Brown Sugar Peach Cake
This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh peaches with rich caramel icing, making it a perfect dessert for summer gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or celebrating a birthday, this cake is sure to impress. Its moist texture and vibrant flavors will leave your guests wanting more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Sweet: The brown sugar caramel icing adds a rich layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the juicy peaches.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or simply a sweet treat at home, this cake fits right in.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of yellow cake and peaches makes it adaptable; you can even experiment with different fruits!
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 43 minutes, you can whip up this delicious cake in no time.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the baking process and ensure your Brown Sugar Peach Cake turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×12 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Toothpick
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×12 inch baking pan: This size allows for even cooking and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl ensures all ingredients are blended thoroughly for a smooth batter.
- Whisk: Essential for combining wet ingredients and ensuring there are no lumps in your 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 cooks evenly from start to finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, peach nectar or juice, and optional food coloring. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped peaches until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into a lightly sprayed 9×12 inch baking pan.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Bake for about 28 minutes. To check if it’s done:
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with moist crumbs but no wet batter clinging to it.
Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Frosting
In a saucepan:
Combine butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
Once boiling, remove from heat and add vanilla extract followed by sifted confectioner’s sugar. Whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Once baked:
Pour the hot frosting over the warm cake evenly. It’s important to do this quickly as it sets up fast.
Step 6: Let It Set
Allow frosting to harden at room temperature or refrigerate briefly before cutting into squares for serving.
Enjoy your homemade Brown Sugar Peach Cake, perfect for any summer occasion!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Peach Cake
Serving your Brown Sugar Peach Cake can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this summer treat.
A La Mode
- Serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream perfectly complements the warm cake and enhances the peach flavor.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Top each slice with freshly whipped cream for a light and fluffy addition that balances the rich caramel icing.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce
- For an indulgent treat, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the cake before serving. This adds extra sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
As Part of a Fruit Medley
- Pair slices of Brown Sugar Peach Cake with a side of mixed fresh fruits, like berries and melons, for a refreshing contrast.
With Iced Tea or Lemonade
- Enjoy your cake alongside a glass of iced tea or lemonade. The refreshing drinks complement the cake’s sweetness perfectly on a hot day.
At Summer Gatherings
- Serve this cake at picnics or barbecues. Its delicious flavors will make it a crowd favorite during summer gatherings.
How to Perfect Brown Sugar Peach Cake
To ensure your Brown Sugar Peach Cake is always a hit, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Peaches: Opt for ripe, juicy peaches as they add the best flavor and moisture to your cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Check for doneness around 25 minutes as ovens may vary; you want it moist but not undercooked.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: A little salt in the frosting can help balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of flavor that pairs well with peaches.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Peach Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Brown Sugar Peach Cake can enhance its deliciousness. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creamy richness.
- Fruit Salad – A light mix of seasonal fruits that refreshes your palate.
- Lemon Sorbet – The tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet cake.
- Pecan Pie Bars – Another dessert option that offers nutty flavors and crunch.
- Cheese Platter – Provide a selection of cheeses like brie and goat cheese for savory bites alongside sweet cake.
- Chocolate Mousse – A rich, decadent dessert that complements the peach flavors nicely.
- Caramel Popcorn – For something crunchy, caramel popcorn provides an exciting texture contrast.
- Sweet Tea – This Southern staple is perfect for washing down your cake on warm days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Brown Sugar Peach Cake even more delightful. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light texture.
- Ignoring the ripeness of peaches: Using underripe peaches can result in less flavor. Choose ripe, juicy peaches for the best taste.
- Not checking cake doneness: Relying solely on baking time might lead to an undercooked or overcooked cake. Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Pouring hot icing too slowly: If you take too long to pour the icing, it may set before you can spread it evenly. Aim to pour quickly and evenly over the cake.
- Skipping sifting the confectioner’s sugar: Not sifting can leave lumps in your icing. Always sift for a smooth, creamy texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brown Sugar Peach Cake
- Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Brown Sugar Peach Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Brown Sugar Peach Cake special?
Brown Sugar Peach Cake is loved for its blend of sweet peaches and rich brown sugar caramel icing that creates a heavenly dessert experience.
Can I use frozen peaches in my Brown Sugar Peach Cake?
Yes! Frozen peaches work well, but ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the batter.
How do I enhance the flavor of my Brown Sugar Peach Cake?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the sweetness of the peaches and brown sugar.
What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
You can customize your Brown Sugar Peach Cake by adding nuts like pecans or walnuts or mixing in other fruits like blueberries or cherries.
How should I serve Brown Sugar Peach Cake?
This cake is perfect as-is, but you can serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat.
Final Thoughts
The Brown Sugar Peach Cake is truly delightful with its moist texture and sweet peach flavor topped with irresistible brown sugar caramel icing. This versatile dessert can be customized with various fruits or nuts, making it perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family dinners. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Brown Sugar Peach Cake
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Brown Sugar Peach Cake, a perfect summer dessert that harmonizes the sweetness of fresh peaches with a rich brown sugar caramel icing. This cake is not only visually appealing but also incredibly moist and bursting with fruity goodness. Ideal for barbecues, birthdays, or a sweet treat at home, this simple recipe will impress your guests and leave them craving more. With just 43 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a slice of this charming peach delight in no time.
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 the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, peach nectar or juice. Mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped peaches.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×12 inch baking pan and bake for about 28 minutes.
- To make the frosting, combine butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar in a saucepan; bring to a boil while stirring.
- Remove from heat; whisk in vanilla extract and sifted confectioner’s sugar until smooth.
- Pour the hot frosting over the warm cake and let it set before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
