Peach Cobbler Pound Cake
Indulge in the delightful fusion of a traditional pound cake and the juicy sweetness of a peach cobbler with this Peach Cobbler Pound Cake recipe. Perfect for family gatherings or a serene afternoon tea, this cake brings the warmth of homemade comfort with a touch of gourmet elegance.
Ingredients Overview
For the Cake:
- 3 cups All Purpose Flour: The base of our cake, giving it structure and density.
- 3 cups Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a moist crumb.
- 6 Large Eggs: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- 1 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and moisture, making the cake tender.
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature): Adds a creamy texture and slight tanginess.
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a subtle vanilla aroma.
- 1/4 tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup diced peaches (fresh or canned, with the juices drained off): Adds bursts of juicy peach flavor throughout the cake.
For the Topping:
- 2 peaches, sliced (fresh or 8 oz canned, with the juices drained): Lays the foundation for the cobbler-like topping.
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter: Creates a rich, buttery topping.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup Confectioners Sugar: Provides the base for a sweet glaze.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to the glaze.
- 2-3 Tbsp Milk (adjust to desired thickness): Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar (for sprinkling on cake): Adds an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. Generously grease a large bundt pan with cooking spray to ensure easy release.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and softened cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures a smooth and well-combined batter.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract for a delightful hint of flavor.
- Gradually Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully combined.
- Add Salt: Mix in the salt to balance the flavors.
- Fold in Peaches: Gently fold the diced peaches into the cake batter, distributing them evenly.
Prepare the Topping:
- Melt Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter.
- Combine Butter and Brown Sugar: Mix the melted butter with the brown sugar.
- Arrange Peach Slices: Place the peach slices in the bottom of the greased bundt pan.
- Add Butter and Sugar Mixture: Cover the peach slices with the brown sugar and melted butter mixture.
Assemble and Bake:
- Add Batter to Pan: Pour the cake batter into the bundt pan, spreading it evenly over the topping.
- Eliminate Air Bubbles: Gently tap the bundt pan on the work surface to eliminate any large air bubbles.
- Bake the Cake: Bake at 300 degrees F for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, about 20-30 minutes.
Prepare the Glaze:
- Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
Final Touches:
- Invert the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, invert it onto your favorite cake pan.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- Sprinkle with Brown Sugar: Finish with a sprinkle of brown sugar for added texture and sweetness.
Valuable Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Fresh vs. Canned Peaches: While fresh peaches add a burst of natural flavor, canned peaches are a convenient alternative.
- Prevent Sticking: Grease your bundt pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before inverting it to maintain its shape.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen peaches? A: Yes, thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.
Q: How can I tell if the cake is done? A: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, it can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Q: What if I don’t have a bundt pan? A: Use a 9×13 inch pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: Can I substitute margarine for butter? A: Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if necessary.
Q: Can I use a different fruit? A: Yes, try using apples, berries, or pears for a different flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan? A: Ensure the pan is well-greased and floured before adding the batter.
Q: Can I add spices to the cake? A: Yes, cinnamon or nutmeg would complement the peaches nicely.
Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I thaw frozen cake? A: Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use a hand mixer? A: Yes, a hand mixer works well for this recipe.
Q: What type of cream cheese should I use? A: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar? A: You can reduce the sugar, but it may affect the cake’s texture and moisture.
Q: How can I make the glaze thicker? A: Add more confectioners sugar to thicken the glaze.
Q: What if my glaze is too thick? A: Thin it with a little more milk.
Q: Can I add nuts to the cake? A: Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would be a great addition.
Q: How do I ensure the peaches don’t sink? A: Toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter.
Q: Can I use almond or coconut flour? A: These flours have different properties and are not a direct substitute for all-purpose flour.
Q: What if I don’t have confectioners sugar? A: You can make your own by blending granulated sugar until it’s a fine powder.
Culinary Secrets
- Cream the Butter and Sugar Well: This step is crucial for a light, fluffy texture.
- Gradually Add Eggs: Adding them one at a time ensures a well-emulsified batter.
- Scrape the Bowl: Frequently scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
- Fresh Peaches: Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor.
- Drain Canned Peaches: Ensure all juices are drained to prevent a soggy cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: They blend more easily, creating a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
- Gentle Folding: Fold in the peaches gently to avoid breaking them up.
- Proper Pan Greasing: Prevents sticking and ensures easy release.
- Tap the Pan: This helps remove large air bubbles for a smoother texture.
- Low and Slow Baking: Baking at 300 degrees F ensures an even bake and prevents the cake from drying out.
- Check Doneness: Test with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Allows the cake to set and hold its shape when inverted.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: Gradually add milk to reach your desired thickness.
- Drizzle Immediately: Apply the glaze while the cake is still slightly warm for the best absorption.
- Sprinkle Brown Sugar: Adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness.
- Serve at Room Temperature: The flavors meld together beautifully when the cake is at room temperature.
- Use a Cake Plate with a Lip: This catches any excess glaze for a neat presentation.
- Decorative Finish: Add extra peach slices or a dusting of confectioners sugar for a decorative touch.
- Enjoy with Ice Cream: Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.