Are you ready to indulge in a slice of summer? This peach cake is a delightful treat that showcases the natural sweetness of fresh peaches. With a moist cake base and a hint of vanilla, each bite is a celebration of flavor and texture. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring the taste of summer to your kitchen!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 8 servings. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 35-40 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g fat, 38g carbohydrates, 3g protein, and 15g sugar. This is based on standard ingredients and serving sizes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour.
- Fold in the sliced peaches gently to avoid breaking them.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk instead of buttermilk and coconut oil in place of butter. Fresh peaches can also be replaced with other fruits like nectarines or plums.
Serving and Pairings
This peach cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It can also be served alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage and Reheating
Store the peach cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately may affect the texture.
- Skipping the greasing of the pan can cause sticking.
- Using unripe peaches can result in less flavor.
- Not letting the cake cool completely before removing from the pan can lead to breakage.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
- Let the peaches sit in a little sugar for 10 minutes to enhance sweetness.
- Use a cake tester to check the doneness accurately.
- Decorate the top with additional peach slices for presentation.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake. Fresh peaches are preferred for the best flavor and texture.
How can I make this cake healthier?
To make the cake healthier, consider reducing the sugar by half and using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also add oats for extra fiber.
Can I freeze peach cake?
Yes, you can freeze peach cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges should also start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Conclusion
This peach cake is not only delicious but also a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on various occasions. With its moist texture and sweet peach flavor, it’s a perfect way to celebrate summer. Try this recipe and share it with friends and family to spread the joy of baking!
Peach Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups fresh peaches peeled and sliced
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour.
- Fold in the sliced peaches gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before serving and dust with powdered sugar.
