Ingredients
Key Ingredients
The key ingredients for an easy peach cake recipe include:
- Peaches – Fresh peaches are a crucial component, providing natural sweetness and flavor.
- Flour – All-purpose flour serves as the base for the cake, providing structure and texture.
- Baking powder – This leavening agent helps to give the cake its lightness and tenderness.
- Baking soda – Baking soda is used in conjunction with baking powder to ensure a balanced flavor and texture.
- Salt – A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor of the cake without overpowering it.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar adds sweetness and tenderness to the cake, while also helping to balance the flavors.
- Butter – Unsalted butter is used to add moisture and a rich flavor to the cake.
- Eggs – Large eggs provide structure, richness, and moisture to the cake.
- Vanilla extract – This adds a subtle, sweet flavor that complements the peaches.
Optional ingredients that can be added for extra flavor or texture include:
- Pecans – Chopped pecans add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.
- Almond extract – This adds an additional layer of complexity to the flavor profile of the cake.
- Cinnamon – A pinch of cinnamon can enhance the overall warmth and depth of the cake.
The type and amount of ingredients used will ultimately affect the texture, flavor, and overall quality of the cake. Adjusting the proportions or adding different ingredients can create a unique twist on this classic recipe.
1 cup peaches, diced
The main ingredient that sets this recipe apart from other peach cakes is the 1 cup peaches, diced. This ingredient adds a sweet and juicy texture to the cake.
Here are some characteristics of the ingredient:
- Quantity: 1 cup
- Form: Diced (small pieces)
- Type: Fresh peaches
- Main flavor: Sweet and juicy
The use of diced peaches allows for even distribution of the fruit throughout the cake, providing a consistent peach flavor in every bite. This makes it an ideal ingredient for this Easy Peach Cake Recipe.
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
All-purpose flour serves as the primary structural component in baked goods, including our peach cake. With a protein content of around 10%, it helps to provide strength and elasticity to the dough or batter.
The use of all-purpose flour allows for a balance between gluten development and extensibility. It contains a moderate amount of protein, which is crucial for creating a network of strands that can hold air bubbles and provide structure to the cake. This makes it an excellent choice for recipes where you want a tender crumb but still require some texture and shape.
For our peach cake recipe, 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour will serve as the base ingredient for the batter. We’re using this relatively high amount to ensure that our cake has adequate structure and density without becoming too dense or heavy.
When substituting different types of flour, keep in mind that all-purpose flour generally provides a neutral flavor profile, which is ideal for cakes. Other types of flour can impart distinct flavors and textures due to their varying protein content and processing methods. However, it’s worth noting that using other types of flour will change the character of your peach cake significantly.
Another reason we’re choosing all-purpose flour for our peach cake recipe is its versatility. It’s suitable for a wide range of baking applications, from delicate pastries to rich cakes like this one. Its neutral flavor won’t compete with the sweetness of the peaches or any other flavorings you choose to add.
When measuring 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, it’s essential to use a digital kitchen scale for accuracy. If using dry measuring cups, be sure to level off the contents properly. This will help prevent over- or under-measuring and ensure that your cake turns out as intended.
Keep in mind that when working with large quantities of flour, it’s best to sift or aerate it before incorporating other ingredients. This helps eliminate any lumps or pockets of compacted flour that could affect the final texture of your peach cake.
Overall, all-purpose flour is an excellent choice for our peach cake recipe due to its balanced properties and versatility in baking applications. By using high-quality flour and following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious homemade peach cake that’s sure to impress!
1 tsp baking powder
The ingredient that plays a crucial role in this recipe for Easy Peach Cake is the teaspoon of baking powder.
Baking powder is a common leavening agent used in baked goods to help them rise and give them a light texture.
In the context of this peach cake recipe, the 1 tsp of baking powder serves as a critical component that ensures the cake’s structure and texture are well-balanced.
Key Characteristics of Baking Powder
- Leavening Agent: Baking powder is primarily used to release carbon dioxide gas during baking, causing dough or batter to rise.
