This peach cake is soft and moist, bursting with fresh peach flavor that makes every bite special. Topped with a sweet brown sugar frosting, it’s a treat you’ll love!
I can’t resist this cake—it’s like a slice of sunshine on a plate! Just bake, frost, and watch it disappear at parties. Who knew cake could be so cheerful? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of this cake! Fresh peaches give the best flavor, but if they’re out of season, canned peaches (drained well) can work too. You could also use other fruits like diced apples or pears.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add moisture and a slight tang. If you can’t find these, plain yogurt or buttermilk are good substitutes. Just note that buttermilk may make the cake a bit denser.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Using brown sugar in your frosting adds a nice depth of flavor. When baking, if you’re out of brown sugar, granulated sugar works, but you might miss that rich taste.
Butter: For a lighter alternative, you can swap half of the butter with applesauce. The cake will still be moist, but you’ll lose some buttery flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Peach Cake Stays Moist?
Keeping the cake moist is crucial! Here are some key tips:
- Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can dry out the cake. Use the spoon and level method—fluff the flour, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off.
- Avoid Overmixing: When adding the flour and sour cream, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Check Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Use a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few little crumbs.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Letting the cake cool in the pan for a bit helps it set. then transfer to the wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Moist Peach Cake with Sweet Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2 medium peaches)
For the Sweet Brown Sugar Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. Make sure to allow an additional 15 minutes to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack for cooling completely. Overall, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can frost and serve your cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pans:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat this mixture until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
5. Mix in the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix each addition just until combined to keep the cake tender—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in the Peaches:
With a spatula, gently fold in the diced peaches, being careful not to break them down too much. You want those lovely chunks in your cake!
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the cake into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool the Cake:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to avoid melting your frosting later on!
10. Make the Brown Sugar Frosting:
While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s smooth. Then add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour in 2 tablespoons of cream and beat until it’s creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add another tablespoon of cream until you reach the desired spreading consistency.
11. Frost Your Cake:
Once your cake is totally cool, spread the brown sugar frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula. Get creative here—smooth it out or create swirls!
12. Slice and Serve:
Now it’s time to slice your delicious peach cake! Serve it to family and friends and watch it disappear. Enjoy your moist peach cake with sweet brown sugar frosting!
FAQ for Moist Peach Cake with Sweet Brown Sugar Frosting
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Cake?
Yes! If using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent extra moisture in the cake.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm climate, consider refrigerating it to keep the frosting from melting.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure the blend includes a binding agent to help the cake rise properly.
What Can I Do If My Frosting Is Too Thick?
If your frosting is too thick, simply add a little more heavy cream or milk—one tablespoon at a time—until you reach the desired consistency. Beat well after each addition!
