Few desserts capture the taste of summer like a Peach Cake Recipe. With its soft, buttery crumb, juicy peach slices, and sweet glaze, this cake is a celebration of fresh fruit in its prime. Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a showstopper dessert, this recipe balances sweetness and tang for an irresistible bite. Whether you’re baking with fresh farmers’ market peaches or ripe store-bought ones, you’ll learn how to create a cake that stays moist, flavorful, and picture-perfect. Don’t miss our irresistible summer peach cake inspiration at CookeryLearn.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Perfect Peach Cake Recipe
Choosing the Best Peaches for Baking
The foundation of any great peach cake recipe starts with the right fruit. Look for peaches that are:
- Firm but slightly soft to the touch
- Fragrant with a sweet aroma
- Free from large blemishes or bruises
If peaches are underripe, place them in a paper bag for 1–2 days to ripen naturally. Overripe peaches can be used for a softer, more jammy texture in the cake.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the full list of ingredients to make a moist peach cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra moisture)
- ¼ cup milk
- 3–4 medium peaches, peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (for caramelizing peaches)
- 1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
Tip: Sour cream is the secret to a tender crumb, while brown sugar helps intensify the peach flavor during baking.
Preparing the Peaches and Cake Batter
Step 1 – Prepping the Peaches
- Wash peaches thoroughly.
- To peel easily, dip them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then into ice water. The skins should slip right off.
- Slice peaches into wedges, setting aside a few for topping and the rest for folding into the batter.
- Toss slices in brown sugar for a sweet, caramelized layer when baked.
Step 2 – Making the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf or round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Mix in sour cream and milk until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in most of the peach slices gently to avoid breaking them apart.
Baking Tip: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Use a spatula and light folding motions.
Baking the Peach Cake to Perfection
Step 3 – Assembling and Baking
- Pour the prepared batter into the greased cake pan.
- Arrange the reserved peach slices neatly on top for a decorative finish.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, depending on your oven and pan type.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Tip for Even Baking: Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even color and texture.
Step 4 – Cooling the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack. Cooling completely before glazing ensures the icing sets beautifully instead of melting into the cake.
Glazing and Serving the Peach Cake
Step 5 – Making the Sweet Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons milk until smooth.
- For extra flavor, swap milk for peach juice or lemon juice.
- Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled cake, letting it run down the sides for a rustic look.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- For brunch, pair with hot tea or freshly brewed coffee.
- Turn leftovers into a luxurious peach trifle by layering with whipped cream.
Storage Tip: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavor deepens after a day, making it even better.
Don’t miss our fresh twist on stone fruit desserts in the Peach Pie Cruffins Recipe for another creative way to bake with peaches.
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FAQs About Peach Cake Recipe
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, canned peaches work, but make sure to drain them well and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Fresh peaches give a brighter flavor and firmer texture.
How do I keep my peach cake moist?
Use sour cream or Greek yogurt in the batter and avoid overbaking. Storing in an airtight container also helps retain moisture.
Can I freeze peach cake?
Absolutely. Wrap cooled slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What spices go well with peach cake?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger pair wonderfully with peaches, adding warmth and depth to the flavor.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Check doneness a few minutes earlier as GF cakes can bake faster.
Should I peel peaches for cake?
Peeling gives a smoother texture, but it’s optional. Unpeeled peaches add a rustic look and extra fiber.
Conclusion
This Peach Cake Recipe is a sweet slice of summer, blending juicy peaches, buttery cake, and a glossy glaze into one irresistible dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat, it’s sure to impress. Baking it yourself means you can enjoy peak-season peaches in a tender, flavorful cake any time.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Easiest Peach Galette or the Irresistible Summer Peach Cake for more peach perfection.
PrintPeach Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Peach Cake Recipe combines ripe, juicy peaches with a tender buttery crumb and a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for summer gatherings, brunches, or as a cozy afternoon treat, it’s easy to make and bursting with seasonal flavor.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
- 3–4 medium peaches, peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (or peach juice)
Instructions
- Prep the peaches: Wash, peel, and slice peaches. Toss slices in brown sugar and set aside.
- Preheat oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf or round cake pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add eggs and flavoring: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in sour cream and milk until combined.
- Combine batter: Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in most of the peach slices.
- Assemble: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Arrange reserved peach slices on top.
- Bake: Bake for 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, swap half of the milk for peach nectar.
- Canned peaches can be used, but drain well before adding.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg