Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe

Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Icing

This delightful peach cake topped with a luscious brown sugar icing is the perfect dessert to enjoy with family and friends. Easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans peaches in fruit juice, juices reserved
  • 1 (15.5-ounce) package Duncan Hines yellow cake mix, divided
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (for icing)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed (for icing)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (for icing)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
  • 2 cups confectioners sugar (for icing)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Spray a 13x9-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Drain the juice from the cans of peaches into a measuring cup until you have 1/2 cup of peach juice. Set aside the 1/2 cup of peach juice and discard the remaining juice.

Step 3: Chop the peaches and gently pat them with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Place the chopped peaches in a small mixing bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of the cake mix.

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the reserved 1/2 cup of peach juice. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle the chopped peaches over the top of the batter.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).

Step 7: Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack while you prepare the icing.

Step 8: For the icing, place the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 9: Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually whisk in the confectioners' sugar until smooth and well combined.

Step 10: Immediately pour the warm icing over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The icing will set quickly, so work fast.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 479
  • Fat: 21g (27% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 8g (41% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 72mg (24% DV)
  • Sodium: 290mg (13% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrate: 71g (26% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 56g
  • Protein: 4g (7% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 3mg (3% DV)
  • Calcium: 106mg (8% DV)
  • Iron: 1mg (7% DV)
  • Potassium: 153mg (3% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Icing

Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of peaches with the richness of brown sugar icing. This moist, flavorful cake is often served as a special treat during the summer, especially when peaches are in season. But thanks to the availability of canned peaches, you can enjoy it all year round.

Origin and History

The origins of peach cake are closely tied to the rich agricultural history of the American South, where peaches have been grown for centuries. Peaches are often referred to as "Georgia's state fruit," as Georgia is one of the largest producers of peaches in the United States. While peach desserts have been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations, peach cake recipes have evolved to incorporate various regional flavors, including the use of brown sugar in the icing. This particular recipe, which uses boxed cake mix for ease, is a modern take on a traditional Southern favorite.

Regional Variations

Peach cake is particularly popular in the southern United States, where peaches thrive in the warm climate. However, variations of peach cake can be found throughout the U.S. and even in Europe. In some regions, peach cakes are made with almond flour or include spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The addition of brown sugar icing is a notable characteristic of this recipe, which is distinct from other peach cakes that may use whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While peach cobbler and peach crisp are other well-known peach desserts, the Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Icing stands out due to its soft, spongy texture and decadent icing. Unlike cobbler or crisp, which typically have a more rustic, crumbly topping, this cake provides a smooth, velvety mouthfeel thanks to the use of a cake base and the praline-like brown sugar icing. Additionally, the use of canned peaches ensures that the cake can be made year-round, whereas other peach desserts are often tied to the fruit's seasonal availability.

Where It Is Typically Served

This cake is often served as a dessert at family gatherings, holiday meals, and summer barbecues. Its combination of fruit and sweetness makes it a perfect complement to a variety of savory dishes. It's also a popular choice for potlucks or bake sales due to its ease of preparation and large yield. In the South, it's often enjoyed with a cup of sweet tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a truly indulgent treat.

Interesting Facts

  • The peach is believed to have originated in China, where it was revered as a symbol of longevity and immortality.
  • Peaches were introduced to the United States by early European settlers, and Georgia soon became known for its vast peach orchards.
  • The use of canned peaches in this recipe makes it incredibly convenient, allowing people to enjoy the taste of fresh peaches without waiting for them to be in season.
  • Brown sugar icing, often used in praline recipes, adds a caramelized flavor that pairs wonderfully with the mild sweetness of the peaches.

Whether you're a fan of peach desserts or simply looking for a new cake recipe to try, Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Icing offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. It's a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed on any occasion, bringing a taste of the South to your table no matter where you live.

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FAQ about Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake (without icing) for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving and add fresh icing before serving.

Yes, you can use fresh peaches instead of canned ones. Just peel and chop the peaches, and make sure to pat them dry to remove excess moisture before adding them to the cake batter. You'll need about 3-4 fresh peaches to replace the two 15-ounce cans.

Yes, you can make the brown sugar icing ahead of time. Once made, let it cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until it becomes pourable again.

If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute it with whole milk or half-and-half. The texture of the icing may be slightly thinner, but it will still work well.

If you find the brown sugar icing too sweet, you can reduce the amount of confectioners' sugar or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Another option is to use a less sweet frosting like whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, but this will change the flavor profile of the cake.

Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes, such as white cake mix, butter cake mix, or even a gluten-free cake mix. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cake may vary slightly, but it should still turn out delicious.

Yes, you can make the cake without eggs by using an egg substitute. For each egg, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or 1/4 cup of yogurt. The texture may be slightly different, but the cake should still be moist and flavorful.

If the icing sets too quickly and is hard to spread, you can warm it up slightly by placing it back on low heat for a few seconds or microwaving it for 10-15 seconds. Be sure to stir it well before spreading over the cake.

Allow the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes before adding the icing. The cake should be warm but not too hot, so the icing can spread easily and set properly without melting off.

Yes, you can add other fruits to this cake. Berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries, can complement the peaches well. Just make sure to adjust the moisture content by patting the fruits dry before adding them to the batter.

Comments

Nancy Jackson

11/10/2023 02:59:51 PM

I decided to make this recipe tonight since both my husband and I are big fans of peaches. The result was absolutely fantastic! I will definitely be making it again in the future. And let's not forget about the frosting, it was just as delicious.

Samantha Thomas

02/19/2025 10:12:46 AM

The dish was absolutely delightful! Next time, I may consider reducing the amount of frosting as it felt a bit heavy on the cake and overly sweet. Other than that, it was simply stunning!

Diane Martinez

09/05/2023 04:26:12 AM

I found the dessert lacking in flavor and the topping cracked. I brought it to my son's BBQ but didn't stick around for dessert. I suggested he run a hot offset knife over it before serving... he claimed it was a "hit," but I believe he was just being polite or that the guests were simply relieved to have any dessert at all.

Timothy Cruz

11/01/2022 03:30:34 AM

Amazing cake! It is incredibly moist and delicious! The frosting truly elevates this cake to another level. I will definitely be baking it again and again! (kittymama3)

Kevin Thomas

02/18/2025 02:10:29 AM

The cake was delicious. It was a bit challenging to get the peaches to dry properly, but overall, it was an awesome dessert. I will definitely be making it again soon.

Sarah Perez

07/04/2024 03:11:34 AM

I really enjoyed this cake. I have a soft spot for peaches and they were absolutely delightful in this recipe. It was a breeze to make, coming together in no time at all. The icing was simply scrumptious. Personally, I found it a bit too sweet for my taste, but my husband thought it was perfect just as it is.