There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a slice of soft, buttery cake, made golden by the oven and brightened with the flavor of ripe summer fruit. This Irresistible Summer Peach Cake is exactly that kind of treat—rich and moist, bursting with sweet peaches, and finished with a light glaze made from natural peach juice. Whether you’re celebrating the peak of peach season or simply craving a sunny dessert during colder months, this cake brings joy in every bite.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect peach cake from scratch, with tips to help even beginners achieve excellent results. Plus, we’ll dive into the ingredients, step-by-step baking method, suggested variations, and nutritional information.
 Ingredients (with US Measurements)
Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
-
1½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1½ teaspoons baking powder
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
½ cup sour cream
-
1 cup canned peaches, drained and chopped (or fresh if in season)
For the Peach Glaze:
-
½ cup powdered sugar
-
2–3 tablespoons peach juice (from the canned peaches or from fresh peach purée)
 Instructions: How to Make Summer Peach Cake
Making this cake is simple, even for beginner bakers. Follow each stage carefully to ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful.
Stage 1: Preheat the Oven
Every great cake starts with proper preparation.
-
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow it to preheat while you prep the cake batter.
-
Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly. You can also use nonstick spray with flour to ensure easy release.
Pro Tip: Make sure your bundt pan is dry before adding the batter. Even a drop of water can affect how your cake bakes.
Stage 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
-
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
-
1½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1½ teaspoons baking powder
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
Why It Matters: Mixing dry ingredients evenly ensures that the leavening agents (baking powder & soda) are dispersed, so the cake rises consistently.
Stage 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
-
In a large bowl, cream together:
-
½ cup softened unsalted butter
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
-
Beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
-
Add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
-
Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
-
Add ½ cup sour cream and mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.
Why Sour Cream? It adds richness and moisture, making the cake softer and more tender.
Stage 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in small portions.
-
Mix on low speed just until everything is combined—don’t overmix.
-
Fold in 1 cup of chopped peaches using a spatula.
Tip: Toss the chopped peaches with a tablespoon of flour before folding them in to prevent sinking during baking.
Stage 5: Bake the Cake
-
Pour the batter evenly into the greased bundt pan.
-
Smooth the top with a spatula and give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to eliminate air pockets.
-
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean.
Stage 6: Cool the Cake
-
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
-
Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.
Don’t rush this step—removing the cake too early can cause it to break, and glazing a warm cake can cause the glaze to melt away.
Stage 7: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
-
In a small bowl, whisk together:
-
½ cup powdered sugar
-
2–3 tablespoons peach juice
-
-
Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more sugar (to thicken) or juice (to thin).
-
Drizzle over the fully cooled cake in zigzag lines or a circular motion.
 Prep Time & Nutrition
-
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
-
Baking Time: 50 minutes
-
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
-
Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
-
Servings: 8 slices
-
Calories: ~320 kcal per slice
This estimate includes both the cake and glaze. For a lighter version, consider omitting the glaze or using low-fat sour cream.
 Why This Peach Cake Works
This recipe combines the richness of a classic pound cake with the light fruitiness of summer. Here’s what makes it stand out:
-
Moist Texture: Sour cream adds tenderness without making it too dense.
-
Balanced Sweetness: The cake is subtly sweet, letting the natural peach flavor shine.
-
Simple Yet Elegant: Great for everyday treats or as a centerpiece for brunch and tea parties.
-
Customizable: You can add spices (like cinnamon or cardamom) or fold in blueberries, raspberries, or even white chocolate chips for a twist.
 Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Peach Cake
1. Use Fresh Peaches When in Season
While canned peaches are convenient and consistent, fresh ripe peaches can take this cake to another level. Just peel and chop them finely before adding to the batter.
2. Don’t Overmix
Overmixing the batter after adding flour can lead to a tough, rubbery texture. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are incorporated.
3. Test for Doneness
Use a long toothpick or skewer to check that the center of the cake is fully baked. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
4. Glazing Techniques
Let the cake cool completely before glazing. Use a spoon for controlled drizzling, or place glaze in a piping bag for a cleaner look.
5. Storage
This cake stays fresh for 2–3 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. Refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.
 Variations to Try
 Honey Peach Cake
Swap out some of the sugar for honey and add a pinch of cinnamon to bring a warm depth of flavor.
 Peach Cupcakes
Turn this batter into individual cupcakes and bake for 18–20 minutes. Perfect for picnics or parties.
Peach Trifle Base
Layer slices of this cake with whipped cream and more peaches in a trifle dish for an easy no-bake dessert.
 How to Serve It
-
As a brunch centerpiece: Serve with fresh fruit and iced tea.
-
With a scoop of ice cream: Vanilla, cinnamon, or butter pecan pairs beautifully.
-
Dusted with powdered sugar: Skip the glaze for a more rustic presentation.
-
Alongside coffee or tea: The moist texture and sweet glaze make it a perfect accompaniment.
 Final Thoughts
The Irresistible Summer Peach Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients and seasonal flavors. It’s the kind of recipe that feels nostalgic and refreshing all at once. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend treat, a family gathering, or just because peaches are in season, this cake is sure to impress.
Its rich crumb, natural sweetness, and beautiful appearance make it a go-to for any home baker. Plus, the flexible ingredients and helpful tips mean you can make it your own. Try it today and bring a slice of summer to your kitchen—no matter the time of year!