This Easy Brown Sugar Peach Cake is a sweet treat that’s sure to brighten your day! With juicy peaches and a hint of brown sugar, it’s moist and flavorful perfectly for dessert or brunch.
Honestly, the peaches make this cake feel like summer on a plate. I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream—pure happiness in every bite! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brown Sugar: Using brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like flavor to the cake. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar plus a tablespoon of molasses to mimic that richness.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star here! If they’re not in season, use canned peaches, drained well, or even frozen ones that have been thawed and drained. If you like, try substituting with other fruits like apricots or plums.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Just ensure they’re softened for easy mixing!
Cream Cheese: For the optional frosting, cream cheese offers a tangy sweetness. If you prefer a lighter frosting, try whipped heavy cream instead or omit it if you want a simpler cake.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for the Cake?
Getting the right texture is key to a delicious cake! Here’s how to make sure yours turns out perfectly:
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Don’t overmix when combining the wet and dry ingredients, as this can make the cake dense. Mix just until you see no flour!
- When folding in the peaches, do so gently to keep the air in the batter, leading to a fluffier cake.
- Always check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
These tips will help you achieve that moist, tender crumb that makes this cake so special! Enjoy every delicious slice.
Easy Brown Sugar Peach Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped (about 2 large peaches)
For the Optional Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 40-45 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to set aside time for it to cool completely before frosting, which is about 30 minutes. So, total time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating and Preparing the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick later on.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to distribute the baking powder evenly through the flour. Set this bowl aside while you mix the wet ingredients.
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter with the brown sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes!
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a wonderful flavor to your cake.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to combine everything! Gradually add the flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the flour, mixing just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Adding the Peaches:
Gently fold the chopped peaches into the batter—this will give your cake all that juicy peach goodness.
7. Baking the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
8. Cooling the Cake:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
9. Optional Frosting Preparations:
If you want to make the optional frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until fluffy.
10. Frosting the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, garnish with a few peach slices on top!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up that delicious cake and serve. Each bite is full of peach flavor and perfectly sweet brown sugar goodness. Enjoy every moment with this lovely dessert!
This cake is perfect for gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter to prevent excess 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 or in the fridge for up to a week. If you prefer, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese Frosting?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can skip the frosting or use whipped heavy cream instead. Another delicious alternative is a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk!
How Do I Adjust the Recipe for Different Pan Sizes?
If you’re using a different pan size, keep in mind that baking time may vary. Check for doneness a few minutes earlier if you’re using a smaller pan or might need additional time for a larger one. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s ready.
