Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! This Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer with every bite. The juicy peaches blend perfectly with a soft, buttery cake, making it an instant favorite at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten up a busy weeknight, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just fresh peaches and a few pantry staples. Plus, the brown sugar frosting adds a decadent touch that takes it over the top. Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple enough for anyone to tackle—even if you’re not an experienced baker!
• Family-Friendly: It’s perfect for kids and adults alike. Everyone will love the sweetness of the peaches!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it in advance and store it for later. It stays delicious for days!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of peaches and brown sugar frosting creates a mouthwatering treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting. Gather them up and get ready to bake!

For the Peach Cake:

• 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)

For the Brown Sugar Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Fruits: Swap out peaches for ripe nectarines or even berries for a different twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
• Frosting Alternatives: Try cream cheese frosting instead of brown sugar frosting for a tangy twist!

How to Make Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

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. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are well combined, which helps create an even texture in your cake. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy; this process adds air into the batter, making your cake light and tender. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition before mixing in the vanilla extract and sour cream. Finally, gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake! Gently fold in those luscious diced peaches.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is crucial as it allows all those flavors to meld together while creating that perfect golden crust. Once baked, let your cake cool completely on a wire rack; this helps prevent melting when you add frosting later.

Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Frosting

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt half a cup of unsalted butter. Stir in one cup of packed brown sugar and allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth and dissolved—this caramelizes some of that sugar flavor! Next, add in the milk and bring it to a boil before removing from heat. Let this mixture cool slightly before whisking in two cups of powdered sugar along with half a teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy; this will give you that rich texture perfect for frosting.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely, spread the delicious brown sugar frosting evenly over its top using a spatula. It’s important to let the frosting set for just a bit before slicing into this tempting treat. Enjoy sharing your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting with family and friends—it’s bound to become a beloved staple!

Pro Tips for Making Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Baking can be such a joyful experience, especially when you have a few tricks up your sleeve to ensure your Peach Cake turns out perfectly!

• Use ripe peaches: Choose peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. Ripe peaches not only add sweetness but also infuse the cake with a lovely fruity flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, while gentle mixing keeps it light and fluffy.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cake to cool completely before adding the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps create a beautiful, smooth finish.
• Try using buttermilk: If you don’t have sour cream on hand, substituting it with buttermilk will give your cake an extra moist texture and enhance its flavor.
• Experiment with spices: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter can elevate the flavors of your cake even further, creating a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

How to Serve Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Serving this delightful Peach Cake is as fun as baking it! With a few simple touches, you can present it beautifully and elevate your dessert experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint can add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• Pecan halves: Sprinkle some toasted pecan halves on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the peach perfectly.
• Sliced peaches: Arrange thin slices of fresh peach around the edges of your cake for a visually appealing presentation that highlights the star ingredient.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm peach cake, creating an indulgent dessert experience.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a lighter option, serve dollops of whipped coconut cream on the side for added sweetness without dairy.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cake and adds brightness to your meal.
• Herbed green salad: A simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette provides freshness to offset the sweetness of the dessert and rounds out your dining experience beautifully.

This Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every bite while savoring those lovely flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it keep well, but the flavors also deepen over time, making it a delightful treat to have on hand. Here’s how to store it effectively.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Make sure to cover the frosting with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

• Cut the cake into individual pieces for easy serving later.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, place them on a microwave-safe plate and warm for about 15-20 seconds.
• For larger portions, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries about this delicious recipe.

Can I make Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter spread. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk in the frosting.

What can I use instead of sour cream in Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting?

You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or a non-dairy yogurt alternative for a similar texture and tangy flavor.

How do I know when my Peach Cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven.

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! Just be sure to drain any excess syrup from canned peaches before dicing them and folding them into the batter.

Final Thoughts

This Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting truly embodies comfort food at its finest. The delightful sweetness of peaches paired with creamy frosting makes every bite feel like a warm hug. I hope you enjoy making this cake as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your baking adventures or any tweaks you made—I’d love to hear from you!