Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

If you have a soft spot for desserts that sing with warm, summery flavors and offer a tender, moist bite, then this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting will quickly become your new favorite. The delightful balance between fresh peaches and richly sweet brown sugar frosting creates an indulgent experience that feels both comforting and special. It’s the kind of cake that makes any gathering feel like a celebration or any quiet afternoon feel like a treat just for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting starts with simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each item plays its part to create the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color, from the juicy peaches that bring brightness to the cake, to the brown sugar that adds a deep, caramelized sweetness to the frosting.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the crumb tender and soft.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your cake rises to fluffy perfection.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping it brown beautifully.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the structure.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
• Fresh or canned peaches, diced: The star ingredient, giving bursts of juicy, fruity goodness throughout the cake.

How to Make Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven and greasing your cake pan. Gather all your ingredients and dice the peaches if using fresh. This step is essential because having everything ready helps the process flow smoothly, ensuring no element is forgotten or rushed.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix will evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt, which will promote even rising and balanced flavor throughout the cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps your cake achieve a tender and soft texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Adding eggs incrementally ensures they blend smoothly with the butter and sugar, contributing to the cake’s structure and richness.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the sour cream into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This gentle folding keeps the batter light and moist without overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in the Peaches

Carefully fold in the diced peaches, making sure they are evenly distributed but not overworked to avoid breaking them up and turning the batter too watery.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on it to achieve that perfect golden top and fluffy crumb.

How to Serve Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Garnishes

Enhance your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting by topping it with a few sliced fresh peaches, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans, or even a dusting of cinnamon. These garnishes add texture, color, and an extra layer of flavor that makes every bite delightful.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a morning or afternoon treat, serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting look, serve your cake on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers or fresh mint sprigs around it. Alternatively, cut into squares and layer with whipped cream and peach slices for individual parfait-style desserts that impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to retain freshness for up to two days. If you live in a warmer climate, refrigerate to prevent the frosting from softening too much.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting slightly warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This softens the frosting and releases the peach aroma beautifully without drying the cake.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for the Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could affect the cake’s texture.

Is it better to use fresh or canned peaches?

Fresh peaches offer the best flavor and texture during peach season, while canned peaches work well off-season. Just choose peaches packed in juice rather than syrup to control sweetness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for similar results. The cake might be a little more delicate but still delicious.

How long will the Brown Sugar Frosting stay fresh?

The frosting is best used within three days if refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before spreading again for a smooth texture.

Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?

Yes, doubling works well. Just be sure to use a larger baking pan or divide the batter into multiple pans to ensure even baking.

Final Thoughts

This Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting feels like a warm hug in dessert form, full of bright fruit and cozy sweetness that’s perfect any time of year. I really encourage you to give it a try because once you experience the tender crumb wrapped in that luscious frosting, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved treat. Happy baking!

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