Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

If there’s one summer dessert that steals the show at every gathering, it’s Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting. This cake is the very definition of golden, peachy perfection — soft, moist, and filled with juicy fruit, then generously slathered with a silky, caramel-scented brown sugar frosting. Every bite is sunshine on a fork, making it just as perfect for a family picnic as it is for a cozy evening at home. Using the best peaches you can find and a ridiculously easy batter, this cake is a joyful celebration of summer flavors you’ll want to make on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few special add-ins, you’ll transform simple ingredients into a spectacular treat. Each one brings something extra — from tender crumb, to the melting sweetness of the peaches, to that utterly dreamy frosting. Here’s what you need:

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, giving it structure and that classic, fluffy texture.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Together, they ensure the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
• Salt: Just a touch intensifies all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and creates the perfect crumb.
• Unsalted butter (for both cake and frosting): Adds richness, flavor, and moistness throughout.
• Eggs: The secret to a tender cake — they bind, lift, and enrich every slice.
• Vanilla extract (for both cake and frosting): Lends warmth and rounds out the fruit flavors.
• Sour cream: This is your magic trick for an extra-moist, melt-in-the-mouth crumb.
• Fresh or canned peaches: The star ingredient! Use fresh for peak summer flavor or canned for convenience — either way, you’ll get bits of sunny sweetness in every bite.
• Packed brown sugar: This is essential for creating that caramel-like, lusciously rich frosting.
• Milk: Helps the frosting become wonderfully creamy and spreadable.
• Powdered sugar: Whisks up into a silky, smooth frosting with a cloud-like texture.

How to Make Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat

Before you get started, set the mood: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly, making sure to get into the corners. This not only ensures easy release, but helps your cake bake up evenly with a softly golden crust that holds in the moisture.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking first ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, so you’ll get a perfectly even rise — and no unpleasant pockets of baking soda to bite into later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, setting the stage for an airy cake and dissolving the sugar into the butter for a fine, tender crumb. Be patient — a few minutes extra here makes all the difference.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This makes sure your cake won’t separate and stays velvety. Then stir in the vanilla and sour cream — the vanilla adds warmth, while the sour cream dials up the richness and keeps the cake soft for days.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing only until just combined. Over-mixing can toughen your cake, so stop as soon as you don’t see any streaks of flour. Gently fold in your diced peaches, distributing those lovely pockets of fruit throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the peach-flecked batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool completely before frosting (trust me, patience is worth it here so your frosting stays picture-perfect!).

Step 7: Make the Brown Sugar Frosting

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the packed brown sugar and let it cook for a couple minutes, stirring constantly so nothing scorches. Once the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth, add the milk and bring to a gentle boil. Take it off the heat to cool just slightly, then whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla until the frosting is creamy, dreamy, and ready to spread.

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Spoon that luscious brown sugar frosting onto your cooled cake and spread it with a spatula. The frosting will set as it cools, forming a silky, caramel-like layer that’s just begging to be sliced into. Let it chill and set for the best presentation — then slice, serve, and share the love!

How to Serve Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Garnishes

This cake loves a little extra flourish! Top slices with thinly sliced fresh peaches for a burst of color and juicy sweetness. A scatter of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar creates a gorgeous, bakery-style finish. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of peach syrup will take things over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting with something fresh and simple like a bowl of ripe berries or a fruit salad. I love serving it alongside a tart lemon sorbet or vanilla ice cream, which balances beautifully with the caramel notes of the frosting. For coffee lovers, a warm mug of coffee or tea makes the perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving a crowd? Cut the cake into bite-sized bars and arrange them on a big platter for finger-friendly snacking. For a summertime brunch, try layering cubes of the cake with whipped cream and extra peaches in jars for sweet little parfaits. At birthdays, I’ll even dress it up with tall cake candles and sprinkles — this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is a true celebration centerpiece wherever it goes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake is a beautiful thing! Simply cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer slices to an airtight container. Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting will keep wonderfully fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days — the flavor only gets better as it sits.

Freezing

If you want to have cake at the ready for future cravings, you can absolutely freeze it. For best results, slice the cake, wrap the pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight, and the cake will be as moist and delicious as day one.

Reheating

Enjoying your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting slightly warm is pure bliss! Pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that just-baked taste and gooey frosting. If you’ve refrigerated the whole cake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to lose the chill and return to its full, tender glory.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for this cake?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen peaches before dicing and folding into the batter. They work especially well outside of peach season and still provide a burst of fresh flavor.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, full-fat Greek yogurt is a great replacement. It offers a similar tang and guarantees a moist cake every time.

Do I need to peel the peaches?

Peeling is completely optional — if using fresh peaches, leaving the skin on adds a bit of color and extra nutrients, but you can easily remove it for a smoother texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors only improve as the cake rests. You can bake the cake a day ahead, store it covered, and frost it right before serving for maximum freshness.

How do I keep the brown sugar frosting from being grainy?

The key is making sure the brown sugar dissolves completely in the melted butter before adding the milk. Stir frequently and don’t rush this step for the smoothest, creamiest frosting.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting — it’s one of those crowd-pleasing recipes you’ll return to again and again. The simple steps, juicy peaches, and that dreamy, caramelized frosting come together for something truly special. Share a slice with a friend, bring it to a potluck, or save a piece just for yourself — no matter how you enjoy it, you’re in for a real treat!

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