Brown Sugar Peach Cake Recipe

Bursting with juicy peaches and topped with the dreamiest brown sugar frosting, this Brown Sugar Peach Cake is pure summer comfort in every bite. Spongy, tender, and brimming with caramel and fruit flavor, it’s the kind of dessert you want to share at backyard cookouts—or keep all to yourself for a cozy night in.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Brown Sugar Peach Cake lies in its everyday ingredients—nothing fancy, just simple pantry staples and a few fresh picks that come together for something truly special. Each ingredient brings its own unique texture and flavor to the party, so don’t skip a thing!

• Yellow cake mix (15oz): This is our shortcut to a fluffy base—Duncan Hines gives the best tender crumb, but your favorite brand works.
• Large eggs (3): Essential for structure and a rich cake; use the amount specified by your cake mix if it’s different.
• Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the crumb moist and light, letting those peach flavors shine through.
• Peach nectar or peach juice (1/2 cup): Adds a boost of juicy peach flavor right into the cake batter—pick a nectar for an extra vibrant taste!
• Peeled and chopped peaches (1 lb, about 3-4 peaches): Fresh peaches create juicy little pockets in the cake; peel them for the best texture.
• Drop orange food coloring (optional): Just for fun! Gives the cake a sun-kissed hue.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): The base of your brown sugar frosting for unbeatable richness.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the frosting creamy, dreamy, and easy to pour.
• Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Delivers the signature caramel tones that make this cake unforgettable.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Deepens the cake and icing’s aroma for bakery-style goodness.
• Confectioner’s sugar, sifted (2 1/2 cups): Sifting is key! It ensures your frosting is silky-smooth with no lumps.

Variations

Brown Sugar Peach Cake is a recipe built for creativity—feel free to swap ingredients, play with flavors, or cater to dietary needs. Here are some playful twists to make this classic your own every time you bake!

• Swap in fresh nectarines or plums: No ripe peaches on hand? Try nectarines for a floral flavor or juicy plums for tangy-sweet pops in your cake.
• Nutty upgrade: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a warm crunch that pairs perfectly with the brown sugar topping.
• Dairy-free delight: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy cream for the frosting, plus a neutral oil in the cake—no one will believe it’s vegan friendly.
• Make it a sheet cake or cupcakes: Pour the batter into a muffin tin for adorable mini cakes, or use a round pan for an impressive layer cake look.

How to Make Brown Sugar Peach Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pan & Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×12-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Peel and chop your peaches into bite-sized pieces and have all other ingredients measured and ready—you’ll thank yourself for being organized when the mixing magic starts!

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, peach nectar (and a drop of food coloring if you want that extra peachy pop) and blend until smooth, but don’t overmix! Gently fold in your juicy peaches—the batter will be thick, but that’s the secret to a lush, moist crumb.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool while you whip up that irresistible brown sugar frosting.

Step 4: Make and Pour the Frosting

While the cake cools, melt the butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and bring just to a boil. Remove from heat, whisk in vanilla and sifted confectioner’s sugar, and whip until smooth—put it back on low heat briefly if needed for a pourable consistency. Pour over the cake and resist the urge to “fix” it too much, because this frosting sets lightning fast and will crack if you try to spread it later.

Step 5: Cool, Slice & Enjoy

Allow the frosting to cool and harden—this can happen at room temperature or with a short chill in the fridge if you’re feeling impatient. Once set, slice into generous squares. The Brown Sugar Peach Cake is now ready for admiring, sharing, and—best part—eating!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Peach Cake

Garnishes

For a show-stopping slice, top your Brown Sugar Peach Cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scattering of finely chopped candied ginger, or even a few extra peach slices fanned across the top. A light dusting of confectioner’s sugar or a dribble of caramel sauce is the cherry (or peach!) on top.

Side Dishes

This cake is divine with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, some tangy Greek yogurt, or paired with a fruit salad on the side. You could even serve it with a sharp cheese like aged cheddar for a Southern-inspired dessert board that surprises everyone.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Brown Sugar Peach Cake into cupcakes for individual servings at parties, or slice into elegant bars and wrap them up for sweet summer gifts. Present it on a rustic wooden board with fresh peach halves and edible flowers for a standout brunch centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover slices, cover them tightly in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container. They stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to 2 days, or pop into the fridge for up to 5 days if your kitchen runs warm.

Freezing

Brown Sugar Peach Cake freezes beautifully! For best results, wrap unfrosted cake squares individually in plastic, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. If you freeze it frosted, be sure to separate with parchment to prevent sticking.

Reheating

Thaw frozen cake overnight in the fridge or for a few hours on the counter. For that “just baked” warmth, give each serving a quick 10–15 second zap in the microwave, but be careful not to melt the dreamy brown sugar icing!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Baking this Brown Sugar Peach Cake is like bottling up sunshine and smiles—every slice makes even an ordinary day special. I hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to this crowd-pleasing favorite soon; you’ll be amazed how quickly it disappears. Happy baking!

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