- Bicarbonate-based Formula: Baking powder typically consists of a mixture of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), an acid (such as cream of tartar), and an anti-caking agent.
- Double-acting Baking Powder: This type of baking powder is designed to release gas in two stages: first, when it comes into contact with liquid ingredients during mixing, and again when it’s exposed to heat during baking.
The unique combination of baking soda and an acid in baking powder creates a neutral pH environment that allows the mixture to react with heat, producing carbon dioxide gas bubbles and resulting in a light, fluffy texture in baked goods like this peach cake.
1/4 tsp salt
To make this delicious peach cake recipe, you’ll need to start by gathering the right ingredients.
The dry ingredients include:
- All-purpose flour – You’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour to give your cake structure and texture.
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon of baking powder will help your cake rise and give it a light, fluffy texture.
- Baking soda – 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda will help balance the acidity in the recipe and promote even browning.
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to enhance the flavor of your cake, but don’t worry, it won’t make your cake taste salty.
The wet ingredients include:
- – You’ll need 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
- <strong-sugar< strong=””> – 1 cup of granulated sugar will add sweetness and tenderness to your cake.</strong-sugar<>
- – You’ll need 2 large eggs at room temperature for this recipe. Make sure they’re fresh and free from any cracks.
- – You can use either peach puree or diced peaches in your cake. The puree will add a stronger flavor, while the diced peaches will give you a more textured look.
- – 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract will enhance the flavor and aroma of your cake.
You may also need:
- confectioners’ sugar:For dusting your cake before serving, if you like a powdered coating on top.</strong-confectioners’>
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get baking!
Baking Essentials
Baking a delicious peach cake requires not only the right ingredients but also some essential baking tools to bring everything together.
The first step is to prepare the necessary ingredients, which typically include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
All-purpose flour serves as the base of the cake, providing structure and texture. It’s a must-have in most baked goods recipes, especially cakes.
Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the peach cake, balancing out the natural tartness from the peaches and any other ingredients.
Baking powder is an essential ingredient for leavening, ensuring that the cake rises properly during baking.
Salt enhances flavors in baked goods and helps bring out the sweetness of the sugar.
In addition to dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, you’ll also need some wet ingredients to create a moist peach cake. These typically include eggs, unsalted butter, or oil, milk or buttermilk, vanilla extract, and, of course, sliced peaches.
Eggs provide moisture, richness, and structure to the cake. They’re often used in baking as an emulsifier to mix together wet and dry ingredients.
Unsalted butter or oil adds extra moisture and tenderness to the peach cake. The fat content can make baked goods more palatable and enjoyable.
Milk or buttermilk adds a tangy, creamy flavor that complements the sweetness of the peaches and sugar in the recipe.
Vanilla extract is used for its distinctive, sweet flavor and aroma. It’s an excellent addition to many baked desserts, including cakes, cookies, and custards.
Sliced peaches are the stars of this recipe, bringing natural sweetness, juicy texture, and a touch of freshness to your peach cake.
When it comes to baking essentials for making a delicious peach cake, you’ll need some standard equipment like a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a stand mixer or handheld electric beater, a rubber spatula, a non-stick loaf pan, aluminum foil or parchment paper, an oven thermometer, and a wire rack.
A mixing bowl is where all the dry and wet ingredients come together to form your peach cake batter. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate all of your ingredients comfortably.
Measuring cups and spoons are essential for getting accurate measurements in your recipe. Using measuring cups helps you measure dry or liquid ingredients accurately, ensuring that your cake turns out as expected.
A stand mixer or handheld electric beater is great for creaming butter and sugar together, beating eggs until they become light and fluffy, or whisking wet ingredients into your peach cake batter.
A rubber spatula is perfect for scraping the sides of your mixing bowl, folding in ingredients gently, and spreading batter evenly into your loaf pan.
A non-stick loaf pan helps prevent your peach cake from sticking to it. This makes removing the cake much easier after baking and ensures that it looks professional and appealing.
Aluminum foil or parchment paper is a must-have for lining your loaf pan. It prevents cake from sticking, facilitates easy removal of the baked cake, and also catches any spills or crumbs during the baking process.
An oven thermometer ensures accurate temperature measurements in your oven. This helps ensure that your peach cake bakes evenly, preventing it from undercooking or overcooking.
A wire rack is necessary for cooling your freshly baked peach cake. It allows air to circulate around the cake, helping it cool faster and evenly.
1/4 cup granulated sugar
- The key to making an exceptional peach cake lies in the quality and combination of its ingredients.
Here are some essential components that make up our Easy Peach Cake Recipe:
Sweetness and Structure
1/4 cup granulated sugar: This is the primary sweetening agent used in our recipe, providing a foundation for the overall flavor profile of the cake.
Granulated sugar plays a crucial role in not only adding sweetness but also contributing to the texture of the cake. It helps to balance the tartness of the peaches and other ingredients while enhancing their natural flavors.
Moisture-Rich Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the primary source of moisture in our recipe, responsible for keeping the cake tender and juicy.
- 2 large eggs: These add richness, creaminess, and a hint of sweetness to the batter.
Flavor Enhancement
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: This tangy ingredient adds moisture while also contributing to the overall flavor profile of the cake.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A classic addition that provides a hint of sweetness and an unmistakable aroma.
Fresh Fruits
- 1 cup diced fresh peaches: The star of our recipe, these juicy peaches add natural sweetness and texture to the cake.
Leveraging These Ingredients
Incorporating a balanced mix of sweeteners (granulated sugar), moisture-rich ingredients (butter, eggs, Greek yogurt), flavor enhancers (vanilla extract), and fresh fruits (peaches) allows our Easy Peach Cake Recipe to deliver the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and aromas.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
To make this delicious Easy Peach Cake Recipe, we will need to start by preparing the ingredients. First, let’s talk about Unsalted Butter. We will need 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter. This is an essential component in baking and adds flavor and moisture to our cake.
Soften the unsalted butter at room temperature before using it in the recipe. This will help ensure that it mixes easily with other ingredients without creating a dense texture.
Making sure the butter is softened also helps to prevent lumps from forming, which can ruin the texture of our cake. Simply take the unsalted butter out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before using it and let it sit at room temperature.
The softened unbuttered butter will then mix easily with other ingredients in the recipe, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture for our Easy Peach Cake Recipe.
2 large eggs
- When it comes to making an easy peach cake recipe, having the right ingredients on hand is crucial.
- One of the essential ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are 2 large eggs.
About Large Eggs
- Eggs are a versatile ingredient and are used in many different recipes.
- Large eggs are ideal for baking, as they have a good balance of size and quality.
- The large eggs called for in this peach cake recipe should be fresh, clean, and free from cracks.
Characteristics of Large Eggs
- A large egg typically weighs around 50 grams and has a volume of approximately 30 milliliters.
- The size and weight of the egg can vary depending on the breed and diet of the chicken that laid it.
- Large eggs have a slightly thicker shell than smaller eggs, which helps to protect the delicate inner contents.
Using Large Eggs in Baking
- Eggs are a crucial ingredient in many baked goods, including cakes, cookies, and muffins.
- They add moisture, richness, and structure to baked items, making them lighter and more tender.
- In the case of this peach cake recipe, the large eggs help to create a moist and flavorful crumb that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
Substituting Large Eggs
- If you don’t have large eggs on hand, you can substitute them with smaller eggs or egg whites.
- However, keep in mind that using smaller eggs may affect the texture and consistency of the finished cake.
In summary, 2 large eggs are an essential ingredient in this easy peach cake recipe. They add moisture, richness, and structure to the cake, making it lighter and more tender.
Tips and Techniques
Perfecting the Crumb
The perfect crumb in a cake is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor. When it comes to creating a delicious peach cake, the crumb must be light, fluffy, and tender, with just the right amount of moisture.
To perfect the crumb, bakers need to pay close attention to several key factors. The first step is to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh eggs, real butter, and pure vanilla extract.
