Brown Sugar Peach Cake
This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is the perfect summer treat, bursting with fresh peach flavor and topped with a rich brown sugar caramel icing. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress. Its moist texture and delightful sweetness make it a standout dessert for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious cake in no time.
- Fresh Peach Flavor: The addition of juicy peaches brings a vibrant taste that captures the essence of summer.
- Decadent Icing: The brown sugar caramel icing adds a rich, sweet layer that perfectly complements the cake.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for celebrations or an everyday treat, this cake suits every gathering.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its delightful combination of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds!
Tools and Preparation
To create this delectable Brown Sugar Peach Cake, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×12 baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Toothpick
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×12 baking pan: This size is ideal for even baking and easy serving of sheet cakes.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps in separating ingredients and mixing efficiently.
- Whisk: A good whisk ensures that your batter is well combined without lumps.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 15 ounce yellow cake mix (I like Duncan Hines)
- 3 large eggs (or the amount specified by your cake mix)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or the amount specified by your cake mix)
- 1/2 cup peach nectar or peach juice
- 1 lb peeled and chopped peaches (about 3-4)
For the Icing
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut in pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
How to Make Brown Sugar Peach Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350F. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from start to finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, blend together the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, peach nectar or juice, and optional food coloring until well combined.
- Gently fold in the peeled and chopped peaches to incorporate them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a lightly sprayed 9×12 pan.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Bake for about 28 minutes. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with moist crumbs attached.
Step 4: Make the Icing
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, heavy cream, and packed brown sugar.
- Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla extract along with sifted confectioner’s sugar. Whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Carefully pour the warm icing over the baked cake. Try to get an even coating quickly as it will set up fast.
Step 6: Let It Set
Allow the frosting to harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator before cutting into squares for serving.
Enjoy this delicious Brown Sugar Peach Cake, perfect for sharing at gatherings or indulging during quiet afternoons!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Peach Cake
This delicious Brown Sugar Peach Cake is perfect for summer gatherings and family dinners. Here are some delightful ways to serve this sweet treat.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Serve a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. It adds a light and airy texture that complements the cake beautifully.
A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
- Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess contrasts perfectly with the warm, moist cake and enhances the peach flavor.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Enhance the sweetness by drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice. This adds an extra layer of indulgence to your dessert experience.
Garnished with Sliced Peaches
- Top each slice with fresh sliced peaches for added freshness. This not only looks appealing but also intensifies the peach flavor in every bite.
Served with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy slices of Brown Sugar Peach Cake alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverage pairs nicely with the flavors in the cake and makes for a comforting treat.
How to Perfect Brown Sugar Peach Cake
To ensure your Brown Sugar Peach Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
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Use Ripe Peaches: Select ripe peaches for maximum flavor and sweetness. Overripe peaches can make the cake too mushy.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid tough cake. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
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Check Baking Time: Since ovens vary, start checking your cake a few minutes early. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
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Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
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Store Properly: To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Peach Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Brown Sugar Peach Cake can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful options:
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Grilled Chicken Salad: A light salad with grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a vinaigrette dressing balances out the sweetness of the cake.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring earthy flavors that complement the fruity dessert beautifully.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, including sharp cheddar and creamy brie, provides savory contrast to the sweet cake.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and pairs well with the flavors in the peach cake.
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Pasta Primavera: Light pasta tossed with fresh vegetables offers a satisfying yet not heavy side that harmonizes well with dessert.
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Classic Coleslaw: The crunchiness and slight tanginess from coleslaw provide a nice texture contrast against the soft cake.
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Cornbread Muffins: These slightly sweet muffins make an excellent accompaniment, bringing Southern charm to your meal.
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Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing beverages like iced tea or lemonade help cleanse the palate between bites of rich, sweet cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Brown Sugar Peach Cake can be simple, but many people make common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not using fresh peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are essential for flavor. If you use canned or frozen peaches, the texture and taste will differ significantly.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
- Skipping the frosting test: If you don’t check that the cake is fully baked before adding the frosting, it may collapse. Always do the toothpick test!
- Ignoring oven calibration: Ovens can vary in temperature accuracy. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your cake bakes evenly.
- Not letting the frosting set: Pouring the frosting too soon can cause it to melt into the cake. Allow it to cool slightly for better results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Brown Sugar Peach Cake in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brown Sugar Peach Cake
- Cut the cake into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Brown Sugar Peach Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350F and heat individual slices for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on high for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat and cover until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a delicious Brown Sugar Peach Cake:
How do I choose ripe peaches for my cake?
Select peaches that are slightly soft and fragrant. They should yield gently when pressed.
Can I use frozen peaches in my Brown Sugar Peach Cake?
While fresh is best, thawed frozen peaches can be used if fresh ones aren’t available.
Is Brown Sugar Peach Cake suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! This cake makes a delightful dessert for gatherings and celebrations.
What variations can I make with this recipe?
You might add other fruits or nuts, or try different flavored extracts in the frosting.
Final Thoughts
The Brown Sugar Peach Cake is not just a summer treat; it’s an experience filled with comforting flavors of sweet peaches and rich caramel icing. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings. Try this recipe today and delight your family and friends!
Brown Sugar Peach Cake
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the scrumptious goodness of Brown Sugar Peach Cake, a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer! This moist cake, infused with juicy peaches and topped with a luscious brown sugar caramel icing, is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake will impress with its rich flavors and inviting aroma. Enjoy it warm or chilled, and don’t forget to pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch. Bake this vibrant peach cake today and let every bite transport you to sunny days filled with sweet memories.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup peach nectar or juice
- 1 pound peeled and chopped peaches
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut in pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, peach nectar or juice until blended.
- Gently fold in chopped peaches.
- Pour batter into a lightly greased 9×12 baking pan.
- Bake for approximately 28 minutes; check with a toothpick for doneness.
- For icing, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add heavy cream and brown sugar. Stir until boiling.
- Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla and confectioner’s sugar until smooth.
- Pour icing over cooled cake and allow it to set before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
