This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is a delightful fusion of summer flavors, featuring juicy peaches and a rich brown sugar caramel icing. Perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home, this cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Its moist texture and sweet, caramelized finish make it a standout dessert for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Peach Cake
This cake has something for everyone!
- Deliciously Moist: The fresh peaches keep the cake tender and juicy, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, even beginner bakers can create this impressive dessert.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with ice cream, or serve cold as a refreshing treat on a hot day.
- Perfect for Summer Gatherings: This cake shines at picnics, barbecues, and family celebrations—it’s sure to impress your guests!
- Sweet Caramel Finish: The brown sugar icing adds an irresistible sweetness that perfectly complements the fruity cake.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Brown Sugar Peach Cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan (9×12)
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A good-sized mixing bowl allows you to combine all your ingredients without making a mess.
- Electric mixer or whisk: These tools help achieve a smooth batter quickly, ensuring even mixing of ingredients.
- Baking pan (9×12): The right size pan ensures even baking and allows your cake to rise properly.
Ingredients
This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is a classic yellow cake loaded with fresh peaches, topped with a brown sugar caramel icing ~ it’s the dessert of the summer!
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 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 350°F. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, blend together the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, peach nectar, and food coloring (if using) until well combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped peaches so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into a lightly greased 9×12 baking pan.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 28 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just moist crumbs.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Icing
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, heavy cream, and 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 and free from lumps.
- If necessary, return to low heat briefly to ensure everything blends well.
Step 5: Frost Your Cake
Carefully pour the icing over the warm cake. Aim for an even coating as it will set quickly. Once frosted, allow it to cool at room temperature or refrigerate until ready to serve.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Peach Cake
This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is a delightful dessert that pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether for a summer gathering or a cozy family dinner, serving it right can elevate the experience.
A La Mode
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a fluffy touch to the rich cake.
Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Peaches: Fresh, sliced peaches on the side enhance the peach flavor in the cake.
- Berries: A mix of strawberries and blueberries offers a tart contrast to the sweet cake.
Beverages
- Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea refreshes your palate alongside this dessert.
- Lemonade: The tangy taste of lemonade balances the sweetness of the brown sugar frosting.
How to Perfect Brown Sugar Peach Cake
To ensure your Brown Sugar Peach Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Fresh Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches will give your cake a vibrant flavor and juicy texture.
- Measure Accurately: Accurate measurements ensure the right consistency and taste. Use measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Stir until just combined for a light texture.
- Check Doneness Early: Ovens vary; start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Peach Cake
When serving Brown Sugar Peach Cake, consider these delicious side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Each option complements the flavors in the cake wonderfully.
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken provides a savory balance to the sweetness of dessert.
- Greek Salad: A fresh Greek salad with feta and olives adds a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and nutrients to your plate.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with herbs can serve as a perfect side for summer gatherings.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a classic summer side that pairs well with sweet desserts.
- Charcuterie Board: An assortment of meats, cheeses, and fruits creates an inviting spread alongside your cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Brown Sugar Peach Cake is a delight, but several common mistakes can hinder its success. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the egg preparation: Always check the number of eggs required by the cake mix. Using too few eggs can lead to a dry texture.
- Ignoring peach ripeness: Use ripe peaches for the best flavor. Unripe peaches may not provide the sweetness and moisture needed for this cake.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you add the right amounts of each ingredient.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Blend just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
- Neglecting pan preparation: Even if you’re using a non-stick pan, lightly spraying it ensures easy removal of your cake after baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Brown Sugar Peach Cake in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes. This helps maintain its moist texture.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned peaches for Brown Sugar Peach Cake?
Yes, you can use canned peaches, but make sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
What other fruits can I add to this cake?
You can experiment with other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and variety.
How do I make Brown Sugar Peach Cake gluten-free?
Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free blend, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What’s the best way to serve Brown Sugar Peach Cake?
This cake is delicious when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.
Can I customize the frosting?
Absolutely! You can add different extracts or spices like cinnamon for unique flavors in your caramel icing.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is not only a delightful summer dessert but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether you stick with fresh peaches or try different fruits, this recipe allows room for customization. Give it a try and enjoy its delicious flavors!
Brown Sugar Peach Cake
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this Brown Sugar Peach Cake. This easy-to-make dessert combines fresh, juicy peaches with a rich brown sugar caramel icing that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Its moist texture and sweet caramel finish make it a perfect treat for any occasion—be it a family gathering or a cozy night in. Serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it chilled on a hot day; either way, you’re in for a delicious experience.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup peach nectar or juice
- 1 lb peeled and chopped peaches (about 3-4)
- 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 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, and peach nectar until well blended. Gently fold in the chopped peaches.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×12 baking pan and bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the icing, heat butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar in a saucepan until boiling while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla and sifted confectioner's sugar until smooth.
- Pour icing over the warm cake and allow it to cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 165mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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