This peach cake is super moist and topped with a rich brown sugar frosting that makes it a sweet treat! It’s full of juicy peach flavor that will remind you of summer days.
Whenever I bake this, my whole house smells like a warm bakery. It’s so good, you might just want to eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—no judgment here! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is the main component here, providing structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which generally works well in cakes.
Peaches: Fresh peaches give the best flavor, but you can use canned peaches if they’re not in season. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture!
Sour Cream/Yogurt: I like to use sour cream for its richness, but plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute—it’s a bit tangier and still keeps the cake moist.
Brown Sugar: While brown sugar is best for the frosting, you can use granulated sugar in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it won’t give that deep caramel flavor.
What’s the Key to Making Sure My Cake is Moist?
To achieve that moist texture in your cake, there are a few important steps to follow:
- **Don’t overmix**: After you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- **Add moisture**: Ingredients like sour cream help to maintain moisture. You can also add a little milk if the batter looks too thick.
- **Check for doneness**: Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Overbaking can dry out your cake quickly, so keep an eye on it!
Moist Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or canned peaches, drained)
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 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. You’ll also need some additional time to cool the cake and make the frosting—so plan for around 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can slice into this treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the oven and pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×9-inch square pan to ensure your cake comes out easily after baking.
2. Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix will help create a nice flavor and rise in your cake, so set it aside for now.
3. Cream butter and sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. It’s the key to getting a fluffy cake!
4. Add eggs and vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after adding each egg. Then, add the vanilla extract to the mixture.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients you whisked together earlier. Add half of it to the butter mixture, followed by the sour cream, and then fold in the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—important to avoid overmixing!
6. Fold in peaches:
Gently fold the diced peaches into the batter. This adds the delicious fruity flavor throughout the cake.
7. Bake the cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the cake:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before you frost it.
9. Make the brown sugar frosting:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Then, remove it from the heat.
10. Add cream and cool:
Stir in the heavy cream (or milk) and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, which will take about 15-20 minutes.
11. Finish frosting:
Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and beat in the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it becomes light and fluffy.
12. Frost the cake:
Spread the brown sugar frosting evenly over the cooled peach cake. You can be generous with it—it’s the best part!
13. Serve and enjoy:
Slice the cake and serve. This peach cake keeps well at room temperature for 1-2 days, or you can place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy every delicious bite!
With juicy peaches and a rich brown sugar frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Happy baking!
FAQ about Moist Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel before folding them into the batter for the best results.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Bake the cake and let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frost it right before you plan to serve for the freshest taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just keep in mind that the frosting may lose some of its texture when chilled, so let it come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Yes! If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute that will still keep the cake moist. You can also use buttermilk in a pinch for a slightly tangy flavor.
