Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. It’s perfect for gatherings, weekday treats, or even an indulgent breakfast paired with coffee. This luscious cake is not just any ordinary dessert; it embraces the sweet and juicy flavors of fresh peaches, enhanced by a rich, caramel-like frosting. Each mouthful transports you to a sun-kissed orchard, making it an ideal way to celebrate the seasonal bounty.
Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it is at room temperature.
- 2 large eggs Room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup sour cream Can be substituted with plain yogurt.
- 1 cup fresh or canned peaches, diced Fresh peaches preferred for best flavor.
For the Frosting
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.25 cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract For added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the diced peaches to the batter.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
- For the frosting, melt 0.5 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar and cook until dissolved.
- Pour in milk, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly before whisking in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is cooled, generously frost it with the brown sugar frosting.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are many reasons to try Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make yet offers impressive results that will leave your guests and family wanting more. This cake is moist, flavorful, and visual, making it perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family brunch to a festive holiday gathering.
“This peach cake is a slice of heaven! The brown sugar frosting takes it to another level.” – A happy baker
Not only does this cake shine in taste, but it’s also budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry. Plus, the combination of peach and brown sugar creates a warm, comforting treat, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on a quiet afternoon.
The Cooking Process Explained
Making Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the baking pan, ensuring that your kitchen is set for the fun ahead. Next, you’ll create a fluffy batter by creaming sugar and butter, then incorporating eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. The addition of fresh or canned peaches adds a juicy element to the mix.
While the cake bakes, you can start on the luscious brown sugar frosting. This frosting is where the magic happens—a blend of butter, brown sugar, and powdered sugar creates a rich topping, perfectly complementing the peachy cake. Finally, you’ll frost your cooled cake and have a stunning dessert ready to serve.
Gather These Items
For the perfect Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup fresh or canned peaches, diced
- ½ cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
If you want to switch things up, you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or replace the peaches with seasonal fruits like berries or apples.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the diced peaches to the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, melt ½ cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar and cook until dissolved.
- Pour in milk, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly before whisking in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is cooled, generously frost it with the brown sugar frosting.
- Serve and enjoy!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is best enjoyed either warm or at room temperature. For that extra touch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture provides a beautiful contrast against the fluffy cake. Pair it with a refreshing iced tea or a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a delightful treat. This cake also makes for stunning presentations, so don’t hesitate to add some fresh peach slices or colorful edible flowers on top for an elegant finish.
How to Store & Freeze
To keep your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them, although the frosting may become a bit firmer. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each carefully in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container, where they can last for up to three months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This will create a smoother batter.
- Peach Prep: If using fresh peaches, make sure they are ripe for the best flavor. Peel and dice them just before adding them to the cake batter for freshness.
- Frosting Tip: To achieve a glossy finish on your brown sugar frosting, mix it until it cools slightly for a wonderful spreadable consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Creative Twists
While the classic Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is undeniably delicious, you can add your flair to it! Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warming flavor. You could also incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
For a tropical twist, substitute half of the peaches with mangoes or swap the brown sugar frosting for a light cream cheese frosting. Moreover, for a lower sugar option, use a sugar substitute in the frosting, and you’re good to go!
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to prepare this cake?
A: The prep time for the Peach Cake is about 15-20 minutes, with an additional 30-35 minutes for baking.
Q: Can I use frozen peaches?
A: Yes, frozen peaches work well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to your batter.
Q: How should I store the leftover cake?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a week.
Q: Is this cake suitable for freezing?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Q: Can I substitute the sour cream?
A: Plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe if you prefer.
Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is a delightful dessert that’s bound to impress. If you love satisfying your sweet tooth with cozy, homemade treats, then this is the recipe for you.
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