Irresistible Summer Peach Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. With its moist, tender crumb and bursts of fresh peach flavor, this cake is ideal for any gathering, whether it’s a family barbecue, a picnic, or a simple summer evening treat. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, and tips for making the perfect Summer Peach Cake. Additionally, we’ll provide variations and address frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve the best results.
Ingredients
For the Irresistible Summer Peach Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 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
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Add Peaches
- Fold in Peaches: Gently fold in the chopped fresh peaches until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 5: Add Peach Preserves
- Heat Preserves: While the cake is baking, gently heat the peach preserves in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Spread Preserves: Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately spread the warm peach preserves over the top of the hot cake.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. The preserves will soak into the cake as it cools, adding extra moisture and flavor.
- Serve: Once the cake has cooled completely, slice and serve. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Variations
Cooking Notes
- Peach Prep: Ensure the peaches are ripe and juicy for the best flavor. You can peel the peaches if desired, but it’s not necessary.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
Variations
- Peach Almond Cake: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
- Spiced Peach Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Peach Blueberry Cake: Fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries along with the peaches for a delightful peach-blueberry combination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
A: Yes, you can use canned or frozen peaches if fresh peaches are not available. Be sure to drain canned peaches well and thaw and drain frozen peaches before using.
Q2: How do I store leftover peach cake?
A: Store any leftover peach cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the peach cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q4: Can I make this cake in a different size pan?
A: Yes, you can bake this cake in two 9-inch round cake pans or a bundt pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Q5: What can I serve with Summer Peach Cake?
A: This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Irresistible Summer Peach Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for celebrating the flavors of summer. With its moist, tender crumb and fresh peach flavor, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Follow these simple steps and tips to create a delicious and memorable dessert that your family and friends will love. Enjoy this sweet, summery treat with your favorite toppings for a perfect end to any meal!