This moist peach cake is a real crowd-pleaser! With juicy peaches mixed into a fluffy batter and topped with sweet brown sugar frosting, it’s like a slice of summer on your plate.
Honestly, I can’t resist having a second piece – it’s just that delicious! It’s perfect for any gathering or just a cozy day at home. 🍑 I love serving it warm for that extra treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: They bring moisture and natural sweetness. If peaches aren’t in season, you can use canned peaches (drained) or even frozen ones (thawed). This works well too!
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for structure. You could try a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option – just check that it’s a one-to-one substitute for best results!
Brown Sugar: This adds a deep caramel-like flavor. If you’re out, you can use white sugar plus a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup of white sugar) to mimic that taste.
Buttermilk: It makes the cake moist and tender. If you don’t have it, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes!
How Can I Make Sure My Cake is Perfectly Moist?
To achieve a moist cake, pay attention to the mixing and baking times. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Here’s what to do:
- Mix until the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet ingredients, then fold in your peaches gently.
- Check your cake around the 45-minute mark. Every oven is different, so watch for that toothpick to come out clean, but not too early!
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan to retain moisture before frosting it.
Following these steps will help you bake a lovely peach cake that’s soft and inviting!
Moist Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 3 medium peaches)
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cake recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 45-55 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool completely before frosting, which may take an additional hour. So, in total, set aside about 2 to 2.5 hours for the whole process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that happens, take a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans and grease and flour them well. This way, the cake won’t stick!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk everything together to mix well, then set the bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now it’s time to add the eggs! One at a time, beat each egg into the butter-sugar mixture, making sure to mix well after each one. After adding all the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely flavor boost.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Next, take your flour mixture and buttermilk. Alternately add the flour and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix each time until just combined to avoid overmixing!
6. Fold in the Peaches:
This is where the magic happens! Gently fold in the diced peaches until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Make sure not to break them up too much!
7. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan(s), spreading it out evenly. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
8. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This might take about an hour, but it’s worth the wait!
9. Make the Brown Sugar Frosting:
While the cake cools, let’s whip up the frosting! In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Then stir in the packed brown sugar and milk. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly, and let it bubble for about 1-2 minutes.
10. Whisk in the Powdered Sugar:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for a perfect finish!
11. Cool the Frosting:
Allow the frosting to cool at room temperature until it thickens enough to spread easily.
12. Frost the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the brown sugar frosting evenly over the top (and sides, if desired) of the cake. It’s time to get creative!
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the cake into pieces and serve. Enjoy this delightful, peachy dessert that’s sure to please everyone!
Each bite is a perfect mix of moist cake and sweet frosting, making this treat irresistible. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using canned peaches, make sure to drain and pat them dry to reduce excess moisture. If using frozen peaches, thaw them completely and drain any liquid before folding them into the batter.
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk on Hand?
No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add the frosting closer to serving time to keep it fresh and beautiful!
