Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Peach Filling is a rich, caramel-like cake with a sweet, juicy peach filling and a silky buttercream frosting. This elegant dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or special occasions, offering warm brown sugar flavors paired with fresh, fruity peaches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm, Caramel-Like Flavor: Brown sugar gives the cake a deep, rich taste.
- Juicy Peach Filling: A fresh or canned peach filling adds sweetness and texture.
- Soft & Moist Cake: Buttermilk makes the cake tender and fluffy.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: A beautiful, layered cake for any celebration.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The cake and filling can be prepared in advance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Brown Sugar Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Brown sugar (light or dark)
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
For the Peach Filling:
- Fresh or canned peaches, diced
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch
- Water
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy cream or milk
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh peach slices
- Caramel drizzle
- Chopped pecans
Directions
Step 1: Make the Brown Sugar Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter between cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cakes cool completely before assembling.
Step 2: Make the Peach Filling
- In a saucepan, cook peaches, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until soft.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the peaches.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened, then let cool.
Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting
- Beat butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream until fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread peach filling evenly over the top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with buttercream frosting.
Step 5: Decorate & Serve
- Garnish with fresh peach slices, caramel drizzle, or chopped pecans.
- Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-14 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- Spiced Version: Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the cake batter.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap buttercream for cream cheese frosting.
- Extra Caramel Flavor: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over each slice.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cake layers (without frosting) for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Let slices come to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes! Drain them well before using.
What’s the best way to keep the cake moist?
Use buttermilk and don’t overbake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store wrapped in the fridge.
Can I make this as cupcakes?
Yes! Bake for 18-20 minutes instead of 30 minutes.
How do I make the filling thicker?
Use extra cornstarch for a thicker consistency.
What’s the best way to slice this cake cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water between slices.
Can I add nuts to the batter?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add great texture.
What’s the best frosting for this cake?
Buttercream or cream cheese frosting both work well.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes! Use ¾ cup brown sugar instead of 1 cup for a less sweet cake.
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Yes! Try apples, pears, or berries instead of peaches.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Peach Filling is a warm, caramel-like cake with juicy peach layers, making it the perfect dessert for any special occasion. With its moist texture, rich flavor, and buttery frosting, this cake will impress everyone! Try it today and enjoy a slice of peachy perfection!
PrintBrown Sugar Layer Cake with Peach Filling
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Brown Sugar Layer Cake is rich, moist, and packed with caramel-like flavor from brown sugar. Paired with a sweet peach filling and a buttery cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for any special occasion!
Ingredients
For the Brown Sugar Cake:
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peaches, diced
- 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh peach slices
- Caramel drizzle
- Toasted pecans
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy (2 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk + sour cream, mixing until combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes completely before assembling.
2️⃣ Make the Peach Filling
- In a saucepan, combine peaches, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened (2 more minutes).
- Let cool completely before using.
3️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
4️⃣ Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with peach filling.
- Repeat with the second layer, then top with the third cake layer.
- Frost the top and sides with cream cheese frosting.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Decorate with fresh peach slices, caramel drizzle, or toasted pecans.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Notes
🍯 Extra Flavor? Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the cake batter.
🍑 No Fresh Peaches? Use peach preserves instead.
🌰 Nutty Twist? Fold chopped pecans into the frosting.
🔥 Want a Boozy Kick? Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the peach filling.