When it comes to desserts that evoke the warm, sunny days of summer, few can compete with the charm of a peach cake. This delightful treat is loaded with succulent peaches, baked to a tender and moist crumb, and drenched with a sweet, warm milk mixture before being sprinkled with a delectable crumble topping. Each bite is a heavenly combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Let’s dive into the details of creating this irresistible peach cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this mouthwatering peach cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake, providing structure.
- ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s tender texture.
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises properly.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the peaches.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 3 large eggs, room temperature: Provide structure and richness.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the flavors.
- ½ cup (109 g) vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist.
- 1 can (29 ounces) peaches, drained and diced, divided: The star ingredient that infuses the cake with fruity goodness.
For the Crumble:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Helps bind the crumble and adds richness.
- ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumble.
- ⅓ cup (42 g) confectioners’ sugar: Adds sweetness and a delicate texture.
- 1 pinch kosher salt: Balances the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a hint of warmth and spice.
For the Topping:
- ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk: Creates the moist, custard-like interior.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the topping.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the milk mixture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 7-inch springform pan with parchment paper, including up the sides, and spray with cooking spray. Set aside. This step ensures that the cake doesn’t stick to the pan and makes it easy to remove after baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine. This ensures even distribution of the ingredients, which is crucial for a consistent bake.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Stir until well combined. This mixture will add moisture and richness to your cake.
- Fold in Peaches: Set aside ½ cup of diced peaches for the topping. Fold the rest of the peaches into the batter until evenly coated. This ensures that each bite of cake is filled with juicy peach pieces.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange the reserved peaches on top of the batter. This will create a beautiful and flavorful top layer once the cake is baked.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake for 65-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around the 60-minute mark.
Making the Crumble
- Prepare the Crumble: While the cake is baking, make the crumble. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, confectioners’ sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until the mixture forms small clumps. Set aside. This crumble will add a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the cake.
Making the Topping
- Prepare the Milk Mixture: In the last few minutes of baking, heat the milk, butter, and granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter and sugar have fully dissolved. This sweet, warm milk mixture will be poured over the cake, creating a moist, custard-like texture inside.
Assembling the Cake
- Drench the Cake: Take the cake out of the oven and immediately insert a skewer into the top, making 25-30 spaced holes all the way to the bottom. This step allows the milk mixture to penetrate the cake fully.
- Pour the Milk Mixture: Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes and covers the top evenly. This will infuse the cake with moisture and sweetness.
- Add the Crumble: Sprinkle the prepared crumble over the top of the cake. The heat from the cake will help set the crumble, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes to allow it to absorb the topping fully. This resting period is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Once cooled, remove the springform and parchment paper, and place the cake on a plate. Cut into slices and serve. Enjoy the moist, flavorful cake with its sweet, peachy goodness.
Tips for Perfect Peach Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
- Drain Peaches Well: Ensure that the canned peaches are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which could affect the cake’s texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense, tough cake.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
- Chill the Crumble: If you have time, chill the crumble mixture before adding it to the cake. This helps it maintain its shape and texture during baking.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their caloric intake, here’s a brief nutritional breakdown per serving (based on an approximate serving size of one slice of peach cake):
- Calories: 437 kcal
Conclusion
Creating the perfect peach cake is a rewarding experience that yields a delicious, moist, and flavorful dessert. This recipe, with its combination of tender crumb, juicy peaches, and sweet milk mixture, topped with a delightful crumble, is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this peach cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The next time you have a can of peaches on hand, give this recipe a try, and savor the delightful results. Happy baking!
This detailed guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to bake a peach cake that not only looks stunning but tastes absolutely divine. Enjoy the process, and relish each delectable bite!
When it comes to desserts that evoke the warm, sunny days of summer, few can compete with the charm of a peach cake. This delightful treat is loaded with succulent peaches, baked to a tender and moist crumb, and drenched with a sweet, warm milk mixture before being sprinkled with a delectable crumble topping. Each bite is a heavenly combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Let’s dive into the details of creating this irresistible peach cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this mouthwatering peach cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake, providing structure.
- ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s tender texture.
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises properly.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the peaches.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 3 large eggs, room temperature: Provide structure and richness.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the flavors.
- ½ cup (109 g) vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist.
- 1 can (29 ounces) peaches, drained and diced, divided: The star ingredient that infuses the cake with fruity goodness.
For the Crumble:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Helps bind the crumble and adds richness.
- ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumble.
- ⅓ cup (42 g) confectioners’ sugar: Adds sweetness and a delicate texture.
- 1 pinch kosher salt: Balances the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a hint of warmth and spice.
For the Topping:
- ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk: Creates the moist, custard-like interior.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the topping.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the milk mixture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 7-inch springform pan with parchment paper, including up the sides, and spray with cooking spray. Set aside. This step ensures that the cake doesn’t stick to the pan and makes it easy to remove after baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine. This ensures even distribution of the ingredients, which is crucial for a consistent bake.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Stir until well combined. This mixture will add moisture and richness to your cake.
- Fold in Peaches: Set aside ½ cup of diced peaches for the topping. Fold the rest of the peaches into the batter until evenly coated. This ensures that each bite of cake is filled with juicy peach pieces.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange the reserved peaches on top of the batter. This will create a beautiful and flavorful top layer once the cake is baked.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake for 65-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around the 60-minute mark.
Making the Crumble
- Prepare the Crumble: While the cake is baking, make the crumble. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, confectioners’ sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until the mixture forms small clumps. Set aside. This crumble will add a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the cake.
Making the Topping
- Prepare the Milk Mixture: In the last few minutes of baking, heat the milk, butter, and granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter and sugar have fully dissolved. This sweet, warm milk mixture will be poured over the cake, creating a moist, custard-like texture inside.
Assembling the Cake
- Drench the Cake: Take the cake out of the oven and immediately insert a skewer into the top, making 25-30 spaced holes all the way to the bottom. This step allows the milk mixture to penetrate the cake fully.
- Pour the Milk Mixture: Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes and covers the top evenly. This will infuse the cake with moisture and sweetness.
- Add the Crumble: Sprinkle the prepared crumble over the top of the cake. The heat from the cake will help set the crumble, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes to allow it to absorb the topping fully. This resting period is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Once cooled, remove the springform and parchment paper, and place the cake on a plate. Cut into slices and serve. Enjoy the moist, flavorful cake with its sweet, peachy goodness.
Tips for Perfect Peach Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
- Drain Peaches Well: Ensure that the canned peaches are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which could affect the cake’s texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense, tough cake.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
- Chill the Crumble: If you have time, chill the crumble mixture before adding it to the cake. This helps it maintain its shape and texture during baking.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their caloric intake, here’s a brief nutritional breakdown per serving (based on an approximate serving size of one slice of peach cake):
- Calories: 437 kcal
Conclusion
Creating the perfect peach cake is a rewarding experience that yields a delicious, moist, and flavorful dessert. This recipe, with its combination of tender crumb, juicy peaches, and sweet milk mixture, topped with a delightful crumble, is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this peach cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The next time you have a can of peaches on hand, give this recipe a try, and savor the delightful results. Happy baking!
This detailed guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to bake a peach cake that not only looks stunning but tastes absolutely divine. Enjoy the process, and relish each delectable bite!