Best Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that sings with juicy, summery flavors and wraps you in a warm, comforting hug, look no further than the Best Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting. This luscious cake combines tender, flavorful peaches folded into a moist, golden cake base, all topped with a rich and creamy brown sugar frosting that’s both sweet and deeply caramel-like. Each bite bursts with fruity freshness and the nostalgic essence of homemade goodness, making it the perfect treat for any occasion where you want to impress without stress. Trust me, once you try this delight, it’ll become your go-to dessert all year round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Best Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting starts with a handful of straightforward but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this cake a standout. From the fruity zing of the peach Jell-O to the richness of the brown sugar frosting, every component brings something special to the table.

• Yellow cake mix: A simple base providing light, fluffy texture and that irresistible golden crumb.
• Peach Jell-O (2 boxes, not prepared): Adds a vibrant peach flavor and subtle sweetness that infuses the cake.
• Eggs (4): Essential for structure and binding all the ingredients together perfectly.
• Oil (1 cup): Keeps the cake tender and moist throughout baking.
• Frozen sliced peaches (1 16-oz bag): Bring juicy, fresh summer flavor and lovely texture when folded into the batter.
• Salted butter (1 stick or 1/2 cup): Central to the decadence of the brown sugar frosting, providing smooth richness.
• Brown sugar (2 cups packed): Imparts deep caramel notes and sweetness for the frosting.
• Heavy cream (2/3 cup): Helps create that luscious, pourable yet thick frosting consistency.
• Vanilla (1 teaspoon): A splash of warmth that rounds out the frosting’s flavor perfectly.
• Ice water (for an ice bath): Used to cool the frosting quickly without altering its texture.

How to Make Best Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Step 1: Prep and Combine the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13 inch cake pan to prevent sticking. In a large bowl or a stand mixer, beat together the yellow cake mix, the two boxes of peach Jell-O (remember, not prepared), four eggs, and one cup of oil. This blend forms a lightly sweet, moist batter that’s perfectly infused with peach flavor even before adding the fresh fruit.

Step 2: Add the Peaches

Take your frozen sliced peaches straight from the freezer and cut each slice in half to create bite-sized pieces. Don’t thaw them—this helps keep moisture balanced in the batter. Using a sturdy wooden spoon, gently fold these peaches into the batter, distributing fruity pockets throughout the cake for bursts of juicy goodness once baked.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with very moist crumbs, but no raw batter. The edges will brown nicely, adding a hint of caramelized flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Allow the cake to cool fully on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Frosting

While the cake cools, it’s time to whip up the star topping. Combine salted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a two-quart pot and heat over medium-high until the mixture boils consistently across the surface. Set a timer for one minute and stir frequently to avoid burning and to reach the perfect caramel consistency. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla, then immediately set the pot into an ice bath (careful to avoid water mixing with the frosting). Stir occasionally until it cools down to room temperature and thickens significantly.

Step 5: Beat and Frost the Cake

Using a hand mixer, beat the cooled frosting for three to five minutes until it’s smooth, thicker, yet still pourable enough to spread easily. Spread the frosting generously over the completely cooled cake for that irresistible finish. This luscious frosting is the perfect companion to the peach-infused cake base.

How to Serve Best Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Garnishes

Elevate the presentation by adding fresh peach slices or a sprinkle of toasted pecans right on top of the frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh mint leaves can add a delightful aroma and an extra pop of color that makes the whole dessert feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for an extra creamy contrast. A simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a floral herbal tea rounds out the experience, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual cake squares with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a small spoonful of peach compote on the side. For gatherings, arrange slices on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh fruit for a charming, inviting display that everyone will want to dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Best Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is delightful right out of the oven but stores well too. You can keep any leftovers on the counter for up to two days, covered loosely to maintain moisture and the frosting’s luscious texture. If you need more time, refrigeration is the way to go.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The peach flavor and moist texture hold up surprisingly well, and the frosting stays wonderfully creamy.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake warm, reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the frosting just right and brings out that fresh-baked aroma. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting completely.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peaches instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh peaches will work wonderfully when they’re in season; just peel, slice, and fold them in as you would the frozen peaches. The flavor will be even more vibrant, though the texture might vary slightly.

Is the cake very sweet because of the brown sugar frosting?

The frosting is rich and caramel-like but not overly sweet. The naturally tangy and fresh peaches provide balance, so the dessert remains deliciously sweet without being cloying.

Can I make the frosting without heavy cream?

Heavy cream is key for that creamy texture and smooth consistency. While substitutions like half-and-half might work, the frosting may be thinner and not set as nicely.

Do I have to use peach Jell-O mix?

Using peach Jell-O mix adds a subtle, fruity sweetness and helps enhance the peach flavor overall, but if you really want, you could experiment with a peach gelatin dessert mix or skip it. Just know the distinct peach punch might be less pronounced.

How long can I keep the cake in the fridge?

Stored well in an airtight container, the cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Best Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is the kind of recipe that becomes a true family favorite with hardly any effort. Its joyful peach flavor and buttery brown sugar richness come together to create a cake that’s both comforting and wonderfully refreshing. I can’t recommend baking this treasure enough—give it a try and watch it become one of your most requested desserts!

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