Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that brings together the best of summer flavor and irresistible sweetness, look no further than Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting. This recipe is a celebration in every bite: fluffy and tender cake brimming with juicy peaches, all topped with a thick, caramel-kissed brown sugar frosting that’s swoon-worthy. Whether you serve it as a sunny brunch treat or a homey after-dinner delight, Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting has a way of gathering everyone around the table—forks at the ready, smiles all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting keeps things simple, calling for pantry staples plus sweet peaches for a fruity twist. Each ingredient has its own essential role—from building a soft crumb to delivering that luscious caramel finish. Here’s why each one matters:

• All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy, yet tender structure of your cake, giving every bite the perfect crumb.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to give your cake a gorgeous lift and keep it pillowy soft.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings balance and deepens the flavor, enhancing both the cake and the frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the batter, allowing the peach flavor to truly shine.
• Unsalted butter (for both cake and frosting): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for both the moist cake and the creamy frosting.
• Eggs: Hold everything together while creating that light, airy cake we all crave.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses both cake and frosting with classic warmth that pairs beautifully with peaches and brown sugar.
• Sour cream: Guarantees a super-moist cake with tang that balances the sweetness.
• Peaches (fresh or canned): The fruity star! Use peak-season fresh for extra fragrance or good-quality canned for year-round ease.
• Brown sugar (for frosting): Creates that dreamy, toffee-like flavor you’ll want to swipe from the bowl.
• Milk: Gives the frosting its silky-smooth, pourable consistency.
• Powdered sugar: Provides classic frosting sweetness while making it light and spreadable.

How to Make Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your 9×13-inch pan a good greasing—no one wants a cake that sticks! Whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla and sour cream. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet, just until combined (over-mixing is a no-no for tender cakes). Finally, fold in those juicy peach chunks—every spoonful will have pockets of fruity goodness.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour your gorgeous batter into the prepared pan and even it out for a level bake. Bake for 30-35 minutes, yanking it from the oven when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool completely in the pan—you want a cool canvas for the indulgent brown sugar frosting to come.

Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Frosting

In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat and stir in the brown sugar. Let the mixture bubble gently and melt together for 2-3 minutes; you’ll know it’s ready when it smells heavenly and looks smooth. Pour in the milk, bring to a gentle boil, then turn off the heat and let it cool just a bit. Once it’s warm (not hot), whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until the frosting is luscious, thick, and creamy—you should want to dive in with a spoon!

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Once your cake is completely cool, spread that decadent brown sugar frosting all over the top, working it into every corner with a spatula. Give it a little time to set (if you can wait!) so the frosting forms a sweet, crackly finish when you slice into your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting.

How to Serve Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Garnishes

Dress up your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting with a scattering of fresh peach slices, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. For a summery flair, a few mint leaves add fresh color and a subtle aroma that’s utterly inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to elevate every bite. If you want to keep things light, a simple fruit salad featuring berries or a citrusy sorbet offers a lovely, refreshing counterpoint to the cake’s warm sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into squares for a picnic treat, or using a cookie cutter to make fun shapes for a brunch spread. Serving individual pieces in elegant ramekins with a drizzle of caramel or peach syrup will instantly make your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting feel extra special for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cooled slices of Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store them in an airtight container to preserve the softness of the cake and the creaminess of the frosting—plus, it somehow tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers (well wrapped, of course!) for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting. Freezing after frosting is possible, but the texture of the brown sugar frosting is best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

Want that freshly baked vibe? Pop individual slices into the microwave for 10-15 seconds to take the chill off. If you’re warming up a larger piece, cover loosely with foil and heat in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes. Be gentle—the goal is to just soften, not melt away that gorgeous frosting.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Drain the canned peaches well and pat them dry before folding into the batter. They provide the same sweet, juicy flavor, making Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting accessible year-round.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden top and test with a toothpick inserted into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can lead to a drier cake, so check at the 30-minute mark to be safe.

What’s the secret to smooth, creamy brown sugar frosting?

Let the brown sugar and butter bubble together until fully dissolved, and be sure to cool the mixture slightly before whisking in the powdered sugar. This helps create a glossy, lump-free frosting that glides over the cake perfectly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Check that your blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Everything else in the Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting recipe remains the same.

Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

You can divide the batter among muffin tins and bake for 18-22 minutes for adorable peach cupcakes. Frost each with brown sugar frosting for mini versions of this show-stopping Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting yet special, this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is truly a must-try. Each slice is a bite of pure happiness—soft, peach-studded cake topped with a creamy, caramel-kissed cloud of frosting. Gather your loved ones, whip up this lovely treat, and see how quickly it disappears. You’re going to fall in love with every forkful!

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