Fresh Peach Cake With Salted Caramel Glaze

There’s nothing quite like the taste of summer captured in a cake, and this Fresh Peach Cake with Salted Caramel Glaze does just that! Bursting with juicy, ripe peaches and topped with a luscious, homemade salted caramel, this cake is a showstopper. It’s perfect for afternoon tea, a summer celebration, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day. The combination of the tender cake, sweet peaches, and the salty-sweet caramel is absolutely irresistible. Get ready to bake a cake that will impress everyone!

What You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour (200g / 1 cup): The foundation of our cake, providing structure. Ensure it’s measured accurately – spoon and level is best!
• Granulated Sugar (150g / ¾ cup + 100g / ½ cup for glaze): We use granulated sugar for both the cake and the caramel glaze. In the cake, it adds sweetness and helps with browning. For the caramel, it’s crucial for achieving that deep amber color and rich flavor.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp / 5g): A leavening agent that helps the cake rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking Soda (½ tsp / 2.5g): Another leavening agent, baking soda reacts with the acidity in the milk to further enhance the rise and create a tender crumb.
• Salt (¼ tsp / 1g + ½ tsp sea salt for glaze): Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of both the cake and the caramel. Sea salt in the glaze provides a delightful textural contrast.
• Unsalted Butter (100g / ½ cup + 30g / 2 tbsp for glaze): Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the recipe. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
• Large Eggs (2): Eggs bind the ingredients together, add richness, and contribute to the cake’s structure.
• Whole Milk (120ml / ½ cup): Adds moisture to the cake and helps activate the baking soda.
• Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract (1 tsp / 5ml): Enhances the flavor of the cake with a warm, aromatic note.
• Fresh Peach Slices (250g / 1⅔ cups + 2 tbsp / 30ml peach puree for glaze): The star of the show! Use ripe, but firm peaches for the best flavor and texture. The puree adds concentrated peach flavor to the glaze.
• Heavy Cream (or Coconut Cream) (60ml / ¼ cup): Adds richness and creaminess to the caramel glaze. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
• Sliced Almonds, Toasted (30g / ¼ cup): Provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to complement the peaches and caramel. Toasting enhances their flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: For a delicate dusting, adding a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Substitutions

Don’t have an ingredient on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions:

• Whole Milk: You can substitute with almond milk or another plant-based milk.
• Heavy Cream: Coconut cream works wonderfully for a dairy-free option.
• Fresh Peaches: While fresh peaches are best, you can use frozen peaches (thawed and drained) in a pinch.

Baking the Perfect Peach Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. Thoroughly grease a 9-inch round cake pan – don’t skip this step! – and line the bottom with parchment paper. The parchment paper is crucial for easy removal of the cake once it’s cooled.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, which is vital for a consistent rise and texture. Set this mixture aside; we’ll add it to the wet ingredients later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 150g (¾ cup) of sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. This process incorporates air into the butter, creating a tender crumb in the final cake.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures each egg is fully emulsified into the butter-sugar mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract. Using alcohol-free vanilla extract ensures the cake is suitable for all ages and preferences.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix *just* until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
6. Fold in Peaches: Gently fold the fresh peach slices into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the peaches and affect the cake’s texture. Keeping the peach slices whole provides a delightful burst of flavor and texture in every bite.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it.
8. Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely. Cooling in the pan prevents the cake from breaking apart while it’s still warm and delicate.
9. Craft the Salted Caramel Glaze: While the cake cools, prepare the salted caramel glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the 100g (½ cup) sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. This requires patience and attention, as burnt sugar will ruin the flavor.
10. Emulsify and Finish the Glaze: Quickly whisk in the 30g (2 tbsp) butter until smooth. Then, stir in the heavy cream, peach puree, and sea salt. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until the glaze is glossy and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
11. Glaze and Garnish: Place the cooled cake on a serving plate. Slowly drizzle the caramel glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Immediately sprinkle the toasted almond slivers over the warm glaze so they adhere. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Why Peaches and Caramel are a Match Made in Heaven

The combination of fresh peaches and salted caramel is a classic for a reason. The sweetness of ripe peaches is beautifully balanced by the rich, buttery flavor of caramel, and the touch of salt elevates both. Peaches contain natural sugars and acids that contribute to a tender crumb and a moist cake. The caramel glaze not only adds incredible flavor but also creates a stunning visual appeal.

Selecting the Best Peaches for Baking

Not all peaches are created equal! For the best flavor in your cake, choose peaches that are fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and have a vibrant color. Freestone peaches (where the pit easily separates from the flesh) are ideal for slicing. If peaches aren’t in season, frozen peaches can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the batter to avoid a soggy cake.

Troubleshooting Your Salted Caramel Glaze

Making caramel can be a little tricky. If your caramel seizes up (becomes grainy), try adding a tablespoon of water and stirring gently. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream. If it’s too thin, continue simmering for a few more minutes. The key is to stir constantly and watch the color carefully.

Storing Your Fresh Peach Cake

This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The caramel glaze may become slightly sticky over time. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, but be aware that it may dry out slightly. You can revive it with a light drizzle of milk or cream before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of nuts?

Yes! Pecans or walnuts would also be delicious alternatives to almonds.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

Can I make the caramel glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the caramel glaze up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before using.

Enjoy this delightful Fresh Peach Cake with Salted Caramel Glaze! It’s the perfect dessert for summer gatherings or a special treat any time of year. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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