Peach season is one of my favorite times of the year, especially when it comes to baking. The aroma of fresh peaches fills the kitchen, and the thought of a warm piece of peach cake makes my mouth water. I remember the first time I tried a fresh peach cake. It was at a summer picnic, and I couldn’t get enough of that sweet, juicy flavor. I’m excited to share my Fresh Peach Cake Recipe with you. This cake is moist, fluffy, and bursting with the goodness of ripe peaches.
Ingredients for Fresh Peach Cake Recipe
To make this delightful cake, you will need:
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Topping Ingredients:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Preparing the Fresh Peaches
Using fresh peaches is essential for this recipe.
- Start by selecting ripe peaches. They should be slightly soft to the touch and fragrant.
- Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry.
- Peel the skin off using a peeler or a paring knife.
- Chop the peaches into small pieces. You can leave some larger chunks for added texture.
How to Make Fresh Peach Cake
Making this cake is easy and fun.
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Peaches: Gently fold in the chopped peaches. The batter will be thick, but that’s okay.
- Pour into Pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
Making the Topping
The topping adds a sweet crunch to the cake.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
- If you’re using nuts, sprinkle those on top as well for added texture.
Baking the Cake
Now, it’s time to bake.
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
Serving Fresh Peach Cake
This cake is delicious warm or at room temperature.
- Cut it into squares and serve it as is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat.
- You can also dust it with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Storing Leftover
If you have any leftovers, you can store them easily.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your peach cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Ripe Peaches: The flavor of the cake heavily relies on the quality of the peaches. Make sure to use fresh, ripe ones.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Experiment with Spices: If you love spices, feel free to add nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
Variations of Fresh Peach Cake
This recipe is quite versatile. Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Peach and Blueberry: Add a cup of fresh blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Peach Upside-Down Cake: Pour the batter over caramelized peaches in the pan for a stunning presentation.
- Peach Muffins: Use the same batter to make muffins. Bake them in a muffin tin for about 20-25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Peach Cake Recipe
This Fresh Peach Cake Recipe is a celebration of summer. It’s moist, flavorful, and easy to make. The combination of ripe peaches and warm spices creates a comforting dessert that everyone will love. Whether you serve it at a family gathering or enjoy it on a quiet afternoon, this cake is sure to bring a smile to your face.