When mixing the batter, it’s essential to avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense, tough crumb. Instead, mix wet and dry ingredients separately before gently combining them in a gentle folding motion.
The use of room temperature ingredients is also crucial for creating a light and airy crumb. This helps to ensure that the leavening agents, such as baking powder and baking soda, can activate properly during the mixing process.
Don’t forget to adjust your oven’s temperature according to the type of cake pan you’re using. A non-stick or dark-colored pan may require a lower oven temperature to prevent over-browning.
As for the peaches, it’s essential to use ripe but firm fruit for the best flavor and texture. You can either chop them up and add them directly to the batter or make a peach compote by cooking down the fruit with a bit of sugar until it’s thick and syrupy.
To ensure that your peach cake has the perfect crumb, try using a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps to absorb excess moisture while adding structure and lightness to the batter.
Finally, don’t skip the step of letting the cake cool completely before glazing or serving. This allows the crumb to set properly, giving you the most tender and delicious peach cake possible.
By following these tips and techniques for perfecting the crumb in your peach cake recipe, you’ll be rewarded with a truly exceptional dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Use fresh peaches for the best flavor and texture
To make this easy peach cake recipe shine, it’s essential to use fresh, high-quality peaches that are perfectly ripe. When selecting peaches for baking, look for those with a sweet aroma and a slightly soft texture. Avoid using underripe or overripe peaches, as they may not provide the best flavor and texture in your finished cake.
For the best flavor, choose peaches that are heavy for their size, have a yellow or yellow-green skin, and give slightly to pressure when pressed gently. If you’re unsure about the ripeness of your peaches, try cutting into one – if it’s not yet ripe, it won’t yield easily to the knife.
Another crucial aspect of this recipe is proper peach handling. To prevent bruising or mushing the fruit, handle peaches gently when washing and drying them. Avoid applying excessive pressure on the skin, as this can cause the peach’s flesh to break down prematurely.
In terms of preparation, it’s best to peel your peaches before chopping them for the cake batter. You can use a vegetable peeler or simply slice off the skin with a sharp knife – just be sure to cut away from yourself in case any pieces fly off during the process.
For maximum flavor and texture, aim to chop the peach flesh into small, uniform pieces that will distribute evenly throughout your cake. You can use a food processor or blender to chop the peaches if you prefer a more consistent texture – just be sure not to overprocess, as this can cause the fruit to become mushy.
Finally, don’t forget to let your cake cool completely before serving. This will allow the flavors and textures to meld together beautifully, creating a truly exceptional peach cake experience. By following these simple tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to baking an amazing Easy Peach Cake Recipe that’s sure to impress friends and family alike!
Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake
To ensure that your peach cake turns out light, fluffy, and full of flavor, it’s essential to master some basic tips and techniques.
First and foremost, never overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which is the opposite of what we’re aiming for in this recipe.
To avoid overmixing, mix your wet ingredients (such as eggs, butter or oil, and sugar) together separately from your dry ingredients (like flour, baking powder, and salt).
Once you’ve mixed both sets of ingredients, gently fold them together until they’re just combined. Be careful not to overdo it!
When adding the diced peaches, try to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without stirring too much.
Taking it a step further, consider using a food processor or blender to chop your peaches into fine pieces before folding them into the batter. This will help prevent large chunks of fruit from disrupting the texture of the cake.
Next up, don’t overbake! A golden-brown crust on top of a moist and tender interior is our goal here, so keep an eye on your oven timer and take the cake out as soon as it reaches perfection.
Finally, make sure you’re using room temperature ingredients. This includes eggs, butter or oil, and even your peaches. Cold ingredients can affect the texture of your final product, making it more dense than you’d like.
By following these simple tips and techniques, you’ll be on your way to baking a light, fluffy peach cake that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Avoid overbaking, check with a toothpick after 30 minutes
- One of the most critical tips for achieving a moist and delicious peach cake is to avoid overbaking it.
