Description
This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is a delightful dessert featuring caramelized ripe peaches atop a tender, moist cake. The peaches are simmered in a buttery brown sugar glaze infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, then baked under a fluffy vanilla buttermilk batter. Finished with a crunchy nut topping and a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and spiced flavors. Ideal for summer gatherings or a comforting treat year-round.
Ingredients
Scale
Peach Topping
- 6 medium ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6 cups)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Topping
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peach Topping: In a large skillet, preferably oven-safe, melt the 1/2 cup melted butter over medium heat until it coats the bottom evenly. Stir in light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar is melted and bubbly without burning.
- Arrange the Peaches: Carefully layer the peeled and sliced peaches over the brown sugar mixture in a single, slightly overlapping layer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to soften the peaches and caramelize the topping. Remove from heat.
- Transfer if Needed: If using a non-oven-safe skillet, transfer the peach mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Otherwise, leave it in the skillet.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mix gently until just combined to avoid toughening the batter.
- Combine Thoroughly: Scrape down the bowl sides and bottom to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Pour Batter over Peaches: Pour and spread the cake batter evenly over the peach layer in the skillet or dish.
- Add Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the batter if desired, for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, testing doneness with a skewer inserted into the center which should come out clean. The cake top should be golden brown.
- Cool Before Inverting: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes to set before flipping.
- Invert the Cake: Place a plate over the skillet or dish and carefully invert so the caramelized peaches are on top. If peaches stick, gently reposition them.
- Final Cooling and Serving: Let the cake cool completely or serve warm. Optionally dust with powdered sugar for presentation.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy alone or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the peach topping carefully to a greased baking dish before adding the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
- The cake is delightful served warm or at room temperature.
- Powdered sugar adds an elegant finishing touch but is optional.
- Use ripe, juicy peaches for best flavor and texture.
- The nut topping can be omitted for a nut-free version or swapped for your favorite nuts.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American