This moist peach cake is like sunshine on a plate! Made with fresh peaches and topped with rich brown sugar frosting, it’s both sweet and delicious. Perfect for any gathering!
I love how the peach flavor shines through in every bite, and that brown sugar frosting is just dreamy! It’s a hit at parties, but trust me, you’ll want to save some for yourself! 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star! Their juicy sweetness is unbeatable. If you can’t find them, canned peaches work too, just be sure to drain them well. I often mix in some frozen peaches in the off-season; they’re great too if thawed well.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: I use sour cream for a rich flavor and moist texture. Plain yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you want something lighter. Greek yogurt can also be used but may make the batter thicker, so you might add a bit of milk.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds depth of flavor to the frosting. If you’re out of it, you can mix regular granulated sugar with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup of sugar) to mimic the flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my choice for better control of saltiness. If you need it dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter work surprisingly well in this recipe.
How Do You Ensure Moistness in the Peach Cake?
Moistness is key for this cake, and it starts with the mixing process. Be gentle when combining your wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cake!
- Always cream the butter and sugar until fluffy – this incorporates air into the batter.
- Alternate adding the flour and sour cream to keep the batter light.
- Peaches also contribute moisture, so don’t skip that step!
Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is essential too. If you frost it while still warm, the frosting might melt away and create a mess!
Moist Peach Cake With Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 ½ – 2 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches (fresh or well-drained canned peaches)
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delectable cake will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool completely (this takes about 30-60 minutes) before frosting it. So overall, expect about 2 hours before your delicious cake is ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the baking powder and soda throughout the flour. Set this mixture aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, with the help of a mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, giving it a good mix after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. It should all look nice and creamy!
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to mix it all together! Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream (or yogurt) to the butter mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture. Stir until just combined; make sure not to overmix! Your batter should be thick and smooth.
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced peaches using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them too much.
7. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
8. Baking the Cake:
Put the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be sure to check around the 40-minute mark!
9. Cooling the Cake:
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This could take about 30-60 minutes.
10. Making the Brown Sugar Frosting:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and milk, bringing it to a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, then remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
11. Mixing the Frosting:
Transfer the brown sugar mixture to a mixing bowl. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
12. Frosting the Cake:
Spread the brown sugar frosting evenly over the cooled cake, and allow it to set for a few minutes before cutting into squares.
13. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice yourself a piece, and enjoy this moist peach cake topped with that delicious brown sugar frosting!
This delightful cake will be tender, bursting with fresh peach flavor, and perfectly complemented by the creamy, caramel-like brown sugar frosting. Enjoy!
FAQ for Moist Peach Cake With Brown Sugar Frosting
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them fully and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter. This helps maintain the cake’s texture and prevents it from becoming soggy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add it separately according to package instructions for the best results!
Can I Make the Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just cool it completely and store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost it on the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just remember that the frosting may lose some of its texture when stored in the fridge, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
