Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting: A Sweet and Fruity Delight
Peach cake with brown sugar frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with the rich and comforting taste of brown sugar frosting. This cake is not just about flavor but about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in your kitchen. It’s the kind of treat that fills the air with the smell of fresh fruit and sugary goodness, making everyone eager for a slice.
The soft, moist cake is complemented by the creamy, slightly caramel flavored frosting that perfectly balances the tartness of the peaches. Whether you’re preparing for a celebration or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy, this cake hits the mark every time.
What is Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting?
Peach cake with brown sugar frosting is a light and moist cake made from fresh peaches. The cake itself is simple to make and has a lovely, tender crumb that’s perfectly complemented by the rich frosting.
The brown sugar frosting is smooth and creamy, with a caramel like flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the peaches. The combination of these two elements makes this cake a refreshing and delicious choice for a dessert. Topping it with peach slices and a sprinkle of brown sugar adds a nice finishing touch, making it as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering peach cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Peach Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 ½ cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or canned peaches if fresh isn’t available)
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar (packed)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For Decoration:
- Fresh peach slices
- A sprinkle of brown sugar (optional)
How to Make Peach Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside for later. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Next, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Once combined, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. After each addition, mix just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Now, gently fold in the diced peaches. They will add moisture to the cake and infuse it with their sweet, fruity flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, you can prepare the brown sugar frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the packed brown sugar and beat until it’s well combined and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture on high for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. The frosting should have a creamy, spreadable consistency.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, place the first layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of brown sugar frosting over the top, smoothing it out evenly. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Step 6: Decorate the Cake
For a beautiful finishing touch, arrange fresh peach slices on top of the frosted cake. You can also sprinkle a little brown sugar over the top to enhance the flavor and give it a slightly crunchy texture. The peaches not only add color and freshness but also complement the rich frosting and cake.
Why Make Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting?
Peach cake with brown sugar frosting is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The cake is light and moist, with the sweet, juicy peaches balancing out the richness of the brown sugar frosting. The frosting is creamy with a deep caramel flavor, making it an indulgent topping for the soft cake. Whether you’re a fan of fruity cakes or love the comforting taste of brown sugar, this cake offers something for everyone. It’s versatile enough to be served at a family gathering, a birthday party, or simply as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips for a Great Peach Cake
- Use Fresh Peaches: If you can, use fresh peaches for this recipe. They add a natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. If fresh peaches are not available, canned peaches will work just fine.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
- Adjust the Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more heavy cream to reach the desired spreadable consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it thickens.
- Peach Placement: For the best presentation, carefully arrange the peach slices in a circular pattern on top of the cake. This makes the cake look elegant and adds a fresh touch.
- Chill the Cake: If possible, chill the cake after frosting it. This will help the frosting set and make the cake easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions
Peach cake with brown sugar frosting is perfect for any occasion. Serve it at a family gathering, a birthday celebration, or a simple afternoon tea. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a chilled glass of iced tea for a refreshing treat. The combination of fresh peaches and rich frosting makes each bite unforgettable.
Storing the Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, store the cake in the fridge, where it will last for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake layers before frosting them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw the layers in the fridge before frosting.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned peaches if fresh ones are unavailable. Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the batter.
2. Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Frost and decorate the cake the day you plan to serve it.
3. How can I make the frosting thicker?
If your frosting is too thin, simply add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
4. Can I add other fruits to the cake?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like berries or nectarines. Just make sure to adjust the amount of fruit so that the batter doesn’t become too runny.
5. How do I store leftover peach cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Final Thoughts
Peach cake with brown sugar frosting is a sweet, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches with the creamy richness of brown sugar frosting to create a dessert that’s both flavorful and beautiful. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just because, this cake is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Enjoy every bite!
