Strawberry Peach Cake

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The Strawberry Peach Cake is the perfect balance of fluffy sponge and juicy summer fruit. The fresh strawberries add a touch of tartness while the peaches bring a natural sweetness, creating a delightful medley in every bite. The sprinkle of brown sugar caramelizes beautifully on top, giving it a golden, crisp finish.

This cake is as versatile as it is delicious—it makes a stunning centerpiece for brunch, a delightful afternoon treat with tea, or a light dessert after dinner. With its fresh flavors and simple preparation, it’s a wonderful way to showcase seasonal produce and impress your family and friends with a homemade touch.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup fresh peaches, sliced
2 tbsp brown sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Mix in sour cream until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan.
Arrange sliced strawberries and peaches on top of the batter in an even layer.
Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the fruit.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 265 kcal | Servings: 8 slices

Strawberry Peach Cake – A Delightful Summer Dessert

When summer arrives in full swing, farmers’ markets and grocery stores overflow with fresh, juicy peaches and vibrant strawberries. What better way to celebrate the season than by baking them into a soft, golden cake that brings their flavors to life? This Strawberry Peach Cake is the perfect balance of fluffy sponge, caramelized brown sugar topping, and bursts of fruity sweetness in every bite.

Unlike dense fruit cakes, this one is light and moist, thanks to the addition of sour cream (or Greek yogurt) in the batter. It bakes beautifully, with strawberries and peaches layered on top so they shine through visually and flavor-wise. The sugar sprinkled over the fruit creates a golden crust that’s both slightly crunchy and delightfully sweet.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, craving a comforting afternoon treat, or looking for a simple but impressive dessert to bring to a potluck, this cake fits the bill. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be enjoyed warm or chilled. Pair it with coffee in the morning, serve it with whipped cream for dessert, or enjoy a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a hot day.

The Story Behind Strawberry Peach Cake

There’s something nostalgic about fruit cakes that feature fresh, seasonal ingredients. They bring back memories of kitchens filled with sweet aromas, of grandmothers layering fruit over cake batters, and of summer picnics where homemade desserts were always the highlight.

The inspiration for this cake comes from classic European fruit cakes, which often highlight seasonal produce. Instead of hiding the fruit inside, this style of cake lets the fruit sit on top, making it the star of the show. The result is a dessert that not only tastes fresh but looks stunning right out of the oven.

Strawberries and peaches are a natural pairing. Strawberries offer a bright tang, while peaches bring smooth sweetness. Together, they create a balance of flavor that keeps the cake from being overly rich. Combined with a soft sponge and a caramelized sugar topping, the cake feels indulgent yet light enough to enjoy any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – Everything in this recipe is pantry-friendly or seasonal produce, making it easy to whip up without complicated shopping lists.
Versatile Dessert – Perfect as a tea-time treat, a light summer dessert, or even a brunch centerpiece.
Show-Stopping Presentation – The fruit baked on top gives it a rustic but elegant look without needing fancy decorations.
Customizable – You can swap in other fruits (like blueberries, cherries, or nectarines) depending on what’s in season.
Comfort with a Touch of Elegance – It has that homemade, cozy feel but is elegant enough for guests.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

Every ingredient in this cake plays an important role in creating its texture and flavor.

Flour – All-purpose flour works beautifully here, giving the cake a tender crumb without making it too dense.
Baking Powder – Essential for lift and ensuring the cake bakes light and fluffy.
Salt – A small pinch enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Butter – Creamed with sugar, it creates a rich base and soft texture. Room temperature butter blends better and traps air, which helps the cake rise.
Sugar – Granulated sugar sweetens the batter, while a sprinkle of brown sugar on top caramelizes the fruit during baking.
Eggs – Provide structure and richness to the cake.
Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – The secret ingredient! It keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Strawberries & Peaches – Fresh, ripe fruit works best. Their juices seep into the batter as they bake, creating a naturally sweet topping.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Peach Cake

Choose Ripe Fruit – The natural sweetness of the cake depends heavily on the quality of your strawberries and peaches. Go for ripe but firm fruits to avoid excess wateriness.
Don’t Overmix the Batter – After adding the flour, mix only until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Arrange Fruit Evenly – Spreading the fruit evenly on top ensures that every slice has a good balance of peaches and strawberries.
Add a Crunchy Topping – For extra texture, sprinkle sliced almonds or crushed pecans on top before baking.
Serve Warm or Cold – This cake is delicious warm from the oven, but it also tastes incredible once cooled and chilled, as the flavors develop more deeply.

Variations You Can Try

Blueberry Peach Cake – Replace strawberries with fresh blueberries for a slightly tangier flavor.
Mixed Berry Cake – Use strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful summer medley.
Peach Almond Cake – Add almond extract to the batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a nutty twist.
Cinnamon-Spiced Version – Add ground cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a warm, spiced note that pairs beautifully with peaches.
Gluten-Free Version – Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.

How to Serve Strawberry Peach Cake

This cake is as versatile in serving as it is in flavor. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

With Coffee or Tea – Perfect as a mid-morning or afternoon treat.
With Whipped Cream – A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream takes it from casual snack to elegant dessert.
With Ice Cream – Vanilla or honey ice cream pairs beautifully with the fruity notes.
As a Brunch Item – Serve alongside savory brunch dishes for a sweet balance.
With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar – A simple touch that makes it look bakery-worthy.

Storing and Making Ahead

One of the best things about this cake is that it stores well, making it great for planning ahead.

Room Temperature – Keeps for 1–2 days covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap.
Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing – You can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Perfect for Every Occasion

This cake is simple enough for everyday baking yet elegant enough to serve at special occasions. Imagine bringing it to a summer picnic, setting it on a brunch table, or serving it after a Sunday family dinner, it always draws smiles. Because it highlights fresh seasonal fruit, it also feels light and refreshing compared to heavier desserts.

If you’re looking for a dessert that celebrates summer flavors without requiring hours of work in the kitchen, this cake is it.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Peach Cake is the ultimate celebration of summer’s sweetest gifts. With its light, tender crumb and topping of caramelized peaches and strawberries, it offers both comfort and elegance in a single slice. It’s easy to prepare, versatile enough for many occasions, and endlessly customizable with different fruits and toppings.

Whether you enjoy it warm with ice cream, as a simple afternoon snack, or as a centerpiece for gatherings, this cake will always feel like a taste of sunshine on a plate. Bake it once, and it’s bound to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.

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