Meet your new favorite treat: Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting. Imagine a pillowy, buttery cake studded with sun-kissed peaches and finished off with a swoop of rich, caramel-kissed frosting that melts in your mouth. This easy yet elegant dessert captures the sweetness of ripe peaches and luscious brown sugar, making it a standout for summer parties, holiday gatherings, or a spontaneous weeknight dessert. With tried-and-true ingredients and just the right touch of comfort, Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is a recipe you’ll reach for whenever you want to create smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting lies in its perfectly balanced, accessible ingredients. Each one serves a special purpose, from giving the cake just the right rise to infusing the crumb with richness and a pop of juicy peach.

All-purpose flour: Forms the cake’s sturdy-yet-tender structure and absorbs all those fruity peach juices.
Baking powder: Gives the cake its lovely lift and lightness.
Baking soda: Balances acidity from the sour cream and peaches for a smooth crumb.
Salt: Boosts flavor and ensures you taste every delicious nuance.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake itself and helps lock in moisture.
Unsalted butter (for cake & frosting): Adds richness and makes both cake and frosting melt-in-your-mouth decadent.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together while adding moisture and lift.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with warm, aromatic depth.
Sour cream: Keeps the crumb extra moist and adds a subtle tang.
Fresh or canned peaches: The star ingredient—brings brightness and bursts of juicy flavor.
Packed brown sugar (for frosting): The key to that fudgy, caramel-style frosting everyone raves about.
Milk: Helps create a smooth, pourable frosting consistency.
Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting its classic silky-smooth texture.

How to Make

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Set yourself up for success by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan—this ensures an easy cake release later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so your cake will bake up light and evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This quick extra step might seem minor, but it’s the secret to an evenly risen, fluffy cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Creaming these together creates air pockets for a perfectly soft crumb in your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream, which infuse the cake with irresistible flavor and moisture.

Step 5: Combine and Fold in Peaches

Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined (over-mixing makes cakes tough). Gently fold in those gorgeous diced peaches for sweet little bursts in every bite.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before you even think about frosting—patience pays off!

Step 7: Make the Brown Sugar Frosting

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the brown sugar and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the milk and bring to a boil, then take the saucepan off the heat and cool for a few minutes. Finally, whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until your frosting is luxuriously smooth.

Step 8: Frost and Set

Pour the warm frosting over your cooled cake and spread evenly. Give it a few minutes to set—it’ll firm up into the most heavenly, fudgy layer atop your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting.

How to Serve

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of chopped toasted pecans, or a few extra slices of fresh peach for delicious contrast and eye-catching color. A dollop of whipped cream or even a small scoop of vanilla ice cream is never a bad idea.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with light, fresh offerings like a berry salad or slices of ripe melon for brunch. For coffee or tea time, let it shine alongside strong, hot coffee, black tea, or a refreshing peach iced tea for an ultra-cozy spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting into fun bite-size squares for a dessert buffet, or serve in wide wedges with a dusting of powdered sugar. Individual mason jar servings and layered parfaits with cream and peaches are crowd-pleasing twists for potlucks and parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. The frosting actually helps lock in moisture, so the cake stays soft and dreamy even after a couple of days.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this cake (before frosting) for future cravings. Wrap slices or the whole (unfrosted) cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer this cake warm, just microwave individual slices for 10 to 15 seconds. The brown sugar frosting will gently soften, and the peaches get even juicier. Be sure to keep an eye on it so the frosting doesn’t get too melty.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned peaches instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Both frozen (thawed and well-drained) or canned (drained) peaches work beautifully if fresh aren’t in season. Just be sure to blot off excess moisture so the cake doesn’t get soggy.

How do I make the Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting extra flavorful?

Try adding half a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. It really enhances the peach flavor and gives the cake a lovely floral fragrance.

Will this cake work as cupcakes instead?

Yes, you can bake the batter in muffin tins for adorable Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting cupcakes. Adjust baking time to about 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan?

Greasing the pan well with butter or a baking spray is crucial. For added insurance, line the bottom with parchment paper—you’ll never have to worry about stubborn slices again.

Is this cake very sweet?

The peach cake itself is gently sweet, while the brown sugar frosting adds an extra hit of caramelly richness. If you like things less sweet, try using a thinner layer of frosting or serve each slice with a dollop of tart Greek yogurt.

Final Thoughts

If you’re drawn to homey, comforting desserts that still manage to wow a crowd, give Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting a well-deserved spot in your baking rotation. From the first forkful to the last crumb, it’s pure joy on a plate—and there’s always an eager excuse to make it again soon!