Brown Sugar Peach Cake
This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is the perfect summer dessert, bringing together the sweetness of fresh peaches and the rich flavor of brown sugar. It’s not only a delightful treat for gatherings but also an ideal way to enjoy seasonal fruits. The combination of a moist yellow cake with a luscious caramel icing makes this recipe stand out, ensuring it will be a favorite at any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: The addition of ripe peaches enhances the cake’s taste, making each bite refreshing.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this cake can be whipped up quickly, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm with ice cream or chilled as is; it fits any setting or preference.
- Impressive Presentation: The caramel icing adds a beautiful finish that wows guests without requiring advanced baking skills.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Brown Sugar Peach Cake, gather these essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
- 9×12 baking pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining your cake mix and other ingredients evenly.
- Electric mixer: A great time-saver, an electric mixer ensures thorough blending of your batter without much effort.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in your cake.
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. This step is essential for ensuring even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, blend together the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, peach nectar, and optional food coloring until everything is well combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped peaches to incorporate them into the batter.
- 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 doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean with just moist crumbs.
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.
- Gradually whisk in sifted confectioner’s sugar until smooth. If needed, return to low heat to blend lumps.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Pour the frosting over the warm cake immediately after baking. Spread quickly to ensure an even coating before it sets.
Step 6: Let It Cool
Allow the frosting to harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator before cutting into squares for serving.
Enjoy every slice of this delectable Brown Sugar Peach Cake!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Peach Cake
Serving Brown Sugar Peach Cake is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit any occasion. Whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy family dinner, this cake pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic choice that complements the sweetness of peaches.
- Peach Sorbet: For a refreshing twist, peach sorbet enhances the fruity flavors.
Add Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Peaches: Fresh peaches on top add a burst of flavor and color.
- Berries: Strawberries or blueberries provide a tart contrast to the sweetness.
Drizzle with Sauce
- Caramel Sauce: A rich drizzle enhances the brown sugar flavor while adding decadence.
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a light drizzle adds an indulgent touch.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- Sweetened Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it balances the cake’s richness.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Miniature Desserts: Pair slices of cake with brownies or cookies for variety.
- Coffee or Tea: Offer beverages that complement the dessert experience.
How to Perfect Brown Sugar Peach Cake
To ensure your Brown Sugar Peach Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use Ripe Peaches: Ripe peaches will impart more flavor and moisture to your cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in the peaches to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let It Cool Completely: Allowing the cake to cool prevents the frosting from melting off.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Peach Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Brown Sugar Peach Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad balances the sweetness with its crisp greens and tangy dressing.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Savory chicken skewers provide protein and pair well with fruity desserts.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad keeps things fresh and complements the peach flavors beautifully.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers salty contrasts that elevate your dessert experience.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad can be hearty yet refreshing, creating a satisfying meal before dessert.
- Roasted Vegetables: Sweet roasted veggies can bring out the caramel notes in your cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Brown Sugar Peach Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Using unripe peaches: They can lack flavor and moisture. Always choose ripe, juicy peaches for the best results.
- Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on the timer can be misleading. Use a toothpick to test for moist crumbs instead of wet batter.
- Skipping the sifting step: Not sifting confectioner’s sugar can result in lumps in your icing. Always sift it before mixing for a smooth glaze.
- Letting the frosting cool too long: If you wait too long to pour the frosting, it will harden and crack. Pour it while still warm for even coverage.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Brown Sugar Peach Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Brown Sugar Peach Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat slices wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat until warm, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Brown Sugar Peach Cake that may help you.
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, canned peaches can be used, but drain them well and reduce any additional liquid in your recipe.
What if I don’t have peach nectar?
You can substitute with peach juice or even apple juice if necessary.
How do I know when my cake is done?
Check by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Certainly! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix as an alternative to regular cake mix.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or spices according to your taste preferences. Enjoy this summer treat that bursts with flavor and warmth!
Brown Sugar Peach Cake
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Brown Sugar Peach Cake, perfectly crafted for summer gatherings. This moist yellow cake is infused with fresh, ripe peaches and topped with a rich caramel icing that adds an irresistible sweetness. Easy to make with accessible ingredients, this versatile dessert can be served warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled for a refreshing treat. Impress your guests with its stunning presentation while enjoying the comforting flavors of summer in every slice.
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
- For the frosting: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 1/2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and peach nectar until well blended.
- Gently fold in chopped peaches.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×12 inch baking pan.
- Bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, heat butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar in a saucepan until boiling; stir in vanilla and confectioner’s sugar until smooth.
- Pour frosting over warm cake immediately after baking and let cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