- To do this, make sure to check the cake frequently while it’s in the oven, using the traditional toothpick test as a guideline.
- Pierce the center of the cake with a toothpick after about 30 minutes of baking time has passed. If the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached to it, you can remove the cake from the oven immediately.
- However, if the toothpick is still covered in batter or if there are dry, crumbly particles stuck to it, return the cake to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again with a fresh toothpick.
- This technique will ensure that your peach cake doesn’t become overcooked and dry, losing its natural sweetness and texture.
- Additionally, to prevent the top of the cake from becoming too brown or burnt, cover it with foil or a pie crust shield after about 20-25 minutes of baking time has passed.
- This will help maintain an even browning on all sides of the cake, while also promoting its internal development and structure.
- By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to achieve a perfectly baked peach cake that’s both visually stunning and tastes amazing.
Putting it All Together
Assembling and Baking
In this final stage of making the Easy Peach Cake Recipe, we’ll put all the ingredients together and assemble the cake, followed by baking it to perfection.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients within arm’s reach to avoid any delays in the assembly process.
Gently fold the softened butter into the sugary mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and there are no visible lumps.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Add the grated peaches and vanilla extract to the batter, folding them in lightly. The goal is to maintain the texture of the peaches while distributing their flavor throughout the cake.
Pour half of the prepared batter into a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange canned peach slices on top, leaving some space between each slice for even cooking.
Spoon the remaining batter over the peaches, making sure to cover them completely. If needed, gently spread the batter with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as baking times may vary depending on your oven’s performance.
Pour the batter into a greased 9inch round cake pan
- Pouring the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan is a crucial step in preparing the Easy Peach Cake for baking.
- Making sure to grease the cake pan properly will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove once it’s done.
- Start by placing the round cake pan on your work surface, then hold a 9-inch round object (such as a plate) over the pan to gauge its size.
- Next, pour 1 cup of melted butter or oil into the greased cake pan, tilting it back and forth to evenly coat the bottom and sides.
- Then, add 2-3 cups of your prepared peach batter to the greased cake pan, spreading it out in an even layer with a spatula if needed.
- Finish by placing the greased cake pan into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the cake pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 3540 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
To put it all together, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), as this will help create a perfectly baked cake with a moist and tender crumb.
Mix the wet ingredients in one bowl, combining 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened, with 1 cup of granulated sugar, making sure it’s well incorporated to avoid any lumps or uneven textures.
In another bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, ensuring they’re fully beaten and smooth before adding them to the sugar mixture. The key is to create a consistent blend that will help hold the cake together.
Now, in a separate container, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This dry ingredient mixture serves as the foundation for our peach-infused cake.
Add the dry ingredients to the sugar-egg mixture and blend until just combined, being careful not to overmix and risk a dense or tough crumb. The mixture should be smooth but still retain a subtle texture from the flour.
Gently fold in 1 cup of diced peaches, allowing them to distribute evenly throughout the batter without causing any disruption to the delicate structure of the cake.
Next, prepare your baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter and dusting it with a thin layer of granulated sugar. This will help ensure that our peach cake releases easily once it’s been baked.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out any air pockets or irregularities to promote uniform baking. Make sure not to overfill the dish, as this can cause the cake to overflow and become messy during baking.
Finally, place your baking dish in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for exactly 3540 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake. This will signal that it’s done baking and ready to be removed from the oven.
Let cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack
- To Put it All Together and complete the Easy Peach Cake Recipe, follow these final steps carefully.
- First, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes.
- This will help prevent it from breaking apart when you transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once you’ve removed the cake from the oven, run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen it.
- Then, carefully flip the cake out of the pan onto a wire rack set over a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- This will allow any excess butter or oil to drip off and catch any crumbs that may fall while the cake cools.
- Allow the cake to cool completely on the wire rack, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of your cake.
- Once it’s cooled, you can frost it with a cream cheese frosting or whipped cream, and decorate with sliced peaches or other toppings of your choice.
- The final result is a moist and delicious peach cake that’s perfect for any occasion!
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