Brown Sugar Layer Cake With Peach Filling Recipe

Golden Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Juicy Peach Filling Recipe

Sweet memories often revolve around a decadent brown sugar layer cake that whispers comfort and warmth.

Memories of summer afternoons drift through kitchens where ripe peaches promise delightful surprises.

Delicate crumb meets luscious fruit in a dance of pure culinary magic.

Southern bakeries understand the art of creating desserts that speak directly to the soul.

Rich caramel notes from brown sugar harmonize beautifully with juicy peach filling, creating an irresistible combination.

Layers of soft cake promise a symphony of textures that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Each slice tells a story of cherished traditions and pure indulgence waiting to be savored.

The Warm Allure of Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Peach Filling

  • Enjoy the rich, deep sweetness of brown sugar perfectly balanced with tangy peach filling, creating a memorable dessert for any gathering.
  • Ideal for birthdays, summer parties, or weekend family desserts, this cake brings warmth and joy to any table with its comforting layers and fruity twist.
  • The combination of buttermilk and sour cream ensures an incredibly soft, tender crumb that stays moist and delicious for days after baking.

Key Components of Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Peach Filling

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key structural component that provides the cake's main texture and framework.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
Fat and Sweeteners:
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the cake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, tender crumb, and helps create a smooth cake texture.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor depth to the cake.
  • Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps create a tender, soft cake texture.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and contributes to the cake's rich, creamy consistency.

Bake This Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Peach Filling Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Set aside baking tools and ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gather dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk ingredients together in a medium bowl until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar

Beat until light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time to butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry flour mixture and liquid ingredients alternately:
  • Flour mixture
  • Buttermilk
  • Sour cream

Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 6: Bake Cake Layers

Divide batter evenly among prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking for even browning.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare for Assembly

Remove cakes from oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely before adding peach filling and frosting.

Techniques That Enhance Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Peach Filling

  • Measure Precisely: Use leveled measuring cups and spoons for accurate flour, sugar, and baking powder quantities to ensure perfect cake texture.
  • Room Temperature Matters: Take butter, eggs, and dairy ingredients out 30-60 minutes before baking to help them blend smoothly and create a more uniform batter.
  • Buttermilk Substitution: Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable, allowing it to sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Prevent Sticking: Line cake pans with parchment paper and lightly grease sides to guarantee easy cake removal without breaking.
  • Fresh Peach Selection: Choose ripe but firm peaches for filling, avoiding overly soft fruits that might make the cake layers soggy during assembly.

The Best Way to Store Leftover Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Peach Filling

  • Store cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Slice cake and place individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm room temperature slices briefly in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
  • Sprinkle fresh peaches or whipped cream on reheated slice to revive moisture and enhance flavor.

Great Pairings with Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Peach Filling

  • Complement the cake's brown sugar warmth with a chilled glass of peach nectar, enhancing the fruity peach filling and creating a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Fold a splash of bourbon into whipped cream as a decadent topping, which beautifully matches the cake's rich brown sugar notes and adds sophisticated depth.
  • Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside cake slices, providing a cool contrast to the warm cake texture and amplifying the dessert's sweetness.
  • Brew a delicate cinnamon tea that echoes the cake's warm brown sugar undertones and cuts through its richness with a gentle, aromatic finish.

Take This Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Peach Filling Further

  • Gluten-Free Peach Paradise: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend made from rice, almond, and potato starches. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use almond milk instead of buttermilk, and replace sour cream with coconut cream. Maintain the rich brown sugar flavor while accommodating dairy restrictions.
  • Vegan Brown Sugar Cake: Use flax eggs as a replacement for regular eggs, substitute butter with vegan margarine, and opt for plant-based milk alternatives. Layer with fresh or canned peach filling for a cruelty-free dessert.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce brown sugar quantity and incorporate stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use fresh peaches instead of sugary filling to create a lighter, more health-conscious version of the classic cake.

FAQs About Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Peach Filling

  • What is brown sugar's role in this cake?

Brown sugar adds deep caramel flavor and moisture, creating a richer taste compared to white sugar and giving the cake a softer, more tender texture.

  • Can I substitute buttermilk or sour cream?

Yes, you can use whole milk or Greek yogurt as alternatives. The goal is to maintain moisture and slight tanginess in the cake batter.

  • How do I know if my cake is properly mixed?

Stop mixing once ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in a tough, dense cake instead of a light, tender crumb.

  • Why are three cake pans used in this recipe?

Three pans create thinner, more even cake layers that bake quickly and consistently, ensuring a more balanced texture and easier assembly of the final cake.

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Brown Sugar Layer Cake With Peach Filling Recipe

Brown Sugar Layer Cake With Peach Filling Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent brown sugar layer cake celebrates summer’s sweetness with luscious peach filling nestled between tender cake layers. Rich caramel notes and fruity brightness create a memorable dessert perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Dry Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Cake Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream

Peach Filling and Frosting Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peaches, diced
  • ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Fresh peach slices
  • Caramel drizzle
  • Toasted pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C), meticulously preparing three 8-inch cake pans with careful greasing and precise parchment paper lining.
  2. Sift together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – creating a uniform powder mixture that will ensure smooth cake texture.
  3. Cream the butter and brown sugar in a spacious mixing bowl, whipping vigorously until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency with pronounced volume.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, allowing each to fully integrate before adding the next. Gently fold in the vanilla extract, distributing its aromatic essence throughout.
  5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture and liquid components (buttermilk and sour cream) in alternating increments, gently folding to maintain the batter’s delicate structure.
  6. Distribute the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, ensuring consistent depth and smooth surfaces.
  7. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring closely and testing with a toothpick for perfect doneness – the inserted pick should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
  8. Remove from oven and allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  9. Once entirely cooled, the layers are primed for assembling with peach filling and final decoration.

Notes

  • Embrace flexibility by swapping brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index alternative that maintains rich caramel undertones.
  • Enhance moisture and texture by ensuring all ingredients are room temperature, which helps create a more uniform and velvety cake batter.
  • Prevent peach filling from making cake layers soggy by gently patting fresh peaches dry and sprinkling a thin layer of cornstarch before adding to filling.
  • Customize dietary needs by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend, using dairy-free butter and plant-based milk to accommodate different nutritional requirements.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 42 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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