Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, look no further than this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe. It’s a tender, moist cake bursting with juicy diced peaches and topped with a luscious, caramel-like brown sugar frosting that’s simply irresistible. Every slice delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it an absolute favorite for family gatherings or cozy weekend treats. Trust me, this cake is one you’ll want to keep coming back to, and it’s surprisingly easy to nail even if peach season is just around the corner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key, but don’t worry—this recipe keeps it simple and straightforward. Each item plays a crucial role, providing the perfect texture, flavor, or moisture that makes this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe a standout dessert.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creaming this fluffy butter with sugar creates the cake’s rich base and tender crumb.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds the sweetness that balances the natural tartness of the peaches.
• 3 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind all the ingredients together smoothly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The essential backbone that gives the cake a soft yet sturdy texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise gently for a light, fluffy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure perfect leavening.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and keeps the cake moist and tender.
• 2 cups diced fresh peaches: The star ingredient — juicy, fresh peaches add bursts of summery flavor and color.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting): Creates the rich base of the brown sugar frosting.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Gives the frosting its deep caramel flavor and beautiful golden hue.
• 1/4 cup whole milk: Smooths out the frosting to a perfect pourable consistency.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a silky finish.

How to Make Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Grease and lightly flour a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. This simple prep ensures your cake won’t stick and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process traps air, giving the cake its lovely texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the batter smooth and emulsified, then add the vanilla extract for a fragrant boost.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet

Add the dry ingredients gradually into the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. This alternating technique keeps the batter moist without becoming overmixed or dense.

Step 6: Fold in the Peaches

Gently fold diced fresh peaches into the batter, making sure the juicy fruit is evenly spread to give every bite a delightful burst without making the batter soggy.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake on the center rack for 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden top and a toothpick that comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs.

Step 8: Prepare the Brown Sugar Frosting

While the cake bakes, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan. Stir in the packed brown sugar and whole milk, then bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and glossy.

Step 9: Frost the Warm Cake

Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm frosting evenly over the top. The frosting will soak in, creating a sticky, caramelized layer that melts into the cake itself.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This lets the frosting set up perfectly, ensuring every slice holds its beautiful glaze.

How to Serve Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For a charming finishing touch, sprinkle extra diced fresh peaches or a handful of toasted pecans over the frosting. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a subtle aromatic lift that complements the peach and brown sugar flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe shines beautifully on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a brunch twist, serve alongside lightly brewed coffee or sweetened iced tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow at your next gathering? Slice the cake into squares and serve on pretty dessert plates with edible flowers or drizzle a little extra warm brown sugar sauce on top. You could also layer slices with whipped cream and peach preserves for a rustic trifle presentation that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cooled Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to two days, or pop it in the fridge if you want it to last another day or two without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen, it keeps well for up to three months and is a wonderful make-ahead dessert option.

Reheating

Thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds if you prefer a soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel. The frosting softens deliciously with just a little heat, making every bite taste heavenly.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

While fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture in this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe, you can substitute canned peaches if needed. Just be sure to drain them very well and pat dry to avoid excess moisture that could make the cake soggy.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

If sour cream isn’t on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk to maintain the cake’s moist, tender crumb and slight tangy flavor.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The cake texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not raw batter), your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe is ready to come out of the oven.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

While it’s best to pour the frosting warm right after baking for that signature sticky glaze, you can make it ahead. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until pourable before drizzling over the cake.

Final Thoughts

This Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe is a real treasure, combining comforting flavors with a moist, tender texture that feels like pure sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend treat or a special occasion, it never fails to bring smiles and satisfied sighs. Give it a try soon—you’ll be so glad you did!

Print