This peach cake is super moist and loaded with sweet peach goodness. Topped with rich brown sugar frosting, it’s a dessert that will make your taste buds dance!
I love baking this for friends because the warm aroma fills the house, and everyone’s instantly happy. Who can say no to cake, right? Just grab a fork and enjoy! 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches add a juicy sweetness to the cake. If peaches aren’t in season, canned peaches work well; just make sure to drain them properly. You can also substitute with other fruits like apricots or nectarines for a different twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives better control over the cake’s saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter. Just keep in mind the flavor might change a bit.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture to the cake. For a substitute, yogurt or buttermilk will also work. They keep the cake tender while maintaining that lovely peach flavor.
Brown Sugar: Use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor in the frosting. If you’re out, light brown sugar is a fine substitute. It will be a bit less intense, but still delicious!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cake Texture?
Getting the right texture in this cake starts with proper mixing and baking. Here are a few tips to nail that moist goodness:
- **Creaming Butter & Sugar:** Make sure to cream the butter and sugar for a good 3-5 minutes. This incorporates air for a light cake.
- **Don’t Overmix:** When adding dry ingredients, mix just until they’re combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- **Baking Time:** Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking. Test with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- **Cooling:** Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a nice finish.
With these tips, you’re on your way to a peach cake that’s deliciously moist and satisfying. Enjoy baking!
Moist Peach Cake With Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or canned peaches, drained)
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful peach cake requires about 20 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the pans, followed by complete cooling on wire racks. You can then assemble the cake and frost it—giving you a total time investment of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Worth every minute for such a delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Next, add one egg at a time, ensuring you beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Now, alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk mixed with sour cream into the large bowl. Start and finish with the flour mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Finally, gently fold in the diced peaches.
2. Bake the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops to ensure an even bake. Place them in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
3. Make the Brown Sugar Frosting:
For the frosting, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add in the brown sugar and milk or cream; bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. After simmering, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl and beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
4. Assemble the Cake:
Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate, and spread a layer of frosting on top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top, and then frost the entire cake with the brown sugar frosting. For an extra touch, you can pipe a decorative swirl or other embellishments on top if you wish.
5. Serve:
Slice your delicious moist peach cake and serve. Any leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator, although I’m sure they won’t last long!
Enjoy this wonderfully moist peach cake topped with rich brown sugar frosting—perfect for every occasion! Happy baking!
FAQ About Moist Peach Cake With Brown Sugar Frosting
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter. This will help maintain the cake’s texture and prevent it from becoming too wet.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, consider wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap. You can also leave the cake at room temperature for a day if you expect to eat it quickly.
Can I Make the Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure they are fully cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw in the fridge before frosting.
Is There a Substitute for Brown Sugar in the Frosting?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead. Although it will change the flavor slightly, the frosting will still be sweet and delicious. To mimic the flavor of brown sugar, you can add a teaspoon of molasses to the frosting if you have it on hand!