Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this Sumptuous Peaches & Cream Loaf Cake. This cake features a moist, tender crumb infused with rich peach purée, accented with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a luscious peach-infused cream cheese icing. The combination of sweet peaches and aromatic spices makes this cake irresistibly inviting, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or as a dessert at your next gathering.
Why You'll Love This: You'll adore this Peaches & Cream Loaf Cake for its delightful texture and fruity flavor. The cake is exceptionally moist, thanks to the peach purée, and the addition of vanilla and almond extracts enhances the peach's natural sweetness. The cream cheese icing, enriched with a hint of peach and decorated with diced peaches, not only adds a creamy finish but also a lovely, decorative touch that makes each slice as beautiful as it is delicious.
Perfect Occasion: This loaf cake is perfect for any occasion where you want to bring a touch of elegance and seasonal flair. Serve it at brunches, tea parties, or as a sweet end to a family dinner. It's also ideal for special occasions like Mother's Day, Easter, or summer picnics. This cake can be dressed up for formal events or enjoyed casually, making it versatile and sure to impress.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top of the cooled cake, allowing it to gently drip down the sides. Sprinkle the top with finely diced peaches for a burst of color and texture. A dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can add a subtle spice that complements the peach flavors beautifully. Serve each slice on a plate with a sprig of mint or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 1/4 cups (5 1/2 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (7 oz) sugar
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil or neutral oil of your choice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (8 oz) peach purée (reserve 2 tablespoons for icing)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
- For the Icing:
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1-2 tablespoons reserved peach purée
- 2 tablespoons diced peaches for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and grease and flour the sides.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, oil, eggs, peach purée (minus the reserved amount for the icing), vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 38-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Icing:
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the reserved peach purée.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the icing over the top and garnish with diced peaches.
Enjoy this delectable Peaches & Cream Loaf Cake, a sweet treat that beautifully showcases the flavors of fresh peaches with each moist, flavorful bite!