Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Last summer we went on a family trip to visit my aunt Freda and she lives in a small town where the peaches grow sweeter than candy and I thought I’d just eat them fresh and call it a day but she had other plans and guess what she pulled out a big handwritten recipe card for peach cake with brown sugar frosting and smiled like she had a secret

Of course, I tried to help, and of course, I messed up, and I dropped some flour on the counter, which made everyone laugh, and then I almost forgot the sugar, which is so typical of me because I always rush when I’m excited, and maybe you’ve done that too when you can’t wait to taste something

The first try came out a little lopsided, but nobody cared, and the smell filled the whole house. The kids kept asking when it would be ready and when we finally cut into it, the cake was soft and peachy, and the frosting tasted like melted caramel, and I was shocked because it turned out so good, even with the small mistakes

And that’s the thing, right food isn’t about perfect measurements, it’s about memories and laughter and little moments around the table, so have you ever tried baking with peaches? Because if not, you’re about to learn one of the easiest and yummiest ways to do i,t and I promise it’s worth it

What is Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting?

Peach cake with brown sugar frosting is a soft, fruity dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the warm, caramel-like flavor of brown sugar icing. The cake itself is moist, tender, and filled with juicy peach pieces that melt in your mouth. When topped with a rich frosting made from brown sugar, butter, and cream, it transforms into a comforting treat that feels like a hug in dessert form. This recipe is sometimes called “Freda’s Peach Cake” because it has an old-fashioned, homey taste, just like something you’d find in grandma’s kitchen.

What to Eat with Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting?

This peach cake is delicious on its own, but you can enjoy it with many extras to make it even better. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream balances the warm sweetness of the cake with a cool and creamy touch. If you prefer something lighter, pair it with a fresh fruit salad or a cup of hot tea. It also makes a perfect dessert after Sunday dinner or a potluck gathering. For kids, serving it with a glass of cold milk is a simple and tasty idea.

📝 Ingredients Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting:

For the Cake:

• 🥣 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 🥄 2 tsp baking powder
• 🥄 ½ tsp baking soda
• 🧂 ½ tsp salt
• 🌿 ½ tsp cinnamon
• 🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 🍬 1 cup granulated sugar
• 🥚 2 large eggs
• 🍦 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 🥛 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 🍑 2 cups peeled, diced fresh peaches

Brown Sugar Frosting:

• 🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter
• 🍯 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 🥛 ¼ cup milk
• 🍚 2 cups powdered sugar
• 🍦 1 tsp vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (large, medium, small)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13-inch baking pan (or two 9-inch round pans)
• Knife and cutting board (for peaches)
• Saucepan (for frosting)
• Wooden spoon
• Cooling rack

👩‍🍳 How To Make A Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting?

1. 🔥 Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or spray. You can also line it with parchment paper so the cake doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly.
2. 🥣 Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp cinnamon. This helps the cake rise evenly and gives it a nice warm flavor.
3. 🧈 Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter with 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. This traps air into the batter and makes the cake soft and tender.
4. 🥚 Add Eggs & Vanilla: Crack 2 eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Your batter should look smooth and creamy.
5. 🥛 Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter mixture. Start and end with the flour. Mix gently so the cake stays light and fluffy.
6. 🍑 Fold in Peaches: Gently fold 2 cups diced peaches into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to mash them; you want little juicy chunks in every bite.
7. 🍰 Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with a few crumbs. Let it cool completely before frosting.
8. 🔥 Make Brown Sugar Frosting: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup butter and stir in 1 cup packed brown sugar. Cook for 2 minutes until smooth and bubbly. Slowly add ¼ cup milk, bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
9. 🍚 Finish Frosting: Stir in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. The frosting should be creamy and pourable, perfect for spreading.
10. 🍴 Frost & Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into squares or rectangles. Add a few peach slices on top for garnish and serve with a smile

Notes

• If fresh peaches aren’t available, canned or frozen peaches work too. Just make sure to drain canned peaches or thaw frozen ones before adding them.
• You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a nutty crunch.
• Don’t frost the cake while it’s hot, or the icing will melt into the cake instead of staying on top.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover peach cake with brown sugar frosting should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze unfrosted cake slices for up to 2 months; just wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and frost when ready to serve.

FAQ

1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?

Yes! Just make sure to drain them well so the cake doesn’t get soggy.

2. Can I make this cake without sour cream?

Yes, you can replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or even buttermilk for a similar result.

3. What size pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch pan works best, but you can also use two 9-inch round pans if you want to make a layer cake.

4. How do I know when the cake is done?

Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.

5. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

It’s best to make the frosting fresh because it sets quickly. If it hardens too soon, just rewarm it slightly and stir.

6. Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, freeze the cake without frosting. Wrap it tightly and store for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing for the best flavor.

7. Can I add other fruits to the cake?

Absolutely! Try mixing peaches with blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a colorful twist.

8. Is this cake too sweet?

The brown sugar frosting is rich, but the cake itself is balanced. If you prefer less sweetness, use half the frosting or dust with powdered sugar instead.

Conclusion

Freda’s Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is a classic dessert that combines the comfort of homemade cake with the irresistible sweetness of peaches and caramel-like icing. It’s simple enough for beginners to bake, yet impressive enough for family gatherings or parties. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more tasty recipes and kitchen tips.