If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from summer, this Fresh Peach Cake Recipe is absolutely the answer. Juicy, sun-ripened peaches are folded into a tender, buttery cake that bakes up golden and fragrant, making every bite a delightful celebration of fruit and cake. The combination of soft crumb, sweet peaches, and a touch of vanilla creates a dessert that’s both simple and spectacular – perfect for afternoon tea, family gatherings, or just because you deserve a little sweetness today.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Fresh Peach Cake Recipe plays an important role in creating its light texture, pleasant sweetness, and inviting color. From the creamy butter enriching the batter to the fresh peaches providing juicy bursts of flavor, these essentials come together in perfect harmony.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it structure without heaviness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for a soft, airy crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to add tenderness and a slight lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peach flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering, letting the peaches shine.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to complement the fresh fruit.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Gives a slight tang and keeps the cake tender.
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped: The star ingredient delivering fresh, juicy bursts of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting peaches): Ensures your peaches don’t sink to the bottom during baking.
How to Make Fresh Peach Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give a 9-inch round cake pan a light greasing with butter or non-stick spray. This step is crucial so that your cake slips out easily when it’s time to enjoy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix will ensure your cake rises evenly and has just the right crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This takes a few minutes, but it’s worth the effort for that tender cake texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat the eggs in one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which will infuse your cake with delightful aroma and flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to keep the batter from becoming tough.
Step 6: Prepare the Peaches
Toss your peeled and chopped peaches with a tablespoon of flour. This little trick helps keep the peaches evenly suspended in the batter instead of sinking to the bottom of the cake.
Step 7: Fold in the Peaches
Gently fold the floured peaches into the cake batter. Be careful not to overmix here, as you want to keep the batter light and airy while distributing the juicy peaches throughout.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with the most amazing peachy, vanilla scent as the cake bakes.
Step 9: Cool and Transfer
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cake sets perfectly and remains moist.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Once cooled, your Fresh Peach Cake Recipe is ready to be devoured as is, or dressed up with your favorite toppings for an unforgettable dessert experience.
How to Serve Fresh Peach Cake Recipe

Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and subtle sweetness, while a dollop of whipped cream complements the cake’s tender crumb and fresh peaches beautifully. For an extra indulgence, a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into a dreamy treat perfect for warm days.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy afternoon break. Served alongside a fruit salad, it creates a refreshing balance between baked and fresh flavors that guests will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into small squares for a pretty finger-food option at parties. You could also layer it with whipped cream and peach slices to make a stunning trifle that highlights the Fresh Peach Cake Recipe in a whole new way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for about four days.
Freezing
If you want to save slices for later, the cake freezes well. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen cake can last up to two months and thaws quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked feel after refrigeration or freezing, warm your slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. This refreshes the cake’s tender crumb and melody of peach flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh for this Fresh Peach Cake Recipe?
While fresh peaches work best for their natural juiciness and texture, you can substitute frozen peaches if you thaw and drain them well first to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I use something else?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to half a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
You can try swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. Texture may vary slightly, but the peach flavor will still shine.
How ripe should the peaches be for the best results?
Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm to the touch; overly soft peaches might make the cake too wet, while underripe ones won’t give as much sweetness and flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works well if you use a larger pan or bake in two pans. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it might take a bit longer for a bigger cake to bake through.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and joyful about a homemade Fresh Peach Cake Recipe that celebrates the season’s best fruit in every bite. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to desserts to share with loved ones during summer and beyond. So grab those peaches and get baking — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Fresh Peach Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fresh Peach Cake is a delightful, moist dessert featuring juicy, chopped fresh peaches folded into a tender, buttery cake. Perfectly seasoned with vanilla and a slight tang from buttermilk, this easy-to-make cake is baked to golden perfection and offers a sweet, fruity treat ideal for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Peaches
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting peaches)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add Eggs: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully and create a smooth batter.
- Stir in Vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix until well combined, enhancing the flavor of the cake.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 cup buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Peaches: Toss 2 cups of peeled and chopped fresh peaches with 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour to coat them evenly; this helps prevent the fruit from sinking in the batter.
- Fold in Peaches: Gently fold the floured peaches into the cake batter, taking care not to overmix so the batter remains light and airy.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared 9-inch cake pan and smooth the top evenly using a spatula.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture and ease of slicing.
- Serve: Enjoy the cake warm or at room temperature. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Notes
- Ensure peaches are fresh and ripe for the best flavor and moisture.
- Lightly dusting the peaches with flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cake tender.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to maintain shape and consistency.
