There’s nothing quite like the sweet, fragrant taste of ripe peaches, and this incredible peach cake recipe truly celebrates that vibrant summer flavor. This dessert isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience. Imagine a perfectly moist and tender crumb, infused with generous pieces of fresh, juicy peaches, all beautifully complemented by a delicate almond glaze. What makes this particular peach cake stand out is its effortless preparation. Crafted in just one bowl, it simplifies your baking process, making it as easy to create as it is stunning to behold.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll appreciate how straightforward this recipe is. It’s designed to bring the very best of peak-season peaches directly to your table, transforming simple ingredients into a truly memorable treat. The almond glaze adds a sophisticated touch, enhancing the natural sweetness of the peaches without overwhelming them. Prepare to fall in love with a cake that’s not only delicious but also remarkably simple, making it your new go-to for any summer gathering or a delightful afternoon indulgence.

The moment those vibrant, free stone peaches start gracing the market stalls, my basket magically fills! There’s an undeniable joy in baking with fruit at its peak, and peaches truly shine in this context. After indulging in my favorite easy peach preserves recipe, my next culinary adventure always leads to this irresistibly moist and tender fresh peach cake. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of summer, earning its well-deserved spot on my curated list of 20 Easy Summer Desserts. This versatile cake can be baked in various forms, whether you prefer traditional cake pans, a convenient loaf pan, or even charming cupcake tins, making it adaptable for any occasion. It’s truly the perfect summer treat, ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up or a delightful dessert after any meal.

Should you find yourself with an abundance of peaches, or simply craving more peachy goodness after savoring this delightful cake, the possibilities are endless! Explore other classic peach creations like an old-fashioned peach cobbler, a comforting peach crisp, or a timeless peach pie recipe. But don’t stop there! Peaches aren’t just for sweets; they can add a fantastic dimension to savory dishes too. Consider my unique spicy peach pork chops, offering a delightful balance of sweet and heat, or this bright and refreshing stone fruit caprese panzanella salad for a lighter, more unexpected peach experience. Each recipe highlights the incredible versatility of this beloved stone fruit.

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Adore This Easy Peach Cake
• Key Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
• Creative Variations
• How to Bake the Best Moist Peach Cake
• Chef Lindsey’s Expert Recipe Tip
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Recommended Peach Recipes
• Moist Peach Cake with Almond Glaze Recipe
• Before You Go: Explore More Delicious Summer Desserts

Key Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Your Peach Cake

Crafting the perfect moist peach cake starts with selecting the right ingredients. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with helpful notes and potential substitutions to ensure your baking experience is a success, even if you’re missing an item or want to customize. Remember, the full quantities are always available in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundational structure of our cake, providing a tender crumb. For a slightly denser cake, you could experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, though results may vary.
• Ground Cinnamon: A touch of warm spice perfectly complements the sweet peaches. You can adjust the amount to your preference or even add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
• Baking Soda: Our leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully and contributes to its light and fluffy texture. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal results.
• Kosher Salt: A crucial ingredient that enhances all the flavors in the cake, balancing the sweetness and making the peach notes truly pop. Don’t skip it!
• Large Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients, add moisture, and help with the cake’s structure and richness. Always use large eggs for consistent baking results.
• Light Brown Sugar: This provides a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness compared to white sugar, and its moist texture helps keep the cake tender. You can substitute with dark brown sugar for an even richer flavor, or granulated sugar for a lighter sweetness, though the texture might be slightly different.
• Vegetable Oil: The secret to this cake’s exceptional moisture and wonderfully light crumb. Oil emulsifies beautifully with the sugar and eggs, creating a truly moist batter that isn’t greasy. Any neutral-flavored oil will work well, such as canola, sunflower, or grapeseed oil. Be cautious with strong-flavored oils like coconut oil or olive oil, as they will impart their distinct taste to the cake, which might not be desirable for a classic peach flavor.
• Fresh Peaches: The star of the show! For the best flavor, use the ripest, in-season peaches you can find. Yellow, white, or even donut peaches will be absolutely divine as long as they are fragrant and tender. While frozen peaches can be used in a pinch, they often lack the intense “peachy” flavor and vibrant texture of fresh ones, and your cake’s taste will reflect this difference. Ensure frozen peaches are thawed and drained well before incorporating.
• Confectioner’s Sugar (Powdered Sugar): Essential for creating that smooth, luxurious almond glaze. If lumps are present, a quick sift will ensure a silky finish.
• Almond Extract: This provides the delicate, complementary flavor for the glaze. If you don’t have almond extract, vanilla extract can be used for a classic alternative, or omit it for a simple sugar glaze.
• Milk: Used to thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work. You can adjust the amount slightly to achieve your desired thickness.

