egg
- 2½ cups sliced peaches (peeled, sliced, and halved) or canned peaches (drained well)
- 1½ tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the peaches and sugar, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fork to combine until crumbly.
- Add the egg to the crumb mixture and continue mixing until still crumbly.
- Add half to two-thirds of the crumb mixture to the prepared cake pan, pressing it down lightly. Spoon the peach mixture on top and sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the peaches.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until lightly golden on top. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- If using frozen peaches, you may need to bake the cake a bit longer (about 10 extra minutes), covering the top with foil to prevent it from browning too much.
- If the crumb mixture feels too dry, add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of butter.
- To make cutting in butter easier, freeze the butter for 15-20 minutes before grating it into the flour mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 77mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
