Peach cake is a delightful dessert that embodies the sweetness of summer and the joy of baking. With its warm, buttery base studded with chunks of fresh, juicy peaches, this cake is the perfect treat for any occasion.
Why We Love This Peach Cake Recipe
This peach cake recipe not only captivates with its wonderful flavors but also offers a comforting nostalgia that resonates with many. Imagine sitting on a porch, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of sweet peaches, and the sound of laughter echoing around—this cake embodies all of that. In a world full of complex recipes with myriad ingredients, the simplicity of this cake makes it feel perfectly approachable.
Moreover, it’s adaptable. The peaches can be fresh, frozen, or even canned, which makes it a versatile choice throughout the year. Each version presents a unique twist, allowing you the creativity to personalize it according to what you have on hand. Each bite showcases the natural sweetness of the peaches, balanced beautifully with the buttery cake base. Topped with a dusting of icing sugar, this cake transforms into an irresistible dessert that anyone would be proud to serve.
Ingredients about Peach Cake
To make this scrumptious peach cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 large peaches, ripe but firm
- 210 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) plain flour or all-purpose flour
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 150 grams (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened and roughly chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) full-fat Greek yogurt
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) full-fat or whole milk
- Icing sugar or powdered sugar, to serve (optional)
These ingredients work together to create a moist, flavorful cake that showcases the delightful sweetness of peaches.
How to Make Peach Cake Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the delightful process of making your peach cake. Here’s how you can achieve a delicious result:
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for a standard oven or 160 degrees Celsius (320 degrees Fahrenheit) for a fan-forced oven. This step is essential to ensure that your cake bakes evenly.
Prepare Your Pan: While the oven is warming up, grab an 8-inch round cake pan. Grease it well and line the bottom and sides with baking or parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the cake later without any sticking.
Chop Your Peaches: Take the ripe peaches and roughly chop them into slices. Setting them aside allows the flavors to develop before they mingle with the batter.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir the ingredients together until they are well-mixed.
Incorporate Butter: Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Using either a fork or a pastry cutter, mix everything together until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Next, crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Then, add the Greek yogurt and whole milk. This is where your batter starts to come together; mix until the batter is creamy and smooth.
Fold in the Peaches: Gently fold in most of the peach slices into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This will add bursts of flavor throughout the cake.
Transfer to the Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and press the remaining peach slices into the top for a pretty presentation.
Bake the Cake: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a skewer into the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Cool Down: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a bit. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with Icing Sugar: Before serving, if you desire, dust the top with icing sugar for that extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Now, your kitchen should be filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked peach cake, beckoning everyone to come and enjoy a piece.
How to Serve Peach Cake
Serving your peach cake is as easy as enjoying it. Here are some delightful ways to present this cake that will impress your guests and elevate your dessert experience:
Slice Sharing: Cut the cooled cake into generous slices. Place each slice on individual dessert plates for easy serving. This personal touch adds a special feel to your dessert experience.
Pair with Cream: Consider serving the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The rich creaminess contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and juicy peaches, making each bite delightful.
Fresh Mint Garnish: For a pop of color and added flavor, top each slice with a sprig of fresh mint. This not only enhances presentation but adds a refreshing taste that complements the peach cake nicely.
Enjoy with Coffee or Tea: Serve your peach cake alongside your favorite hot beverage. The warmth of coffee or tea pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, creating a soothing afternoon treat.
Dust More Icing Sugar: If you love aesthetics, feel free to sprinkle some additional icing sugar right before serving. It adds a beautiful touch and makes the cake even more inviting.
No matter how you choose to serve your peach cake, you’re guaranteed to create moments of joy and satisfaction.
Expert Tips: Peach Cake
To ensure that your peach cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
Choose the Right Peaches: Select peaches that are ripe but still firm. Overripe peaches can become mushy while baking, leading to a cake with a less appealing texture.
Prepare Ahead of Time: You can prepare the dry ingredients and store them ahead of time. When you’re ready to bake, mix in the wet ingredients and go. This makes the process quicker and simplifies your baking routine.
Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, which is not ideal for a peach cake.
Check Oven Temperature: Always double-check that your oven is at the right temperature before starting. If your oven runs hot or cold, it can affect baking time.
Experimenting with Flavor: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor boost. These warming spices can enhance the overall flavor profile of your peach cake.
Store It Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The cake can stay moist for a few days on the countertop.
By following these tips, you’ll enhance your baking skills and produce a peach cake that everyone will rave about.
How to Store Peach Cake
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and deliciousness of your peach cake. Here’s how you can keep it in the best shape possible:
Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to enjoy the cake within a few days, you can store it at room temperature. Place it in an airtight container to protect it from drying out.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, consider refrigerating the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help preserve its moisture and flavors.
Freezing Options: If you want to keep peach cake for an extended period, freezing is an option. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Alternatively, slice the cake and freeze individual pieces for easy thawing later.
Thawing Cake: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen peach cake, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. For a quicker thaw, you can leave it at room temperature for a couple of hours.
By storing your peach cake correctly, you can extend its lifespan while maintaining its delightful taste.
Variation of Peach Cake
While the classic peach cake is a treat all on its own, there are several delightful variations you can try for a twist on the original recipe:
Peach Almond Cake: Add a handful of sliced almonds into the batter or as a topping before baking. The nuttiness will complement the sweetness of the peaches beautifully.
Cinnamon Peach Cake: Incorporate a teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the batter for an aromatic twist. The warm spice pairs wonderfully with the fruit.
Crumb Topping Peach Cake: Instead of pressing peach slices on top, create a crumb topping using flour, sugar, and butter. Sprinkle it over the batter before baking to achieve a crunchy texture.
Peach Upside-Down Cake: For a fun take, prepare an upside-down cake. Arrange peach slices at the bottom of the pan, pour the batter over them, and invert after baking for a stunning presentation.
Peach Muffins: Use the recipe as a base to create delicious peach muffins. Divide the batter into a muffin tin, adjust baking time, and enjoy bite-sized treats.
Exploring these variations allows you to keep your cake routine exciting while still enjoying the delightful flavors of peaches.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen peaches for the peach cake recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen peaches for your peach cake. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before folding them into the batter. This way, the moisture content doesn’t affect your cake’s texture.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in this recipe?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, a great substitute is sour cream or plain regular yogurt. Both will provide a similar creaminess and moisture to the cake.
Is it necessary to use fresh peaches, or can I use canned peaches?
While fresh peaches are ideal due to their flavor and texture, canned peaches can also work in a pinch. Just remember to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your batter.
How long will the peach cake stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature or in the fridge, your peach cake can remain fresh for up to 3 days. For extended storage, freezing it is a good option.
Can I adjust the sugar level in the recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet cake, feel free to reduce the sugar amount according to your taste. Just keep in mind that sugar also contributes to the moisture and texture, so make small adjustments.
Peach Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces large peaches, ripe but firm Chopped into slices
- 210 grams plain flour or all-purpose flour
- 150 grams caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 150 grams unsalted butter, softened and roughly chopped
- 1 piece large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 60 ml full-fat Greek yogurt
- 80 ml full-fat or whole milk
- icing sugar or powdered sugar, to serve (optional) For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for a standard oven or 160 degrees Celsius (320 degrees Fahrenheit) for a fan-forced oven.
- Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom and sides with baking or parchment paper.
- Chop the ripe peaches into slices and set aside.
Batter Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
- Crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, and whole milk; mix until creamy.
- Gently fold in most of the peach slices into the batter.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Press the remaining peach slices into the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving
- Dust the top with icing sugar before serving.
- Slice and serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprig of mint.