For precise measurements and detailed instructions for each of these ingredients, please refer to the complete recipe card found further down the page.

Creative Variations for Your Peach Cake

While this classic peach cake is utterly delicious on its own, it also serves as a fantastic base for culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these exciting variations to tailor it to your taste or the season.

• Elevate the Topping: Our simple almond glaze is wonderful, but for a truly show-stopping dessert, consider other decadent toppings. A luscious cream cheese buttercream frosting would add a rich, tangy counterpoint, or opt for a sweet and airy American buttercream recipe. If you prefer a glaze but want a different flavor, a simple vanilla extract glaze is always a crowd-pleaser. For a textural crunch, transform your peach cake with a warm streusel topping recipe, adapted from our beloved peach muffins.
• Experiment with Other Stone Fruits and Berries: This versatile cake batter isn’t limited to just peaches! It performs beautifully with other ripe, juicy fruits. Try swapping out peaches for sweet nectarines, tart apricots, rich plums, or vibrant cherries for a delightful twist. You can also incorporate berries like juicy blueberries or sweet strawberries, either on their own or mixed with peaches for a colorful fruit medley.
• Introduce Exciting Mix-ins: Add another layer of flavor and texture by folding in some delightful mix-ins directly into the cake batter. Dark or white chocolate chips create a comforting, indulgent treat. For a nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with fruit, consider adding chopped almonds, toasted hazelnuts, or crunchy walnuts. These additions bring depth and a pleasant surprise to every bite.
• Transform it into a Winter Cake: Don’t let the end of peach season stop your baking! This cake can easily be adapted for cooler months. Replace the peaches with ripe, tender pears, and enhance the spice profile with warming notes of cardamom alongside the cinnamon. This creates a cozy, fragrant winter cake that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting treat on a chilly evening.

How to Bake the Best Moist Peach Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious peach cake is a delightful process, and with these clear instructions, you’ll achieve perfect results every time. Follow along, and remember that more precise details and measurements are always available in the comprehensive recipe card below.

Part 1: Preparing the Cake Batter for Optimal Flavor and Texture

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) if using a convection setting, or 350°F (175°C) for a regular oven. This ensures your oven is at the ideal temperature from the start, crucial for even baking. Generously spray a standard 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, to make removal even easier.

Step 2: Master the Art of Peeling and Pitting Peaches. Fresh, ripe peaches are key here. There are a few effective methods for peeling:

• For Overripe Peaches: The skin often comes away easily. Simply use a small paring knife to gently pull and peel off the skin.
• For Perfectly Ripe Peaches (Blanching Method): Score a small “x” at the bottom of each peach. Carefully drop them into a pot of boiling water for about 30 seconds. Quickly remove them with a slotted spoon or spider and plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. The skin should now slip off effortlessly starting from the “x” you scored.
• For Medium-Firm Peaches: A standard fruit peeler works wonderfully. This method is quick and efficient.

Once peeled, carefully pit the peaches and chop them into manageable pieces. For a visual guide, check out my helpful YouTube video: How to peel a peach 3 ways!

