This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is bursting with fresh peaches, caramel icing, and Southern charm. Using a yellow cake mix as the base makes it quick and fuss-free—perfect for gatherings where you’d rather enjoy the fun than measure flour. My go-to? Duncan Hines for consistent results and easy customization.
Instead of following the box instructions exactly, we make a few smart adjustments. Fresh, juicy peaches and peach nectar add flavor and moisture, while a reduced amount of liquid balances it all out. The result? A tender cake with vibrant peachy goodness in every bite.
What You’ll Need for This Southern Peach Cake
Grab a few pantry staples, and you’re ready to bake!
Yellow Cake Mix – I recommend Duncan Hines for the best texture.
Eggs – Essential for structure and richness.
Vegetable Oil – Any neutral oil works perfectly.
Peach Juice or Nectar – Adds a natural peachy flavor.
Fresh Peaches – The star of the show!
Butter – A key player in the caramel frosting.
Cream – Creates that luscious frosting texture.
Brown Sugar – For caramel sweetness.
Vanilla – Enhances all the flavors.
Powdered Sugar – To thicken and sweeten the frosting.
The Secret to the Perfect Frosting: Southern Caramel Icing
This frosting is pure magic. A quick stovetop mix of butter, brown sugar, and cream creates a velvety caramel base. Once the powdered sugar and vanilla are stirred in, it’s ready to pour directly over the cake. Work fast—the frosting sets up quickly for that signature crackled finish. Chill the cake for a fudge-like texture or enjoy it fresh for gooey caramel bliss.
Pro Tip: Save a spoonful of the warm caramel icing for yourself—it’s heavenly!
A Few Easy Tweaks for the Best Peach Cake
Skip the Jello: Unlike some recipes, this cake lets the natural sweetness of fresh peaches shine.
Fresh over Frozen: Fresh peaches provide unbeatable flavor and texture.
Peach Nectar Swap: Using peach nectar instead of water creates a more authentic taste.
Frosting Perfection: Borrowed from my Pecan Praline Pumpkin Cake, this caramel icing is a no-fail favorite.
This cake makes a delightful breakfast treat the next day—it’s not overly sweet, perfectly moist, and bursting with peachy goodness. Plus, that caramel frosting? It’s unforgettable!
Slice up this easy, crowd-pleasing Southern dessert, and enjoy a taste of summer charm. 🍑
This Brown Sugar Peach Cake is a delightful twist on a classic yellow cake, brimming with fresh peaches and topped with a luscious brown sugar caramel icing. It’s the ultimate summer dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
15 oz yellow cake mix (Duncan Hines recommended)
3 large eggs (or as specified on your cake mix box)
1/3 cup vegetable oil (or as specified on your cake mix box)
1/2 cup peach nectar or peach juice
1 lb peeled and chopped peaches (about 3–4)
Drop of orange food coloring (optional)
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
Directions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
Mix the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, blend the cake mix, eggs, oil, and peach nectar until smooth. Add a drop of orange food coloring for a peachy hue (optional). Gently fold in the chopped peaches.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Make the Frosting:
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, cream, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sifted confectioner’s sugar. Whisk until smooth and all lumps are dissolved. If needed, return the mixture to low heat briefly to blend fully.
Frost the Cake:
Immediately pour the warm frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Work quickly, as the frosting sets rapidly and becomes difficult to spread.
Set and Serve:
Allow the frosting to harden at room temperature or refrigerate until set. Slice and serve this sweet summer treat!
This cake is a showstopper for gatherings, with juicy peaches and rich caramel icing making every bite unforgettable. 🍑
