Brown Sugar Peach Cake
This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is a delightful dessert perfect for summer gatherings. Loaded with fresh peaches and topped with a rich brown sugar caramel icing, this cake will impress at any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or celebrating a birthday, this cake brings the taste of summer right to your table. Its moist texture, sweet flavor, and beautiful presentation make it an unforgettable treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake comes together quickly.
- Flavorful Layers: The combination of peaches and brown sugar caramel creates a deliciously unique flavor profile.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive celebrations.
- Impressive Presentation: The caramel icing gives it a beautiful finish that’s sure to wow your guests.
- Summer Freshness: Using fresh peaches adds a seasonal touch that enhances its appeal.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making the Brown Sugar Peach Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×12 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Toothpick
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×12 inch baking pan: This size provides the perfect depth for even baking and allows the cake to rise beautifully.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized during preparation.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for blending ingredients smoothly, especially when making the frosting.
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)
- drop orange food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting
- 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 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from start to finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, blend together the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, peach nectar (and food coloring if using).
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Gently fold in chopped peaches.
- Pour the batter into a lightly sprayed 9×12 inch pan.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 28 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just moist crumbs attached.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine unsalted butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until it reaches a boil.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla extract followed by sifted confectioner’s sugar.
- Whisk until smooth; if lumps remain, return to low heat until they dissolve.
Step 5: Frosting Application
Pour the brown sugar frosting over the warm cake. Aim for an even coat as it sets quickly. Allow it to harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator before cutting into squares.
With its sweet flavor and delightful texture, this Brown Sugar Peach Cake is sure to be a hit! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Peach Cake
This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is a delightful summer dessert that pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Whether you enjoy it plain or with toppings, there are many ways to elevate your cake experience.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the cake’s rich caramel topping.
A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the warm cake, creating a classic combination that everyone loves.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce
- For those who can’t get enough sweetness, drizzling additional caramel sauce over each slice enhances the flavor and presentation.
Served with Sliced Peaches
- Top your cake slice with fresh peach slices for an extra burst of fruit flavor and freshness.
Accompanied by a Fruit Salad
- A refreshing fruit salad can balance the richness of the cake, making for a well-rounded dessert plate.
How to Perfect Brown Sugar Peach Cake
Perfecting your Brown Sugar Peach Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.
- Use Ripe Peaches: Selecting ripe peaches will enhance the flavor and sweetness of your cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in the peaches to avoid toughening the cake batter.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely before pouring on the caramel icing to prevent it from melting away.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Peach Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Brown Sugar Peach Cake can create a more complete meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Grilled Chicken Salad: A light salad with grilled chicken offers protein and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
- Savory Cornbread: The savory flavors of cornbread contrast nicely with the sweet peach cake.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide nutrition and complement the overall meal without overpowering the dessert.
- Classic Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the rich flavors of the cake.
- Fruit and Nut Platter: A mix of fruits and nuts serves as a healthy side option that pairs well with sweet desserts.
- Cheese Board: Include various cheeses that offer both creamy and sharp options; this adds sophistication to your meal experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when making a cake. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the batter’s texture. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined and then gently fold in the peaches.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts of ingredients.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Lining your baking pan helps prevent sticking. Always use parchment or grease the pan well.
- Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on bake time may lead to undercooked cake. Use a toothpick to check; it should come out with moist crumbs.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The cake will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brown Sugar Peach Cake
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Brown Sugar Peach Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350F and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds for a soft slice.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm until desired temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Brown Sugar Peach Cake that might help you.
How do I know when my Brown Sugar Peach Cake is done?
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh peaches provide better flavor and texture. If using canned, drain them well before adding to the batter.
What can I substitute for peach nectar?
You can use apple juice or even water mixed with a little sugar as alternatives if peach nectar isn’t available.
Can I add nuts to my Brown Sugar Peach Cake?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch and flavor complementing the peaches.
How should I serve Brown Sugar Peach Cake?
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for summer gatherings or family dinners. You can customize it by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even experimenting with different fruits. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe!
Brown Sugar Peach Cake
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Brown Sugar Peach Cake, a perfect summer dessert that features juicy, fresh peaches and a luscious brown sugar caramel icing. This easy-to-make cake is a showstopper at any gathering, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a festive birthday celebration. Its moist texture and sweet flavor create an unforgettable treat that will leave your guests asking for seconds. With its stunning presentation and seasonal appeal, this cake captures the essence of summer in every bite.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup peach nectar or juice
- 1 pound fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (for frosting)
- 2 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and peach nectar until smooth. Gently fold in chopped peaches.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×12 inch baking pan and bake for about 28 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
- For the frosting, heat unsalted butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar in a saucepan until boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sifted confectioner’s sugar until smooth.
- Pour warm frosting over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (135g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
