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Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Moist peach layer cake with rich brown sugar frosting, graham cracker coating, and fresh fruit garnish for the ultimate summer dessert.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Cake Layers
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
  • 3 eggs large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups fresh peaches peeled and diced
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
Brown Sugar Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups brown sugar packed
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp salt
Graham Cracker Coating
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
Garnish
  • fresh peach slices
  • additional graham cracker crumbs

Equipment

  • Two 8-inch round cake pans
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wire cooling racks
  • Offset spatula
  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them thoroughly and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
  3. Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to butter mixture on low speed, beginning and ending with flour, mixing just until combined.
  6. Gently fold in sour cream and diced peaches using a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 28-32 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  9. For frosting, melt butter in saucepan over medium heat, add brown sugar and cream, stirring until mixture boils.
  10. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature (30-45 minutes).
  11. Beat cooled mixture with powdered sugar one cup at a time, adding vanilla and salt until thick and spreadable.
  12. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar until texture resembles wet sand.
  13. Place first cake layer on serving plate and spread one-third of frosting evenly across top.
  14. Add second layer, apply thin crumb coat over entire exterior, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  15. Apply remaining frosting generously over cake, creating textured swirls with offset spatula.
  16. Press graham cracker mixture around bottom third of cake for decorative border.
  17. Arrange fresh peach slices on top, pipe additional frosting rosettes if desired, and serve.

Notes

For best results, use ripe, fragrant peaches at peak season. Cake can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.