There’s nothing quite like the taste of a freshly baked peach cake to celebrate the sweetness of summer. With its tender crumb, rich peach flavor, and a delicate drizzle of peach preserves, this cake is the perfect dessert to serve at any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a picnic, or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth, Peach Cake offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more. Made with fresh peaches, this cake is light yet rich, with a perfect balance of fruitiness and sweetness that will make it a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the cake, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, which provides the base for the cake and ensures a soft, light texture. You’ll also need 1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, which will sweeten the cake perfectly, along with 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened, for a rich, buttery flavor that adds to the cake’s moistness. The addition of 4 large eggs helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the cake its airy, light texture.
To bring a little richness and moisture, you’ll use 1/2 cup of milk, which will complement the butter and eggs. The cake also requires 2 teaspoons of baking powder to help it rise, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness. For flavor, you’ll add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, which enhances the cake’s overall flavor profile.
Fresh peaches are the star of this recipe, so make sure to use 2 cups of chopped, ripe peaches. Their natural sweetness and juiciness will infuse the cake with a tropical, fruity flavor. Lastly, 1/2 cup of peach preserves will be used for drizzling on top of the cake, adding an extra layer of peachy goodness that glazes the cake with a sweet, glossy finish.
Instructions:
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a loaf pan to prevent the cake from sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Once the butter and sugar are creamed together, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure that the batter is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will add a lovely aromatic flavor to the cake.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition to keep the batter smooth and lump-free. After all ingredients are well combined, fold in the chopped fresh peaches, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This will ensure that the cake is fully baked and has the perfect texture. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the peach preserves over the top. This adds a sweet, sticky glaze that enhances the flavor of the peaches and gives the cake a beautiful glossy finish.
Tips:
For best results, make sure the peaches are ripe and juicy. You can also peel the peaches if you prefer, although leaving the skin on adds texture and extra color. If you don’t have fresh peaches, you can use canned peaches, but be sure to drain and pat them dry before using. To elevate the flavor of the cake, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced undertone that complements the peaches.
If you want a lighter cake, you can substitute the butter with vegetable oil, though this may affect the richness and texture slightly. For a fun twist, try adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the batter before baking to add a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
Serving Suggestions:
This Peach Cake is perfect on its own, but it’s also delicious when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more decadent treat, serve slices of the cake with a drizzle of extra peach preserves and a sprinkle of chopped mint for added freshness. It’s a great dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee during a cozy afternoon, or to bring along to a picnic or barbecue. If you want to get creative, try serving the cake as a breakfast treat with fresh fruit on the side.
Storage:
To store any leftovers, keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and drizzle with peach preserves before serving.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches if fresh peaches aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before adding them to the batter.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Can I add other fruits to the cake?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or berries. However, keep in mind that the additional moisture from other fruits may slightly change the texture of the cake, so it’s best to keep the fruit content similar to the peaches.
Conclusion:
Peach Cake is a wonderfully sweet and moist dessert that celebrates the natural flavors of fresh peaches. With its tender crumb, subtle sweetness, and the glossy peach preserves on top, this cake is perfect for any occasion. It’s an easy-to-make treat that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you enjoy it on its own or pair it with whipped cream or ice cream, Peach Cake is a delightful way to indulge in the taste of summer all year round.
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Peach Cake
Description
Peach Cake is a moist and flavorful loaf cake made with fresh peaches and topped with a sweet peach preserve drizzle, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh peaches, chopped
• 1/2 cup peach preserves
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3️⃣ Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4️⃣ In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5️⃣ Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the chopped peaches.
6️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7️⃣ Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8️⃣ Drizzle the peach preserves over the cooled cake before serving.