If you’re craving a cake that perfectly combines the fresh sweetness of peaches with the nutty richness of brown butter icing, you’ve found the right recipe. This Peach Bundt Cake with Brown Butter Icing is sure to impress family and friends alike, whether served at a special gathering or as a sweet treat on a lazy afternoon. Read on to learn how to bake this delicious dessert step by step, and discover tips on how to make it your own with variations and creative presentations.

What is a “Peach Bundt Cake with Brown Butter Icing”?

A Peach Bundt Cake is a moist, fruity cake baked in a Bundt pan, known for its iconic ring shape. The fresh or canned peaches in the batter add both flavor and moisture, creating a soft crumb that pairs perfectly with the richness of the icing. Brown butter icing is a nutty, aromatic topping that enhances the cake’s sweetness without overwhelming the delicate peach flavor. Together, these elements create a mouthwatering dessert that’s elegant enough for celebrations but easy enough for any day.

Ingredients List for Peach Bundt Cake

Before diving into the recipe, gather all your ingredients. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are key to achieving the best flavor and texture for your cake.

For the Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 cups diced fresh peaches (or canned, drained and chopped)
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but enhances peach flavor)

Ingredients List for Brown Butter Icing

The brown butter icing is what takes this cake from great to extraordinary. The nutty notes of browned butter complement the peaches beautifully.

For the Icing:

½ cup unsalted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Substitutions and Variations

Want to switch things up or make the cake with what you already have at home? Here are a few substitution and variation ideas:

Peaches: If peaches aren’t in season, feel free to use canned or frozen peaches. If using frozen, thaw them and pat dry before adding to the batter. You can also replace peaches with nectarines, apricots, or plums for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Butter: If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half butter and half applesauce in the cake batter. This will reduce the fat content without compromising moisture.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: Both sour cream and Greek yogurt add tang and moisture to the cake. You can use either based on what you have in your fridge. For a dairy-free version, coconut yogurt works well too.
Spices: While cinnamon is a classic choice, feel free to add other warm spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom to elevate the cake’s flavor.
Nuts: Add a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture and a nutty contrast to the peaches.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Peach Bundt Cake with Brown Butter Icing:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan, ensuring all the crevices are well-coated to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. The goal is to incorporate air into the mixture, ensuring a tender cake.

4. Add the Eggs and Flavorings:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using. Continue mixing until everything is well-combined.

5. Add the Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients:
With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold the diced peaches into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to crush the peaches, as you want small pieces of fruit spread throughout the cake.

7. Transfer to the Pan and Bake:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, and tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

8. Cool the Cake:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make Brown Butter Icing: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brown the Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. Be sure to watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove from heat and allow the butter to cool slightly.

2. Make the Icing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the browned butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Add the milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until the icing reaches your desired consistency—thick but pourable.

3. Drizzle the Icing:
Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the brown butter icing over the top. The icing will set slightly as it cools, creating a luscious, glossy topping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a soft, tender crumb.
Not Greasing the Pan Well Enough: Bundt pans can be tricky! Be sure to thoroughly grease and flour the pan, reaching all the nooks and crannies to prevent sticking.
Using Under-ripe or Over-ripe Peaches: For the best texture, use peaches that are ripe but firm. Too soft, and they’ll become mushy; too hard, and they won’t impart enough flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A Peach Bundt Cake is impressive on its own, but there are several ways to elevate its presentation.

How to Serve Peach Bundt Cake:
Serve the cake slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavor. If you want to take it to the next level, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Presentation Ideas for Peach Bundt Cake:

Decorate the cake with fresh peach slices arranged around the base or on top for a pop of color.
Dust the top of the icing with a little powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
Garnish with a few sprigs of mint for a fresh contrast.

Peach Bundt Cake Recipe Tips

Chilling the Cake: While the cake can be served immediately after cooling, allowing it to sit overnight enhances the flavor, making it even better the next day.
Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy the cake with that fresh-baked flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the flavor improves as the cake sits. Make the cake up to two days in advance, but add the icing just before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze Peach Bundt Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake (without icing) tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add the icing before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
You can use a regular 9x13-inch cake pan, but the baking time will be shorter (around 35-45 minutes). Keep an eye on the cake and test for doneness with a toothpick.

Conclusion

There you have it—an irresistible Peach Bundt Cake with Brown Butter Icing recipe that’s sure to wow anyone lucky enough to enjoy a slice! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with substitutions and presentations, this cake is a winning combination of flavors and textures. Now, all that’s left is for you to grab your ingredients and start baking! Happy cooking!