Name: Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup sour cream; 1 cup fresh or canned peaches, diced; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup packed brown sugar; ¼ cup milk; 2 cups powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If ever there was a dessert that signals sunshine and comfort in every bite, it’s Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting. This dreamy, crowd-pleasing cake is bursting with juicy peach flavor and finished with a rich, caramel-like frosting that melts over the soft crumb. Whether you’re making it for a summer get-together or just treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is a foolproof way to make any occasion feel special.

Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are—each one playing a crucial part in delivering incredible flavor, moisture, and structure. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why they matter to Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting.

All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the cake, providing just the right structure so it’s sturdy yet tender.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a light, fluffy height.
Baking soda: Gives an extra lift and helps with browning for that perfect golden color.
Salt: Elevates all the flavors, balancing sweetness and rounding out the taste.
Granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and creates a soft crumb in the cake.
Unsalted butter (in batter and frosting): Lends a rich, buttery flavor and keeps the cake moist, while also making the frosting ultra-creamy.
Large eggs: Bind the mixture together and add richness.
Vanilla extract (in both cake and frosting): Deepens the flavor and perfumes the entire cake with a cozy aroma.
Sour cream: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender—don’t skip it!
Fresh or canned peaches: The star ingredient, delivering bursts of juicy, fruity flavor in every bite.
Packed brown sugar (for frosting): Creates a deep, caramel-like sweetness in the luscious frosting.
Milk (for frosting): Helps make the frosting smooth and spreadable.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Gives the frosting its silky, creamy texture and that just-right sweetness.

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. Grease and flour either an 8×8-inch baking dish or a 9-inch round cake pan—this little extra step guarantees the cake lifts out easily once baked and cooled.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines the leaveners evenly and prevents lumps, laying the foundation for a light, even crumb in your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat together the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl. Keep mixing for about 3-4 minutes; the key here is to achieve a pale, fluffy mixture that will yield a tender cake base. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, and blend in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Add Sour Cream and Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Mix in the sour cream until smooth—this adds incredible moisture. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined for a soft and delicate cake, resisting the urge to overmix. Carefully fold in the diced peaches so each bite delivers that fresh fruit burst.

Step 5: Bake and Cool the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay!). Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and gently transfer it to the rack to cool completely—this step is important for the frosting to set properly later on.

Step 6: Prepare the Brown Sugar Frosting

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Let it bubble away for 2-3 minutes before removing the pan from the heat. Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract little by little, ensuring a velvety, creamy frosting perfect for topping your cake. If needed, thin with an extra splash of milk until you reach silky perfection.

Step 7: Frost and Slice

Once your cake is completely cool, spread the brown sugar frosting generously over the top, leveling it to the edges. Slice into squares or wedges and serve up a truly unforgettable Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting experience.

How to Serve

Garnishes

Dress up your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting with a few finishing touches for extra flair. Try fresh peach slices fanned across the top, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts. These simple toppers not only look beautiful but also add texture and extra bursts of flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake is an absolute joy on its own, but if you want to make dessert extra special, serve it alongside scoops of classic vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A fresh fruit salad with berries and melon or a tangy raspberry coulis also pairs delightfully with the cake’s rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting for a party, slice it into bite-sized squares for a sweet mini treat platter. Or, go all-out and use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for celebrations—kids and adults alike will adore the playful presentation! You can even layer slices into a trifle with whipped cream and more peaches for a stunning, shareable dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which rarely happens, but it’s possible!), store your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, keep it in the fridge to ensure the frosting stays smooth and fresh.

Freezing

This cake freezes surprisingly well! To freeze, wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Before serving, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For best results, freeze the cake before frosting and add the brown sugar frosting after thawing.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked softness, warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This also melts the frosting slightly for a gooey, irresistible topping—like Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting straight out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t in season or you want a shortcut, canned peaches work perfectly. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid adding too much liquid to the batter.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to keep the crumb tender and moist.

What can I do if my frosting turns out too thick?

If your brown sugar frosting seems too thick or stiff, simply add milk, one teaspoon at a time, and whisk until you reach the perfect, spreadable consistency. Go slow so it doesn’t get runny.

Can I add spices to the cake?

Definitely! Warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg are wonderful additions to this cake, especially in cooler weather. Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a subtle spiced note that complements the peaches beautifully.

How do I prevent the peaches from sinking to the bottom?

Gently toss your diced peaches in a spoonful of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them “stick” within the cake, so you get a lovely distribution in every slice, not just at the bottom.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that embodies comfort, warmth, and a little touch of sunshine, you simply have to try Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting. It’s easy to make, endlessly comforting, and always crowd-pleasing. I can’t wait for you to take your first bite—here’s to many delightful moments shared over this peachy, caramel-topped treat!