Step 3: Pulse Your Peaches for Perfect Distribution. To ensure a burst of peach flavor in every bite, it’s essential to prepare the fruit correctly. Using a hand-held immersion blender, a standard blender, or a food processor, pulse the peeled and pitted peaches until you have a mix of small and medium-sized pieces. Avoid over-blending into a completely smooth purée; we want distinct bits of peach throughout the cake for texture and visual appeal. However, if you prefer a purée, the recipe will still work, just with a slightly different texture.

Chef’s Tip: While a purée works, I highly recommend leaving some visible, textured peach pieces. These tender chunks are what truly make this cake a fresh peach sensation!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, take a whisk and thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisking them together ensures that the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients in your final cake. Set this bowl aside for a moment.

Step 5: Prepare Wet Ingredients – Whisk Eggs. In a large mixing bowl (remember, we’re aiming for a one-bowl cake for the wet ingredients!), whisk the large eggs until they are smooth and uniformly yellow, with no distinct visible whites. This aeration helps create a lighter cake structure.

Step 6: Incorporate Brown Sugar. Add the light brown sugar to the whisked eggs. Continue whisking diligently until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture appears smooth and slightly thickened. This step is crucial for dissolving the sugar and contributing to the cake’s moist texture.

Step 7: Emulsify the Vegetable Oil. This is a key step for an exceptionally moist cake. Slowly, in a thin stream, whisk the vegetable oil into the egg and sugar mixture. Continue to whisk consistently until all the oil has been completely incorporated and no longer appears separate or greasy. Proper emulsification ensures a tender, rich crumb without an oily mouthfeel.

Baking Pro Tip: To keep your bowl steady while you whisk vigorously, especially when adding the oil, place a damp kitchen towel underneath it. This prevents it from sliding around on your countertop.

Step 8: Gently Combine Wet and Dry, Then Fold in Peaches. Now, gradually add the whisked dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Using a whisk or a spatula, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Once the dry ingredients are mostly incorporated, gently fold in your prepared peach pieces until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Scoop or pour the finished batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a small offset spatula to level the top for an even bake.

Part 2: Baking and Cooling Your Perfect Peach Cake

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven. Bake until a cake tester or a wooden skewer inserted into the very center of the cake comes out clean, or with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Baking time typically takes about an hour, but ovens vary, so it’s wise to start checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

Step 10: Cool Before Glazing. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in its pan for at least 10 minutes. This crucial cooling period helps the cake to set and firm up before you attempt to remove it. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool fully before glazing prevents the glaze from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

Part 3: Crafting and Applying the Perfect Almond Glaze

Step 11: Whisk Together Glaze Ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and almond extract. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. If your powdered sugar is particularly clumpy, sifting it beforehand will ensure a wonderfully silky glaze. To prevent the glaze from forming a crust before you’re ready to use it, cover the surface directly with plastic wrap, pressing it down onto the glaze.

Step 12: Glaze Your Cooled Loaf Cake and Serve. Once your peach loaf cake has completely cooled on the wire rack (this is crucial for the glaze to set properly), remove the plastic wrap from your prepared glaze. Drizzle or spread the almond glaze generously over the top of the cake. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish with dried peach slices and slivered almonds, as shown in the picture. Slice, serve, and savor this exquisite homemade peach cake!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Peach Cake

If you tried this recipe and loved it please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you; your comments make my day!

Before You Go: Explore More Delicious Summer Desserts

I truly hope you enjoyed baking and savoring this incredible peach cake. Its tender crumb, rich peach flavor, and elegant almond glaze make it a truly special addition to any summer occasion. This recipe is designed to bring joy and deliciousness with minimal effort, showcasing the best of seasonal stone fruit.

If you loved this delightful stone fruit recipe and are eager for more sweet treats, be sure to explore our other fantastic summer dessert recipes. You might particularly enjoy the vibrant flavors of this blueberry nectarine galette, a rustic and beautiful tart perfect for showcasing summer berries and stone fruit. Or, for another classic that truly highlights the sweet harmony of fruits, try our comforting peach blackberry pie. Happy baking, and enjoy the sweet tastes of summer!