There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Fresh Peach Cake baking in the oven. This golden beauty captures the absolute peak-of-summer freshness in every bite, with layers of juicy peaches nestled in a moist, tender crumb scented with almond and lemon. It’s one of those desserts you’ll find yourself craving long after peach season, equally perfect for a lazy weekend treat or a show-stopping finish at a summer dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Fresh Peach Cake lies in its lovely simplicity—every ingredient plays a part, from the peaches to the zing of lemon and the tangy yogurt that keeps things soft and flavorful. Gather these kitchen basics, and get ready to bake up the taste of summer.

All-purpose flour: The backbone for structure, keeping the cake moist but never dense.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners help the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Salt: Just a touch to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Oil (olive, vegetable, or coconut): Guarantees a tender, soft crumb—plus a hint of richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and caramelizes the peaches for juicy pops with every nibble.
Eggs: At room temperature, they give the cake lift and structure.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and unbeatable tang, keeping the Fresh Peach Cake plush for days.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out all the flavors.
Almond extract: Just a hint takes peaches to an entirely new level—don’t skip this!
Lemon juice & zest: For that bright, sunny top note that pairs perfectly with peaches.
Fresh peaches (about 3, sliced): The star of the show—ripe, juicy, and sweet.
Optional ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth; try it and see which style you like.
Optional confectioners’ sugar: For a pretty finishing touch before serving.

How to Make Fresh Peach Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Before you whisk a thing, make life easy by greasing a 9-inch springform pan—this will make serving a slice so satisfying. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), setting the stage for perfect baking later on.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that every bite of your Fresh Peach Cake has an even crumb and rises just right. Simple, but absolutely essential!

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Grab a second bowl and whisk together the oil, 2/3 cup sugar, eggs, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. The mixture should look creamy and luscious—that lemon zest will already smell incredible!

Step 4: Combine and Make the Batter

Pour those wet ingredients into the bowl of dry, then whisk until a silky, slightly thick batter comes together. This is where your Fresh Peach Cake starts feeling real—a batter that promises a light, mouthwatering crumb thanks to the yogurt and oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Peaches

In a separate bowl, toss your peach slices with 1 tablespoon of sugar. For a flavor twist, move half the peaches into another bowl and sprinkle them with cinnamon. Mixing cinnamon into just half creates a dreamy swirl inside the cake, but you can keep all the peaches classic if you prefer.

Step 6: Assemble in Layers

Spoon half the batter into your greased pan and smooth it out. Create a peachy middle by arranging the cinnamon-sugar peaches over the batter. Gently spread on the remaining cake batter, then add the rest of the sugared peaches on top. Look at that—already gorgeous!

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, tenting with foil around the 30-minute mark so the top doesn’t brown too much. Your kitchen will fill with the scent of peaches and cake. Once it’s done, pop the pan onto a wire rack and let your Fresh Peach Cake cool for at least 30 minutes (if you can wait). Just before serving, dust with confectioners’ sugar for a dreamy finish.

How to Serve Fresh Peach Cake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar is classic, but feel free to get playful—a handful of toasted almonds, a dollop of softly whipped cream, or even a drizzle of sweetened yogurt all highlight the sunshine flavors of Fresh Peach Cake.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a chilled glass of white wine. If you’re hosting brunch, try serving it with a big platter of summer berries and fresh mint.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Fresh Peach Cake into wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards for that backyard picnic vibe. Or, cut into little squares and tuck them into cupcake liners for a portable treat at summer potlucks—so easy for guests to grab and go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any remaining Fresh Peach Cake tightly and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days—it’ll stay moist and delicious. If you’ve gone all out with that pretty sugar dusting, remember it might melt into the cake after a few hours, but the flavor will stay just as lovely.

Freezing

Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it well and stash it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature when the craving for summer (or a wonderful dessert) strikes, and it’ll taste as good as fresh.

Reheating

Gently warm a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop a few portions into a low oven so the peaches get dreamy and juicy again. A warm Fresh Peach Cake slice is pure comfort, especially with a little cream on top.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches for Fresh Peach Cake?

While nothing beats the flavor and texture of fresh, ripe peaches, frozen or even good-quality canned peach slices can absolutely work. If using frozen, thaw and blot them dry first; for canned, drain and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in your cake.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

No problem! A 9-inch or 10-inch square baking pan, or even a 10-inch cast iron skillet, will work. Just be extra gentle when slicing and serving so the pieces stay neat and pretty.

Can I make Fresh Peach Cake dairy free?

Yes! You can swap in your favorite dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) and a plant-based oil. The result is still delicious and keeps that luscious, tender crumb.

Is this cake very sweet?

The sweetness level is just right—enough to enhance the peaches and flavorings, but not so much that it overwhelms the fruit. If you prefer a less-sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two without changing the texture.

Can I add other fruits or nuts?

Definitely! Blueberries or raspberries go beautifully with peaches if you want a mix, and a sprinkling of sliced almonds adds a lovely crunch. Just be mindful not to overload the batter, so your Fresh Peach Cake bakes up light and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never baked a Fresh Peach Cake before, you’re in for a treat that’s both impossibly easy and downright stunning. Every slice is a celebration of summer, sunshine, and the juicy goodness of ripe peaches—so don’t miss your chance to make this classic your new go-to for sharing with family and friends.